Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, I stand before you not just to talk about a gemstone but to shine a light on one of Australia’s greatest natural treasures, the opal.
Australia produces over 90% of the world’s opals, yet so many people even here at home don’t fully realise the power, beauty, and cultural significance held within this fiery stone.
Opals are more than just jewellery. They’re a reflection of the land itself unpredictable, rugged, and breathtaking. Whether it’s the bright rainbow bursts of Lightning Ridge black opal, the swirling pastels of Coober Pedy, or the deep, earthy blues and greens of Queensland’s boulder opal, each one is completly unique. No two stones are ever the same.
They are, quite literally, Australia in stone form.
But for too long, opals have flown under the radar, overshadowed by diamonds and other global gemstones. That needs to change.
We need to educate, celebrate, and elevate the opal, here at home and around the world. Not just because it’s beautiful, but because it’s ours. Born from this land. Mined from our red earth. Crafted by Australian hands.
So let’s spread the word.
Let’s wear opals not just as decoration, but as a statement of pride, of identity, of connection to this incredible country. Let’s showcase them in our fashion, our exports, our stories. Let’s support our miners, designers, and regional communities that rely on opal trade and craftsmanship.
To the world, I say this, you’ve seen diamonds. Now come see something real. Something alive. Something Australian.
Let the world see the fire beneath the surface and let it start with us.
Thank you.