Jeweller - July 2023

TREND FEATURE
Opal
Opal jewellery has enjoyed a sharp rise in popularity
since the pandemic. SAMUEL ORD speaks with prominent
members of the industry in a search for the reasons why.
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ate last year I attended the first major international
trade show since the COVID pandemic concluded –
Jewellery and Gem World Singapore.
The atmosphere was electric. JGW Singapore welcomed just
shy of 1000 exhibitors from 30 countries with more than 11,000
buyers taking part.
As a stranger in a foreign land for the first time I did what came
naturally – sought out familiar faces. I scanned the directory for
Australian exhibitors and tracked them down for a chat.
After pinpointing four opal jewellery exhibitors of interest, I was
somewhat taken aback by what I discovered when I reached their
respective stands.
They were busy – and I mean really busy!
Crowds packed in tight around their stands eager to take in
the incredible array of colours displayed within these unique
gemstones.
From the most prized of all - vibrant red - to velvety purples,
hypnotising greens and everything in between, people peered
over shoulders and patiently waited for their turn to get up close
and personal with a sample.
The magnetic variety of colour capturing the attention of these
passerby is caused by a unique optical phenomenon known as
play-of-colour.
Australia’s opal is the cream of the crop, so it should come as no
surprise that the buyers in Singapore were eager to take a look.
When I was finally able to speak with these exhibitors face-to-face
they each confirmed that interest in Australian opals abroad was
reaching dizzying heights.
Hero Image: Cody Opals
July 2023 | 47