I first learned to cut opal in 1992, I was 17yrs and never been to an opal town so it was slow going at first. Over the next 12 yrs I worked in different industries and still hadn’t done much with that skill beyond building my own collection, so in 2013 I got stuck into building up a larger collection, and me having “Opal fever” started selling stones on other sites to make way for more. Around 2015 I started to learn to silver smith to add a bit more value to my opal, that in turn created more dollars to buy more opal, (because you can never have enough 🤣👍), and that’s when I got the bright idea to try and mine my own. So again in 2015, my Dad and I set off to Andamooka to look for a claim. As we both work other jobs, getting time to mine was limited, but perseverance has turned into an expensive hole we hope will produce some beautiful gems.

In the mean while, I try to support my fellow miners and buy parcels when I’m in Andamooka, I never beat them down on price as I’m quite aware of how much they go through to find the opal, I just buy what I can and then it’s up to me to add value and present it to all of you, either as a carving, a cut gem or set in sterling silver. I will also make available rough opal parcels when I can.

In 2020 I started a YouTube channel to share some of what I get up to, from mining and buying rough opal parcels to cutting/carving/polishing and setting in sterling silver functioning art pieces (rings, pendants, earrings, ornaments and more. If you’d like to check that out on YouTube, search The Opal Mills, and you can see what goes into producing a finished opal gemstone, creating and setting the sterling silver pieces, or if you’re just getting into opal cutting and keen to learn some tips or just to learn more about opal for a greater appreciation and more buyer awareness.

My main drive is my own appreciation for opal, and to share my experience to encourage others interested in or new to opal, and to help anyone interested in owning an opal. They truely are a wonder of the world, with a natural beauty. I may agree to a parting fee for my opal, but they sell them selves, when you find the one for you, you’ll know what I mean.

I cut and polish all of my opals and can assure they are 100% natural Australian opals with the exception of Andamooka matrix that has had treatment, guaranteed. I mostly cut solid opal but have been known to inlay opal with opal. All sterling silver products are hand made showcasing my opals.

International buyers postage will be adjusted, all postage will include tracking and signature for added security, please check import taxes for your country. My prices are in AU$. Insurance will be extra.

Returns policy: Returns will be accepted if the product is in the same condition, including rough parcels, I am not responsible for postal service issues in regards lost mail, or late delivery especially during the current global situation. this is why I use tracking and signature on all post. You are also protected by Australian consumer laws regarding the competition and consumer act 2010. Preferably I would like the chance to personally sort out any issues, this is meant to be an enjoyable experience for you and I’ll do what I can to ensure that.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, please contact me if you have any queries theopalmills@gmail.com. 🤪👍