The Opal Cutter

The Opal Cutter

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Posted 2015-05-17 by Selina Shaplandfollow


Opals are a romantic gem from the Australian Outback, and the people who craft them into jewellery are as unique and deeply layered as the opals themselves.



While visiting Montville recently, I came across a beautiful little jewellery shop called, . I love opals and have done since I first saw a white opal as a child. While visiting , I learned that white opals are mined in Coober Pedy. I walked around this gorgeous shop and almost drooled with joy, as I discovered the vast array of opals on display.



I confess, I was mesmerised by the selection of white, dark and boulder opals as I looked longingly into the display cabinets.

shop is located not far from Poet's Cafe and is owned and run by Barbara and Edi who are extremely friendly and enjoyable to talk to. They love what they do and it shows in the jewellery that is on offer. I was touched by the depth of knowledge and personal experience they both have in both the mining of opals and in making fine opal jewellery.

This small shop is packed with opals, fine art jewellery by master crafters and information on the art of gemology.



Barbara is a talented opal jeweller who will help you to find exactly the right piece for you or your loved one. She has extensive hands-on experience in mining opals and creates her own unique pieces which sell through shop.

Barbara lived in Coober Pedy (the Opal Capital of the World) for over 26 years and opals have shaped her life. In 1982, Barbara met and fell in love with her first husband, Piet Lamont, in Coober Pedy. He was teaching courses in opal cutting and she was a graphic artist, visiting from Germany. They started mining as a hobby and turned their passion for opals into a business called, , in 1990. It was a very successful underground shop in Coober Pedy.



Sadly, in 2006, Piet, passed away and Barbara decided to close the store, to allow her to move on in her life. However, as fate would have it, she happened to be walking her German shepherd, Rex, and met Edi, who also had a German shepherd called Rex. They got to know each other and have been together ever since. Now married and living in Montville where they run .

So romantic!

Barbara and Edi have reopened in Montville and it is a delight of colours to behold: deep blues, vibrant greens, royal purples, bright oranges and turquoise flash from the opals. I'm sure that the opals were calling out for me to buy them!

It was hard to resist snapping up jewellery that I fell in love with. Not to worry, as I know I will be back. The jewellery in is individual and I am sure that I will have my very own stunning piece one day soon.



Most of the jewellery is individually handcrafted by gold and silver smiths in Australia working from their own designs, so you can be sure that you are buying a truly unique keepsake. Please visit shop to take a look at the unique and individual opal jewellery available.

Their opals are sourced from a wide range of fields in Australia. They have:
  • Light Opal from SA
  • Black or dark Opal from Lightning Ridge in NSW, and
  • Boulder Opal from Queensland

  • Their opals come in:
  • rough
  • cut
  • polished, and
  • Jewellery

  • is a wonderland of opal beauty. I'm sure they has something special just for you!



    #art
    #christmas
    #handmade
    #jewellery
    #near_brisbane
    #queensland
    #romantic
    #sunshine_coast_hinterland
    %wnbrisbane
    108256 - 2023-06-12 13:37:38

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