Every piece on this site is one of a kind, hand-selected and set by me in my Sydney workshop. Below are the questions I get asked most often — about authenticity, certification, shipping, and what to expect when you buy from a small operation rather than a high street chain.
Are these natural Australian opals?
Yes. Every solid opal sold here is natural, untreated, and Australian. I source direct from the fields at Lightning Ridge, Quilpie, Winton and Coober Pedy. Nothing synthetic. Nothing dyed. If a piece is a doublet — a thin slice of natural opal bonded to a dark backing — it is described as such in the title and listing, never sold as a solid.
Solid, doublet, triplet — what's the difference?
- Solid opal — one stone, all natural opal through and through. The most valuable form.
- Doublet — a thin slice of natural opal bonded to a dark backing stone. The opal is real, it just sits on a base. Brings the colour and depth of black opal into a much more accessible price range.
- Triplet — a doublet with a clear quartz or glass cap on top for durability. I generally don't deal in triplets.
- Synthetic — lab-made imitation. I don't sell synthetics.
Every listing is clear about which category it falls into. Check the product title and the "Stone" line in the specifications.
Does it come with certification?
Every piece is backed by my personal guarantee — 30+ years sourcing direct from the Australian fields, grading and cutting myself. That guarantee carries with the piece in writing.
Formal independent certification (from a registered gem laboratory) can be arranged on request, at cost. Most customers don't need it for personal pieces; it's most often requested for insurance valuations or for pieces above $5,000.
How is it shipped?
All pieces ship registered and fully insured within Australia — free of charge. International shipping is available on request, also fully insured. Every parcel is tracked with signature on delivery.
For full details on turnaround times and international rates, see Shipping, Pricing & Turnaround.
What if I don't love it when it arrives?
Opals are personal. They catch light differently in your hand than they do on a screen, and what speaks to one person doesn't always speak to the next. If a piece doesn't feel right when you hold it, return it within 14 days for a full refund. The piece must come back unworn and in its original condition. I'd rather you have the right stone than the wrong one.
How do I look after it?
Opal is softer than diamond or sapphire — a little care goes a long way. See Opal Care for the full routine: storage, cleaning, what to avoid.
Who am I buying from?
You're buying direct from me — Joseph Bernecki. No middleman, no team, no automated reply. Every enquiry comes to my inbox, every piece passes through my hands.
Read my story, or come find me any weekend at The Rocks Market — stall under the bridge, Sydney.