From the Outback to the Workbench – Gaz’s Story

In 2021, I took a trip that would change everything. Driving through the rugged Australian outback, I found myself in the legendary opal mining town of Coober Pedy. It was there, standing in the red dust under the beating sun, that I fell in love with Australian opal. What began as curiosity quickly became a full-blown passion, and now, OpalsGemstones was born.

Everyone calls me Gaz. While I started with nothing more than a basic Dremel tool, my determination to learn and experiment saw me progress rapidly. Within months, I’d built a dedicated cutting workshop, fully kitted out with a cabbing machine, trim saw, tumbler, polishing equipment, and all the accessories needed to bring out the best in every stone. Today, I personally cut and polish most of the opals listed on this site — live, in real time, during TikTok sessions where I share the full process from rough to reveal.

Behind the Scenes

From Dremel to Full Lapidary Setup

I started with just a Dremel and a dream. Now I work from a fully equipped workshop with a cabbing machine, trim saw, tumbler, and every tool needed to cut premium opals by hand.

Custom Cutting

Real Australian Opals, Cut Live

What makes OpalsGemstones different? Transparency. I film the majority of my cutting sessions live on TikTok under the handle @opalsgemstones. These aren’t rehearsed or edited highlight reels — they’re real-time sessions where viewers can watch the transformation unfold. I discuss the decisions I make, the risks, the results, and sometimes, the heartbreak.

Each product listing on this website includes detailed specifications, professional photos, and if available, links to the cutting video, giving you complete insight into the stone’s journey. Whether you’re a jeweller, collector, or gemstone investor, you can buy with confidence at wholesale prices knowing what you're getting is genuine and honestly presented.

Iconic Australian Fields, Personally Selected Rough

My stones are all 100% Australian opals, personally selected from some of the most iconic fields in the country. I specialise in opals from:

Coober Pedy – Known for its brilliant crystal and white opals, Coober Pedy offers a wide range of play-of-colour and body tones. I cut dozens of stones from this field every month, showcasing its diversity and sparkle.

Lightning Ridge – Famous worldwide for black opals, Lightning Ridge stones are rich, dark, and often dramatic in their colour patterns. While I don't cut black opal as frequently, I carefully source select pieces and often cut smaller Ridge stones live.

Mintabie – Once a thriving opal town in South Australia, Mintabie was officially closed in 2019 after a government review. The land was returned to the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) people, and most residents were required to leave. However, authorised opal mining is still permitted in the Mintabie Precious Stones Field. Mintabie opals are known for their creamy pastel colours, distinct inclusions, and beautiful contrasts. I love working with Mintabie rough—each piece offers something uniquely striking and collectable.

Lambina – A personal favourite. Lambina offers some of the most beautiful Crystal Opals I’ve had the pleasure to cut. The colour play is often bold and bright, and many of my best cut stones come from Lambina rough.

While I no longer cut Boulder Opal, I do have a curated selection of 50–100 finished pieces sourced from different suppliers. These are polished and ready for jewellery or collection, and available alongside my hand cut Opals.

Where They Come From

Australia’s Opal Fields

Every region tells a story. Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge, Mintabie, and Lambina all produce unique types of opal – from black opals to pastel crystals.

Shop by Field

A Community of Opal Lovers

OpalsGemstones isn’t just a store — it’s a community. My TikTok lives are where we cut, chat, laugh, and sometimes cry (when a crack ruins a beauty!). I regularly host monthly giveaways, announce special drops, and run live educational streams where I answer questions about cutting, polishing, valuing opals, and spotting fakes.

To make it easy to follow along, I’ve built an Events Calendar right here on the website. It shows all upcoming live sessions, cutting events, giveaway deadlines, and new stone releases. Whether you're a serious buyer or simply love opals, there’s always something happening.

Hundreds of Stones Ready to List

Right now, I have hundreds of opals waiting to be listed — all cut, cleaned, photographed, and priced. Each stone has a story, and I take my time ensuring every product page is accurate and honest. You’ll find:

  • weight in carats;
  • dimensions in millimetres
  • cut type and shape
  • colour pattern and inclusions
  • wholesale pricing in AUD
  • cutting video linked (if available)

Whether it’s a freeform Lambina Crystal, a calibrated Mintabie Cabochon, a vivid Opal from Coober Pedy, or a bold Black Opal from Lightning Ridge — every listing is created to show you exactly what you’re getting.

Want to Learn More or Get Involved?

If you’re new to opals, I recommend starting with a few of my cutting videos on TikTok to see the full process — from rough stone to polished gem. These live sessions give you an unfiltered look at how each opal is shaped, assessed, and revealed. I’ve also begun recording content for YouTube, which will be added over time.

Follow me on TikTok: @opalsgemstones

If you're after something specific, or want a custom cut from rough you already own, just reach out via my Contact Us page or book a custom cutting slot.

Thanks for stopping by — I hope you enjoy exploring the site and maybe even find a stone that speaks to you.

Contact Us

Have a question about one of the opals listed on the site, or looking for something specific? Want to enquire about a custom cut or a stone you saw live on TikTok? Use the form below to get in touch. I respond personally and aim to reply within 1–2 business days.

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