Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: 3 May 2025
Website: https://opalsgemstones.com
Name: OpalsGemstones

Welcome to OpalsGemstones.com (“we”, “our”, or “us”). These Terms and Conditions govern your use of this website and any purchases made through it. By using our site, you agree to the following terms. If you do not agree, please do not use this website.

1. Overview

OpalsGemstones specialises in the sale of finished Australian opals, opal rough, and other associated products. Our listings are carefully created to provide full transparency and accurate representation. Each stone is unique, and we pride ourselves on honesty, community, and quality.

Unless otherwise specified, a 7-day return policy applies to all finished stones. You may return the item for a refund (excluding shipping). See Section 6 for full details.

2. Products and Descriptions

Every listing on OpalsGemstones.com is created with care and honesty. We strive to provide accurate information for each product, including weight, dimensions, origin (if known), colour pattern, inclusions, and cutting history. Listings may also include a cutting video, especially for stones cut live by Gaz.

Opal colour and brightness can appear differently depending on lighting, background, camera angle, and screen type. We photograph stones under both natural and artificial lighting to provide a realistic view, but variations can occur in person.

All descriptions are made in good faith. However, errors or omissions may occasionally occur. If something appears incorrect or unclear, please contact us before purchasing. We are happy to provide clarification or additional photos.

A 7-day return policy applies to all purchases, under the following conditions:

  • items must be returned in original, untouched condition (no cutting, trimming, testing, or alteration);
  • for grouped parcels, the entire parcel must be returned;
  • return shipping and insurance are the buyer’s responsibility; and
  • all stones are photographed prior to dispatch for verification.

Please refer to Section 6 for further details on returns and refunds.

2.1 Finished Solid Australian Opals

This includes opals from Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge, Mintabie, Lambina, White Cliffs, and Queensland Boulder regions. Approximately 90% of the finished gemstones on this website have been hand cut by Gaz, with the remainder sourced as investment-grade pieces.

2.2 Australian Opal Doublets and Triplets

We offer Australian Opal Doublets and Triplets. These are clearly labelled and priced accordingly. All are natural Opal layers combined with backing or cap materials — no synthetic or imitation Opals are sold.

2.3 Individual Rough Opal and Rough Parcels

We sell natural, uncut Australian opals either as individual stones or grouped into parcels. These may be suitable for cutting, carving, collecting, or resale.

  • rough is marked as either a Cutter or Carver; and
  • general grade will be shown: High Grade, Medium Grade, Low Grade, or Practice Material

These are natural stones and may contain inclusions such as cracks, fractures, sand spots, or potch. Grading is subjective and based on external characteristics. No guarantees are made about colour yield or cutting outcomes.

2.4 Other Products and Services

We may also offer additional items such as our opal cutting service. This is a separate paid service governed by its own terms.

3. Pricing and Payment

  • all prices are in Australian Dollars (AUD) and exclude GST by default;
  • any taxes like GST is added at checkout for Australian orders;
  • international buyers are not charged GST but remain responsible for any import duties or taxes;
  • we only accept Direct Bank Transfer at this time as our sole payment method; and
  • our bank details (including SWIFT code) are provided at checkout.

Important: Include your invoice number as the reference when making payment. Orders are only dispatched after funds clear.

4. Shipping and Delivery

4.1 Shipping Methods

Orders are shipped via Australia Post or a trusted courier. Tracking is included. Insurance and signature on delivery are optional and must be selected at checkout.

4.2 Domestic Shipping (Australia)

Delivery across Australia is offered through Australia Post or couriers. Choose your preferred method at checkout.

  • we only offer Express Shipping with tracking at this time;
  • your tracking details will be provided upon dispatch; and
  • the delivery time: approx. 2–6 business days.

4.3 International Shipping

We ship to selected countries with tracking included. Additional protections are available at extra cost.

  • international shipping includes tracking;
  • insurance and signature must be added manually at checkout; and
  • your delivery time will be at least 6–14 business days.

Note: Buyers are responsible for any duties, taxes, or customs fees.

4.4 Insurance and Signature on Delivery

Insurance is highly recommended, especially for high-value or international orders. Signature on delivery adds another level of security.

These are optional and must be selected at checkout. If not selected, items ship with tracking only.

We are not liable for loss or damage if insurance and/or signature were not selected. No refunds or replacements will be issued in these cases.

4.5 Shipping Delays or Issues

Once a parcel is handed to the carrier, delivery is out of our control. We are not responsible for customs delays, postal issues, or force majeure events.

We will assist in tracking or making enquiries with the carrier if delays occur.

5. Hand Delivery for Large Orders

For qualifying high-value orders, we offer optional hand delivery to ensure maximum security and peace of mind.

  • Australia: $500 fee for orders over $10,000 AUD.
  • International: $1,500 fee for orders over $20,000 AUD.

These fees help cover costs such as travel, accommodation, and associated logistics. To request this service, please contact us before or immediately after placing your order to confirm availability for hand delivery. Payment for the order is still required at the time of purchase, prior to any travel being arranged.

Important: Items delivered by hand are not eligible for return under any circumstances. If you are unavailable to receive the hand-delivered order or decline acceptance, an additional $500 (domestic) or $1,500 (international) will be deducted from your refund to cover incurred costs associated with travel and time costs.

6. Returns and Refunds

6.1 We Offer a 7 Day Hassle Free Returns Policy

We offer a 7-day return policy on most eligible items. To qualify for a return:

  • you must request the return within 7 days of delivery;
  • the item must be in its original, untouched condition;
  • all original packaging must be included;
  • if the item was part of a grouped parcel, the entire parcel must be returned;
  • return shipping and insurance costs are the responsibility of the buyer.

6.2 Refund Processing

Refunds will be processed within 5 business days of receiving and inspecting the returned item(s). Shipping fees are non-refundable.

If an item is found to be cut, polished, altered, damaged, or different from its original dispatch condition, the return will be rejected and sent back at the buyer’s expense.

Items delivered via hand delivery are not eligible for return.

6.3 Items Not Eligible for Return

The following types of items are not eligible for return under any circumstance:

  • any Opals that have been cut, polished, or otherwise altered;
  • custom cutting services or any labour based work;
  • practice material or parcels explicitly marked “no returns”;
  • items delivered by hand (Please refer to Section 5 of this document).

All returns are weighed and verified against our dispatch records. Ineligible returns will be returned to the buyer, and additional shipping charges may apply.

7. Opal Cutting Service Terms

Our cutting service is governed by a separate policy. Before purchasing, review the Opal Cutting Terms and Conditions.

By booking this service, you accept the terms related to risk, timeframes, and outcome limitations.

8. Disclaimer of Liability

We provide all products and services in good faith with accurate photos and honest listings. However, no warranties are implied beyond those stated.

  • we are not liable for variations in appearance due to lighting/screens;
  • we are not responsible for outcomes from cutting rough opal;
  • we are not responsible for damage from third-party services;
  • we are not liable for delivery issues where insurance or signature was not selected; and
  • we are not liable for declined or failed hand deliveries once travel has commenced.

You agree to take full responsibility for the item once it arrives in your possession.

9. Intellectual Property

All content on OpalsGemstones.com, including but not limited to text, product descriptions, images, videos, logos, and designs, is the intellectual property of OpalsGemstones or is used with appropriate permission or licensing.

You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or use any content from this website for commercial purposes without our prior written consent. This includes republishing our images or videos on other websites, marketplaces, or social media platforms.

Unauthorised use of our intellectual property may result in legal action and claims for damages. We take the protection of our original content and brand identity seriously and actively monitor for misuse.

10. Privacy and Data Use

We value your privacy. Any personal information you provide when placing an order, contacting us, or subscribing to updates is handled in accordance with Australian privacy laws.

Information collected may include your name, address, email, phone number, and payment reference details. This information is used solely to process orders, deliver products, and communicate with you about your purchase.

We do not sell, rent, or share your information with third parties, except where required for order fulfilment (e.g. shipping carriers) or by law. We take reasonable steps to secure your data from unauthorised access or misuse.

By using this website, you consent to the collection and use of your personal data as outlined above. For full details, please review our Privacy Policy.

11. Jurisdiction and Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New South Wales, Australia. By using this website or placing an order, you agree that any disputes arising from or related to your use of the site or purchase of products will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or require assistance, please reach out to us via our Contact Page.

Each product page also features an “Ask a Question” form at the bottom, allowing you to directly inquire about specific items.

Preferred Contact Method: We prefer to be contacted via email. This ensures a written record of our communication and allows us to respond more efficiently. We aim to reply to all enquiries within 1–2 business days.

13. Amendments to Terms and Conditions

We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time to reflect changes in our operating practices, legal requirements, or for other operational reasons.

Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed about our terms. Continued use of our website or services after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms and Conditions.

Note: We do not provide individual notifications for updates to these Terms and Conditions. It is your responsibility to review this page periodically for any changes.

14. Force Majeure

We are not liable for any failure or delay in performance resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, governmental actions, labor strikes, or disruptions in transportation or communication networks.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is deemed unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

16. Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy, and any additional policies or agreements referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and OpalsGemstones in relation to your use of this website and any products or services purchased through it.

No oral representations or statements will override or modify the terms outlined in this document. If any part of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, the remaining provisions shall continue to apply in full force and effect.