From a 7-Year-Old's Obsession to 40 Years of Opal Passion

It started with a trip to Coober Pedy when I was seven years old. One look at those fiery stones and I was completely, irreversibly hooked. Some addictions are worth keeping.

I'm Nicole Willis, and I've spent my life surrounded by opals — from rough potch dug straight from the earth to the most breathtaking crystal, Queensland boulder, and black opals you'll ever lay eyes on. My family has been involved in opal mining and trading for generations, so you could say it's in my blood and probably my soul.

Opal Essence was founded the moment I finished my studies — because what else was I going to do? Since 1986, we've been trading locally and exporting to opal lovers around the world, building long-term relationships built on trust, honesty, and a genuine love of these extraordinary stones.

For many years I travelled to America to meet with jewellers, hobbyists, manufacturers, and fellow enthusiasts who share the same obsession. It never gets old.

For many years, my family mined in Coober Pedy and Andamooka with a 40-tonne Komatsu excavator. We were fortunate enough to strike opal, and we're more than happy to pass those miner-direct prices on to you.

Where Our Opals Come From

Our opals are sourced from the most celebrated fields in Australia — Coober Pedy, Andamooka, Lambina, and Mintabie in South Australia, Lightning Ridge in NSW, and the stunning boulder opal country of Queensland. Each region produces something unique, and we love them all.

Whether you're after rough potch to practice your cutting skills, or you've reached the point of no return and need something truly spectacular — we've got you covered. Every purchase comes with our full refund guarantee on uncut rough opal, because trust is everything.

Come explore the shop, and feel free to reach out anytime. I'd love to talk opals with you. 😊

— Nicole Willis, Founder & Owner, Opal Essence