Columbia Gem House, a leading supplier of responsibly sourced gemstones, is expanding its offerings with the introduction of calibrated opals from Australia’s famed Lightning Ridge deposit. This move marks a significant shift for the company, which has historically focused on a wide range of gems—from agate to zircon—but has not been a major player in the opal market.
“We’ve never been a primary producer or cutter of opals,” says Eric Braunwart, founder and president of Columbia Gem House. “It’s just something we never pursued—until now.”
The new opals will debut at the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair in Tucson, set to open on February 3 at the Tucson Convention Center. The launch is the result of an exclusive collaboration with Cheal Opal, a family-run Australian business featured on the Discovery Channel’s Outback Opal Hunters.
Braunwart admits he was initially skeptical about partnering with a company tied to reality TV. “I’ve seen those gold-mining shows—they’re more about drama than actual production,” he says. “But the Cheals run their own production company, and their show isn’t scripted. It’s authentic.”
Over the past year, Columbia Gem House has been cutting and preparing the opals for mass manufacturers, retailers, and designers seeking calibrated stones. The opals, priced between 75and400 per carat, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Standard oval cabochons range from 1.5 mm to 16 mm by 12 mm, with additional options including elongated ovals, cushion cuts, pear shapes, and rounds—all precisely calibrated for consistency.
Braunwart emphasizes that the decision to add opals to the company’s portfolio aligns with its mission to educate buyers about the history, cutting process, and production of gemstones. The Discovery Channel episodes featuring Cheal Opal, he notes, provide valuable insight into the opal mining process.
He is particularly enthusiastic about introducing calibrated black opals from Lightning Ridge, a rarity in the market. “If I had to list the top-selling gemstones in the U.S., ruby, sapphire, and emerald would be at the top, but opal would likely be next,” Braunwart says. “The market for calibrated opals, especially for production, is underserved, and we’re excited to fill that gap.”
The new collection includes not only black opals but also crystal green opals and a unique material Braunwart describes as “ghost opal.” This ethereal stone features a purple-blue hue with a moonstone-like sheen and is available in both crystal and black varieties.
“The crystal opals in greens and multicolors are stunning and will likely sell very well,” Braunwart adds. “And the calibrated black opals, even in smaller sizes like 2 mm to 3 mm, are absolutely breathtaking.”
With this launch, Columbia Gem House aims to cater to a growing demand for high-quality, calibrated opals while maintaining its commitment to ethical sourcing and consumer education. The AGTA GemFair will serve as the first opportunity for buyers to experience these exceptional gems firsthand.
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