About AOA
The Australian Opal Awards
Australian Opal Awards (AOA) is a respected non-profit organisation with a rich history and deep commitment to the Australian opal industry. Originally founded in 2000 as the ‘Opal Jewellery Design Awards Association’ (OJDAA), the organisation later evolved into the ‘International Opal Jewellery Design Awards Association’ (IOJDAA). Over the decades, it has grown into a cornerstone for celebrating and promoting Australian opals, with a focus on highlighting their natural beauty, craftsmanship, and artistic potential.
AOA was born out of a desire to honour the unique brilliance of Australian opal—Australia’s national gemstone—and to encourage innovation in the way designers work with this remarkable stone. From freeform and undulating opal to more traditional cuts, the AOA provides a platform for opal jewellery designers and opal artisans to showcase their talent and creativity. This vision ensures the enduring appreciation and continued recognition of Australian opals not just in Australia, but on the global stage.
Since their inception in 2000, the AOA have been a celebration of beauty, innovation, and technical skill. They have welcomed participants from around the world, fostering an international community of opal artisans, jewellers, and enthusiasts who share a passion for this extraordinary gem. Originally a biannual event, the AOA are now proudly held annually, marking an exciting new chapter in their legacy. This transition reflects a growing demand to promote Australian opals more frequently and underscores their vital role in the global jewellery and gemstone industries.
We proudly uphold the following core goals
- Promote Australian opal at both national and international levels, ensuring its recognition as a gemstone of unparalleled beauty and significance.
- Support opal cutting techniques that conserve and enhance the natural qualities of opal, adding value to the broader opal industry.
- Increase market demand for freeform and undulating opals by encouraging their use in unique and creative jewellery designs.
- Inspire and encourage jewellery designers to push creative boundaries by incorporating freeform and undulating opal into one-of-a-kind, individual pieces that showcase the stone's natural artistry.
By promoting these goals, the Australian Opal Awards serve as both an advocate for the Australian opal industry and a champion of creative excellence, ensuring that Australian opals remain at the forefront of the global jewellery design landscape.
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