A Cut Above at Opals Down Under
This iconic Queensland opal jewellery store and tourist attraction is celebrating 40 years in business – and just like stunning opals are formed over time, it continues to shine more brightly with age, discovers Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer.
Not only is Australia girt by sea, but something blue, shimmering and incandescent also lies beneath its dusty, arid heartland: the rare and beautiful Australian opal. This precious gemstone captured the imagination of Opals Down Under owner and Master Opal Artisan Scott Coggan when he was just 18 years old. Decades later, he’s celebrating 40 years of this much-loved family-owned business.
Located just off the Bruce Highway, a visit to Opals Down Under is a quintessential Sunshine Coast experience for both locals and tourists alike.
Scott says that although he accidentally stumbled into the industry, it soon became his life’s passion.
“I first travelled to Winton to work in the boulder opal fields with my dad, and was captivated by this very special stone,” he said. “After mastering my craft in both mining and processing opals, I began managing Opals Down Under in 1994, eventually buying it off the original owners in 2017.”
Today, Opals Down Under proudly stocks one of the best collections of opal jewellery and unset opals in Australia – with every piece hand-picked and hand-processed by Scott, who is considered one of the finest opal cutters in Australia.
“I travel to the opal fields about five times a year for two weeks at a time to source the very best stones direct from the miners,” Scott explains. “I then cut and process each stone right here by hand – a complex process that takes years of skill and artistry to perfect.”
Unlike many jewellery stores that may not fully understand the provenance of their stones, every piece at Opals Down Under has passed through Scott’s skilled hands, resulting in superior pieces at more accessible prices.
Scott’s personal favourite is the brilliantly beautiful Queensland Boulder Opal, only found in western Queensland areas such as Winton. Famous for its striking blue and green tones, it also comes in a full spectrum of colours, from fiery reds and oranges to luminous purples.
“We showcase the full range of Australian opals, from the Queensland Boulder Opals and Black Opals from Lightning Ridge, New South Wales – one of the world’s rarest gems; to White Opals and Crystal Opals from Coober Pedy, South Australia and more,” Scott said. “Opals have fascinated humans throughout history and were often wrapped up in legend and symbolism; they were beloved by the Ancient Romans, Cleopatra and Shakespeare. It makes sense, because they’re a work of art crafted by Mother Nature – each piece is 100% unique. Their shifting rainbow flashes and patterns make them endlessly mesmerising.”
Whether you’re looking for a special piece of opal jewellery – including rings, earrings, necklaces and more – an unset opal, or you’d like to work with the expert team to design your own custom piece that reflects your style and personality, it’s all possible at Opals Down Under. With something for every taste and budget, the range spans from simple $10 stones to rare, luminous opals valued at over $70,000.
“It’s wonderful to see opals becoming popular with younger generations, who appreciate that they’re ethically mined in Australia and that each stone is one-of-a-kind. They’re an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings and other pieces of jewellery to mark a special occasion,” Scott said.
A key part of the Opals Down Under experience is the team, led by Manager Rhys Fox and Assistant Manager Jessie Burns, who’ve both worked for the business for many years (almost two decades for Rhys) and are passionate about sharing their love for opals.
“We want people to find a piece they’ll really love, so we invest lots of time into educating our customers on the different types of opals, their intricacies, and the diverse conditions that led to their formation,” Rhys said. “Both Jessie and
I have recently completed the Gemological Association of Australia’s Certificate on Opal Studies, expanding on our existing knowledge to share about these incredible gemstones.”
Scott is quick to point out that they aren’t about the hard-sell or putting pressure on customers.
“We want everyone to walk away with a piece they truly love,” he said.
Visitors come from around Australia especially to visit Opals Down Under thanks to its excellent industry reputation, expansive range and impeccable customer service.
“We’ve built up our reputation over 40 years and people trust our longevity and expertise,” Scott said. “We were also one of the first opal jewellers to start selling online, and our website makes it easy to find your perfect piece and buy online with free Australia-wide delivery (for orders over $300) and easy returns.”
Opals Down Under is also a tourist attraction known for its Crystal Room featuring an astonishingly wide range of crystals, plus its fun, educational ‘scratch patch’, where families can fossick for semi-precious gems such as Jasper, Rose Quartz, Tiger’s Eye, and of course, rough Australian Opals.
“We’ve invested in renovations over the years to make the visitor experience the best it can be, including creating the welcoming entrance area and gardens,” Scott said. “We’re also thrilled to have recently given the store’s interior a fresh, contemporary renovation – with more upgrades still to come.”
Looking ahead, the team is preparing for the spotlight that will shine on Queensland during the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
“I remember the huge boost to the industry during the Sydney Olympics, and we’re anticipating global demand for Australian opals, especially Queensland Boulder Opals, around the Brisbane Games,” Scott said. “The potential for growth is enormous, and we’re ready to ride that wave.”
Australia already dominates global opal production, and Opals Down Under is one of the industry’s most respected businesses, with Scott acting as a financial donor to the upcoming Australian Opal Centre national museum in Lightning Ridge.
Asked about the secret to longevity in business, Scott reflects: “It’s about keeping things fresh, refining your processes, empowering your team to do good work, and following your passion. I’m lucky that my career doesn’t really feel like work: once I step into the workshop and start cutting a piece of opal, the whole world disappears. It’s a privilege to do something I love.”
The future is bright – here’s to another 40 years!
