Colonial Opal - Company History

Where the Spectral Colours of Australia's National
Gem combine with Australia's Natural Treasure.

Colonial Opal is a specialist Opal retailer operating in the city of Cairns in Queensland Australia. Colonial Opal has been operating from its own original location on Wharf Street in Cairns - underneath the Hilton International Hotel, opposite the Reef Hotel Casino and The Pacific International Hotel - since opening as Opal World in 1987. This store originated at the time of the official opening of the Hilton Hotel. Colonial Opal's location is one of its unique features, being surrounded by inner city International accommodation houses and in proximity to such venues as the Pier Marketplace, Great Barrier Reef departure terminals and the Bus and Train terminals.

Colonial Opal was purchased from the founding company in late 1996 by two couples, Michael and Dian Constable and Henry and Raylee Whiting. All four partners are working members of the team and is another unique feature of this business particularly as there is so much experience bought to the company. There is a long history in both Opal retail and wholesale and Tourism involved in the partnership culminating in a combined experience of 65 years.

In May 1998, Colonial Opal was awarded the Ansett Australia Tropical North Queensland Tourism award for retailing excellence - proof of Colonial Opal's superior standards in opal retailing. In July 2000 was awarded 2nd prize in the Australian Gemmological Association National Jewellery Awards.

The future direction of Colonial Opal will be to continue to expand on its all ready developing reputation in service and is one of a select few opal specialists in Cairns. Colonial Opal takes great pride in delivering an extensive range of excellent quality solid Opals. Black, Black Boulder and Light from all of the Opal producing areas of Australia and to complement this range there is a selection of Triplet and Doublet composite Opals and Opal souvenir items.

Also of significance is Colonial Opals size being the largest opal specialist in Cairns, which allows us to offer the largest range of Opals.

There is really something extraordinary, rare and quite intangible about the Opal - a special feeling no other gemstone can instill in an observer. It is a stone, which conjures up mystical images within the depth of its flashing colours and sparkling brilliance. The Opal is a treasure, a magical looking glass that lets us see the rare beauty of nature's own fireworks.