The Australian Opal Awards is organised by the International Opal Jewellery Design Awards Association, a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2000 to promote the national gemstone.
There are four jewellery categories, two carving categories, and one jewellery hand sketch category. Entries close on Friday, 5 July.
The Open Prestige Jewellery category is open to all shapes, including cabochon cut, freeform and undulating opal, with more than $15,000 for first prize.
Entrants also have the opportunity to win the People’s Choice award, and an emerging opal carver will win a free workshop. Jewellers who are unable to mail their manufactured pieces have the opportunity to enter the digital section.
Selected entries will be displayed during the Lightning Ridge Opal Festival on 24-27 July. Winners will be announced during the gala dinner on Friday, 26 July.
Entry forms and further details are available at www.australianopalawards.com. For additional information, contact iojdaa@bigpond.com.
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