Columbia Gem House To Debut Lightning Ridge Opal Collection
The wholesaler is partnering with Australian brand Cheal Opal on a new offering of calibrated stones.

Columbia Gem House has, for decades, offered a selection of innovative gemstones, and with this new partnership, it seeks to showcase the unique beauty of opals.
Cheal Opal mines fine opal in Lightning Ridge, a historic Outback opal mining town in New South Wales, Australia, and the company has been featured on Discovery Channel’s popular "Outback Opal Hunters" series.
This new collaborative line of opals will be produced to support designers who require material in volume without compromising the companies’ dedication to responsible sourcing and production, they said.
The stones will be offered in a variety of sizes and shapes, with the line set to debut next month at AGTA GemFair Tucson, which will take place Feb. 3-9 at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona.
Both companies are family-run, multigenerational businesses with a commitment to ethical practices and creating gemstones that tell a story.
Eric Braunwart, founder and president of Columbia Gem House, said the wholesaler is thrilled to partner with Cheal Opal, a brand it has “great respect for, both in terms of their artistry and shared values.”
“Columbia Gem House and Cheal Opal both have rich family histories, and this collaboration represents the perfect synergy,” Braunwart said.
“With over forty years of experience in responsible sourcing and cutting colored gemstones, our expertise aligns seamlessly with Cheal Opal’s mining heritage and craftsmanship. We’re excited to offer a product that combines exceptional quality with responsible production."
Cheal Opal’s Managing Director Oscar Cheal added, "This partnership with Columbia Gem House feels like a natural extension of our vision."
“Both of our families have been dedicated to preserving the legacy of gemstones that tell a story, and now we have the opportunity to create something truly special together. The calibrated Lightning Ridge opals we will feature in this collection are a testament to the unique beauty of the region, and our shared commitment to sustainability ensures that every piece we produce upholds the highest standards."
The collection will be available through Columbia Gem House for distribution in the U.S. and Cheal Opal for Australian distribution. International customers may purchase through either brand.
The Latest

Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.

The rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The deadline to submit is June 16.


The diamond wholesaler is working with the insurance provider to seamlessly offer personal jewelry insurance to RDI retailers’ clients.

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.