Opal Jewellery Design Awards | Australian Opal Awards

In 2026 this event ran from Wed 29th July to Sat 1st August 2026. The Australian Opal Awards, is one of the world’s most prestigious opal jewellery and carving competitions. Organised by the International Opal Jewellery Design Awards Association (IOJDAA), a not-for-profit founded in 2000, it celebrates excellence in opal artistry using Australian opals — especially prized Lightning Ridge black opal.

The awards are held annually in Lightning Ridge during the Lightning Ridge Opal & Gem Festival. In 2026, the Opal Exhibition and Trade Show features the Gala Dinner and Awards Night.

Entrants compete for over $30,000 in cash prizes across categories including open prestige jewellery, carving, and more. Winning pieces showcase innovative settings of freeform and undulating opals in gold and other metals. The public can view the exhibition, while the black-tie gala announces winners amid opal country glamour.

This event highlights Lightning Ridge’s status as the opal capital and draws jewellers, designers, and enthusiasts from around Australia and beyond. For entry details, exhibition info, or booth bookings, visit australianopalawards.com.au or contact info@australianopalawards.com.au. A sparkling highlight of the outback opal calendar!