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The Australian outback has long been a treasure trove for opal enthusiasts, with tales of remarkable finds captivating imaginations worldwide since the 1840s. Among these legends are some truly iconic opals, each with its own unique story.
"The Olympic Australis" stands out as a testament to the keen eye of opal buyers John Altmann and Rudi Cherny. Discovered in 1956 at the Eight Mile Opal field in Coober Pedy, South Australia, this colossal 17,000-carat gem was left uncut due to its exceptional purity, earning it a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest and most valuable gem opal ever found.
At Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, another famed opal emerged in 1938: "The Aurora Australis." This opulent gem, displaying a vibrant harlequin pattern against a black background, earned its name from the celestial southern lights. Altmann + Cherny transformed it into a brilliant oval shape, cementing its status as one of the world's most valuable black opals.
In 1954, the South Australian Government sought a gift for Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Australia. Turning to Altmann + Cherny, they selected a gem crystal opal from the Andamooka Opal fields, which John Altmann expertly cut into six stones. These stones became part of a stunning jewelry set presented to the Queen, with one opal remaining in private hands.
Other opals of note include "The Black Prince Opal," "The Butterfly Stone," and "The Fire Queen Opal," each with its own captivating history. From renowned museum acquisitions to extraordinary natural formations like "Halley's Comet" and "The Virgin Rainbow," the allure of opals continues to captivate both collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, preserving a rich legacy of Australia's natural wonder.
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