Our History

The National Opal Collection was formed in 2000, and has its head office located in Melbourne. It is a joint venture between Cody Opal (Australia) Pty Ltd and Gemtec Pty Ltd, who since 1971, have been leading exporters of Australian opals, selling opal wholesale to the gem and jewellery trade throughout the world. Today, Cody Opal and Gemtec are recognised around the world as the major source not only for opal but also for information on opal, having featured in countless film documentaries and press articles.

In 2001, Cody Opal was awarded a Governor of Victoria Export Award for Minerals and was a finalist in the Australian Exporter of the Year Awards. Both Cody and Gemtec are major exporters to the gem and jewellery trade within the major markets of the USA, Japan and Europe.

At the Victorian Tourism Awards, The National Opal Collection won a Merit Award in 2006 and was a finalist in 2007.

The National Opal Collection has assisted the Australian Museum with important research into the genesis of opal formation and loaned the Museum specimens of significant scientific value. This may prove vitally important to the future of the opal industry which is experiencing a dramatic decrease in production. These efforts will also ensure that invaluable opalised fossils can be procured and remain in Australia for future generations to enjoy.

The National Opal Collection provided a 12 month museum display of opal and opalised fossils to the Gemmological Institute of America, (GIA). This is the most important gem institution in the world and is recognised globally as the foremost authority on gems. Titled ‘Opal and the Dinosaur - Discover the Link’, it attracted many thousands of visitors, widespread media interest and was acclaimed by the GIA as the most successful exhibit they had ever done. The NOC Directors often provide lectures at the GIA in California and have assisted with the development of the student text on opal.

The National Opal Collection has also toured Japan from 2006- 2010 showcasing a large part of the collection to Japanese audiences all around the country. This event formed part of the Japan-Australia Year of Exchange in 2006.