Columbia Gem House has announced its fifth annual online fundraising raffle, “Opals for Outback Heroes.”
It’s not every day that a gemstone becomes a lifeline. But this fall, that’s exactly what’s happening.
Columbia Gem House (CGH) has launched its fifth annual fundraiser, “Opals for Outback Heroes,” and it’s turning jewelry design into something much bigger — a global rescue mission.
Here’s the twist: every shimmering opal in the raffle was mined from Lightning Ridge, Australia, one of the most legendary (and volatile) opal regions on earth. The same fires that fuel its mystique also threaten the miners who call it home.
So this year, CGH and its partner Cheal Opal decided to give back — not with talk, but with tools. Every dollar raised from the raffle will go to the Lightning Ridge Rural Fire Brigade, a volunteer force that protects miners, wildlife, and the outback from the bushfires that never stop coming.
Designers from the MJSA Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge have turned CGH’s opals into one-of-a-kind pieces — each infused with the spirit of the land they came from. Every pendant, ring, and earring tells a story of survival and connection — not just sparkle.
For just $25, raffle entrants get a shot at owning one of nine extraordinary opal jewels — and at helping outfit firefighters with thermal cameras, training gear, and safety equipment that could save real lives.
This isn’t your average charity auction. It’s a reminder that ethical sourcing isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a responsibility. Because when the outback burns, it’s the same earth that gives us these stones that’s crying for help.
🎟️ Tickets available through columbiagemhouse.com until October 31.
🔥 Discover more stories where beauty meets purpose — visit AIDI’s Sustainable Jewelry Spotlight and see how the industry is redefining giving back.