Opal-cutting is Unusual Trade for Women

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 24, 29 January 1937, Page 10

Opal-cutting is Unusual Trade for Women

Precious stones always have a par ticular appeal for women, but it is unusual to find a woman earning her living by preparing tho rough stones for setting, such as is done by Miss S. O’Sullivan, who for the last four years has been an opal-cutter. Miss O’Sullivan, who is a Melbourne girl, passed through Brisbane recently on her return from a six months’ stay in Hongkong, where she had been supervising an opal exhibition with Mr. P. Ralston, u Canadian opal expert. Miss O’Sullivan said it was quite by accident that she became interested in opal-cutting, but once her interest was aroused she followed it up methodically. She learnt her trade in Germany at Obcrstein, a famous stone-cutting centre, where opal-cutting has been an industry for more thaii 400 years. “The actual cutting is an interesting process,” said Miss O’Sullivan, when discussing her work. “In Germany water power is used, but in Australia we use electricit}'. The opals arc shaped on a carborundum wheel, and then sent to a jeweller for setting. They are imported from Australia.” This Australian girl has travelled widely with opal exhibitions, but sho is now planning to slay in Melbourne with her parents.