About Australian Opals & Woodturning
Meet Bill Boal, the designer behind every piece
The founder and designer shares his passion for both handmade opal design and woodturning handcraft.
Meet Bill Boal from Australian Opals & Woodturning
Australian Opals & Woodturning was born from the vision and artistry of Bill Boal, a master craftsman with over 45 years of experience in woodworking and an enduring fascination with opals. Bill began his journey in the sawmills, where he first developed a passion for the natural beauty of timber. This early experience ignited a lifelong dedication to craftsmanship, eventually leading him to woodturning. Over time, Bill’s fascination with raw materials extended to opals—a discovery that opened new creative possibilities and led him to combine the beauty of timber and opals in his work.
Australian Opals & Woodturning
Today, Bill brings this dual passion to his company, Australian Opals & Woodturning, creating pieces as unique and varied as Australia’s landscapes. His creations celebrate the art of nature, revealing the vibrant colours of each opal and the distinctive grain of every piece of wood. With an eye for detail and a respect for natural forms, Bill follows the organic lines and patterns within each material, enhancing its inherent beauty through careful cuts, polishing, and shaping. This dedication to bringing out the best in each piece means that no two items are the same—every opal and woodturned piece is truly unique.
The highest of quality and craft
Quality and ethical craftsmanship are paramount for Australian Opals & Woodturning. Bill’s opals are sourced from Australia’s most iconic opal fields, including Lightning Ridge and Coober Pedy, where he collaborates closely with trusted miners and suppliers. By partnering directly with these local communities, he ensures that each opal is ethically sourced, supporting sustainable mining practices that respect the environment. Similarly, all wood used in his creations is sustainably sourced from naturally fallen timber, chosen for its unique texture and story, which Bill carefully crafts into items of lasting beauty.
Following the natural lines of opals and timber
For Bill, the journey of each piece—whether opal or timber—is one of uncovering and enhancing what nature has provided. His design philosophy centres on honouring the material, following its natural lines and letting it guide the outcome. Every opal is polished to reveal its best colours. At the same time, each piece of timber is turned on a lathe to highlight its distinctive grain, producing decor and jewellery that bring a touch of Australia’s rugged beauty into homes worldwide.
Australian Opals & Woodturning’s vision
With Australian Opals & Woodturning, Bill’s vision is simple: to create handcrafted pieces that speak to the heart and reflect the authentic beauty of Australia. His work captures the essence of artisanal craftsmanship, blending nature’s raw materials with his creative vision to produce gifts, jewellery, and home decor that can be cherished for generations.
