The International Opal and Jewellery Design Awards Association (IOJDAA) is looking for a design that is opal studded and essentially modern.

Association president Lyn Carney said the use of at least one prominent freeform undulating opal was a prerequisite.

"The association was formed on the idea of freeform opals as opposed to conventional opals and it's important that there be at least one as a prominent centre-piece of the crown."

The winning design will be chosen by a panel of judges and announced at the 2006 Opal Queen Ball.

The winner will have the right to manufacture the crown, which will then be presented for the first time to the 2007 Opal Queen.

The crown will be worn at official events attended by the Opal Queen, such as the Black Opal Stakes Race Meeting in Canberra.

At other times it will be displayed in Lightning Ridge.

As well as the $5000 prize money the winning designer will receive an inscribed plaque.

Along with the design entrants are asked to provide details of the dimensions of stones and the estimated cost of castings and materials, which will then be sourced by the IOJDAA.

Ms Carney wished to thank the Tishler family, who created the current crown, for their highly valued contribution.