Hi Richard,
The Australian trade jewellery industry is relatively small, and the
tool suppliers here would starve if they didn’t have a broader
market. There are a lot of self taught people that are clients of
HOJ, AJS and JTB, if they just supplied to the trade they would have
to charge more. That’s the way I see it anyway.
I was offered a jewellers bench for free the other day, but I’m
going to make my own “two-seater” bench, so I declined the offer.
Making your own gear can be satisfying, and, if you do the research,
can provide an economical tool equal if not better than a commercial
product.
O’Neils supplys good quality gems, however I would use Eastern Pearl
for pearls, and Lilo for boulder opal pairs. I bought from their city
store when they were at the trade show in Sydney, and because they
were in a mess they were very relaxed. However I was given the “third
degree” when I went another time… I see the grilling as a good
thing 
They wont just sell to anyone.
Regards Charles A.