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John Ryneš is an Australian opal pioneer. Having escaped Soviet-occupied (then) Czechoslovakia in 1968, he made his way to Australia in search of something better.
John first tried his hand at mining for opals in 1974, in Coober Pedy, South Australia.
When the dream of striking it rich seemed intangible, John turned instead to opal cutting and jewellery-making, discovering a passion for creating the striking one-off pieces for which he is known.
With over 45 years experience in the opal industry, today John is a leader in the field. He remains the Senior Opal Cutter at Opal Diamond Factory, working alongside his son, Managing Director Mike, and daughter Anna.
Mike grew up on the opal fields of Coober Pedy, watching his father mine and cut opal, and design jewellery in his studio. His mother Helena was a school teacher, and both parents instilled in him a strong work ethic, love for family and desire for success.
After a career playing professional soccer for SFC Opava in the Czech Republic, he is now Managing Director of the Opal Diamond Factory.
Mike has more than 20 years experience in the business, and a strong network of industry connections across the country.
“I am proud of our family’s history, and what we have achieved. Our direction is clear, and our imprint extends to every aspect of the business. Our clients know that there is a real person behind each piece we create”.
Melanie manages day-to-day communication and social media for the Opal Diamond Factory, drawing heavily on her background in marketing and print production.
Melanie has a passion for design - particularly interiors and fashion - which she brings to her role and shares with clients.
"I love styling and sharing our beautiful pieces on Opal and Diamond Factory's social media. I get great pleasure from seeing our clients' beautiful love stories and watching their dream pieces come to life.
Family is the most important part of my life. I'm very fortunate to be involved in the family business and I'm extremely proud of our history, and our work ethic not to mention I get to work with beautiful jewellery daily!
The littlest member of our family also enjoys trying on and parading daddy's jewellery. We always have fun in the showroom.'
Anna has a natural interest in opals - shaped by her father John’s enthusiasm and passion - which strongly influenced her childhood. She remembers joining her father and brother on trips to Coober Pedy in search of new opals, and got her first custom opal ring at just fifteen years old .
She would often go to the Opal Diamond Factory after school, and watch her dad create opal jewellery. Although she could barely reach, her first job (aged 10) was to wipe down the glass countertops.
Since joining the family business officially in 2016, Anna’s focus has been on growing the business’ online presence.
Anna has a natural flair for being in front of the camera. She enjoys sharing her ever growing knowledge on Australia’s national gemstone! She still wears that custom opal ring she designed all those years ago.
Loretta started in the jewellery trade at the age of 16, working at the House of Middleton in the ‘silver city’ of Broken Hill.
Loretta joined the Opal Diamond Factory family in 2013 as Store Manager, bringing comprehensive gemology knowledge, and particular expertise in opals.
