Specialties
Founded by second-generation miner John Bernard and led together with Dr. Renata Bernard, a GIA-certified gemmologist, NCJV valuer, and in-house designer, Opal Minded is Sydney’s premier destination for an exceptional collection of Australian opals and opal jewellery. With roots in the opal fields since the 1960s, we proudly uphold a heritage of expertise, authenticity, and uncompromising quality.
Every piece is designed in-house, created from responsibly mined Australian opals, and crafted with a steadfast commitment to ethical practices. From bespoke one-of-a-kind designs to timeless classics, Opal Minded jewellery embodies rarity, refinement, and guaranteed authenticity.
Clients can experience our boutique in The Rocks, Sydney, or shop easily online with the support of our dedicated Opal Concierges, who help select the perfect opal and arrange secure worldwide delivery. Wherever you are, Opal Minded is about authenticity, beauty, and service you can trust.
History
Established in 1989.
Founded by John Bernard, a second-generation opal miner with opals in his veins, Opal Minded continues a family legacy that began in Coober Pedy in the 1960s. John grew up among the world’s largest private opal and Aboriginal artefacts collection, built by his father, while his mother was known as one of the finest boulder opal cutters of her time. From this heritage, John forged his own path — building Opal Minded in Sydney’s historic The Rocks and pursuing his own mining ventures with undiminished passion.
Today, John and his wife, Renata Bernard, make all important decisions for Opal Minded together. John dedicates himself to the opal fields of Queensland, while Renata leads the Sydney boutique with her design expertise and vision. United, they transform Australia’s rarest treasures into timeless jewellery.
Meet the Business Owner: Renata and John B.
Renata has been the heart of Opal Minded since 2007. Before joining her husband in the family business, she built an accomplished academic career, earning a PhD. Today, she brings that same dedication to the world of gemstones as a GIA-certified gemmologist, NCJV-registered valuer, and Opal Minded’s in-house designer.
Her passion lies in sharing her deep knowledge of opals and crafting jewellery that embodies timeless beauty — pieces designed to be cherished for generations. Renata’s love of travel, eye for elegance, and commitment to doing things well inspire every creation, with the ultimate goal of spreading happiness through the beauty of opal.