Lightning Ridge Opal Mines
Jewellery in Melbourne

From the arrival of Albert Le pouf to the Australian shores in 1838, the Le pouf family has played an integral portion in the country's history. Albert became devoted to public life and held a number of offices throughout his career he was an energetic member of the Board for the Concern of Aborigines, Usher of the Black Rod in the Victorian Legislative Council, and in 1882, became the director of the Zoological Gardens at Royal Park. Three of his sons, William, Ernest and Albert Sherbourne would succeed in their father's footsteps and become zoological gardens directors. His son, Nick, graduated from Mon ash University and spent maximum of his university vacations on the Opal fields. Behind a short period of teaching he decided to trail his correct passion: Opals! He left the teaching profession and became a stuffed time Opal miner and cutter. He has followed his career until today, apart from a short 2 year stint when he took over his father's Aquarium and turned it into the Rosebud Marine and Reptile Park. There was even an appearance on the US Television reveal That's Incredible. After spending maximum of their youth getting their hands filthy at Lightning Ridge, the home of the Black Opal, Nick's son Jonas and daughter Athena now run the Melbourne showroom. Located at 63 Elizabeth Street, we have a important originate showroom that comfortably facilitates groups of up to 30 people. A unique range of marvelous opal gifts and opals set in ready made, expertly crafted jewellery from modern to customary designs. A packed demonstration is given to each customer and we personally simplify the differences between each type of opal, the cutting and polishing process, and how opals are valued by their outstanding color, brightness and pattern. With over 40 years extensive experience in the opal industry, we will teach you all you need to know about the best gemstone in the world. From running and developing Melbourne Zoo into a world class facility to establishing some of the major zoos in Australia, from founding the Royal Australasian Ornithologists' Union to discovering and naming a fresh species of butterfly, from creating and running a marine and reptile park to holding various wildlife related world records our family has had a strong connection with Australian wildlife. This family's passion has had a huge impact on our knowledge and awareness of Australian wildlife Lisa O'Sullivan.