Andrew Cody, a trailblazer in the field of opals, succumbed to a rare form of blood cancer on September 12, 2022 at the age of 71.

Born August 21, 1951, Andrew had been battling the disease for the last 20 years. He is survived by his wife Lynore and sons James, Patrick and William.

In 1971, at the age of 20, Andrew established Cody Opal Australia, a wholesale opal and gem cutting business that expanded into a global exporter synonymous with the finest of opals.

His reach extended beyond his company, as his passion for the gem saw him undertake numerous initiatives to promote opals in the international scene and professionalise its trade.

Andrew was involved in the proclamation of opal as Australia’s national gemstone and the development of the official Opal Nomenclature. In 1991, he wrote “Australian Precious Opal – a Guide Book for Professionals,” which was published in English and Japanese and continues to be used extensively in the international gem and jewellery industry. In 2010, Andrew and his brother Damien published “The Opal Story” in six languages. There are now more than 50,000 copies in circulation.

A regular speaker at international forums, Andrew served as president of the Australian Gem Industry Association, special projects officer of CIBJO (The World Jewellery Confederation) and president of the International Colored Gemstone Association, among others.

“Andrew was a massive force in the industry – a fount of knowledge about opals and gemstones and, more importantly, a kind and gentle soul committed to the advancement of the coloured gemstone sector. A pioneering advocate for the opal trade, he worked relentlessly towards the sustainable growth of the gem and jewellery market. We join the international jewellery community in mourning the loss of this industry great,” said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets Jewellery.