An abridged version of this article first appeared in the JNA May/June 2023 issue.

Damien Cody is arguably one of the world’s leading resources for all things opal. Director of export firm Cody Opal Australia, he has been instrumental in professionalising the opal industry and bringing the stone to global prominence.

With his late brother Andrew, he co-authored the book, “The Opal Story,” which was published in five languages. Selling over 60,000 copies around the world, it is a concise opal reference suitable for both the trade and consumers as well as a handy resource for retailers.

In 2018, his company produced limited-release Opal Master Sets, each containing 213 opal specimens depicting opal localities, types, qualities and treatments. Aimed to assist with the identification, classification and grading of opal, the sets were highly sought after by gemmological institutes, laboratories, valuers and other industry bodies.

Another of his memorable feats was the 2003 Opal and the Dinosaurs travelling exhibition, which was held at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) campus in California for an entire year.

“The exhibition featured rare opalised fossils from the dinosaur age, fine opal specimens and opal jewellery designs. In subsequent years, it also toured Japan and China,” said Cody, who is also managing director of the National Opal Collection, which operates retail opal stores and museums in Australia.

Dedicated service

Cody’s commitment to the trade continues. He recently worked with Australian industry bodies to prepare a new opal classification and nomenclature for CIBJO or the World Jewellery Confederation. He is likewise researching for a comprehensive new publication covering all of the world’s opal deposits.

And the opal expert adds yet another feather in his cap this year: Advocating for a larger swath of the industry as the 11th president of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA).

“I am looking forward to playing my part in my various roles to assist the wider coloured gemstone community to prosper and grow while providing consumers with greater confidence. This will only occur with full, open and honest disclosure and transparency throughout the supply chain,” Cody remarked.

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As part of its 40^th anniversary content programme, JNA is casting the spotlight on the “Extraordinary 40” Awardees with special online features covering the highlights of their careers and the valuable lessons they have learned along the way. Click here to view the “Meet the Extraordinary 40” series from May to September, with new profiles published every week.