In the early 1990s, Vicki Bokros, a young woman from Queensland’s Gold Coast, became utterly captivated by opals. Her journey began after a chance meeting with a gemstone dealer, where she was mesmerized by a stunning collection of opals. Inspired by what she saw, Bokros decided to leave behind her life, running bikini boutiques in Surfers Paradise, and venture to Lightning Ridge, hoping to find her fortune. This dramatic shift marked the beginning of her lifelong passion for opals and the start of a new chapter, far remo
Enter Andrew Kemeny. After 20 years in the corporate world of property management, Kemeny transitioned into running his own mortgage brokering business in 2000. Shortly after that, a client named Vicki Bokros walked through his door. Kemeny recalls that he will never forget the day Bokros dropped over $1 million worth of opals into his hands. The broker-client relationship quickly blossomed into something much more. After two years of long-distance dating between the Gold Coast and Lightning Ridge, it became clear that Lightning Ridge was the place they both needed to be—and it’s been their home ever since.
Kemeny’s arrival in Lightning Ridge was a big and exciting launch into the world of opals. Within weeks, he enrolled in a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Certificate IV course in opal cutting, which led him into production cutting and carving—a craft he continues to practice today. Kemeny also had the privilege of apprenticing under the renowned opal carver Daniella L’Abbate. Attending his first opal symposium further deepened his interest in the science of opals, a subject he remains passionate about to this day.
Since those early days, Down to Earth Opals (DTEO) has flourished under the care of this dynamic duo. Their contagious passion for opals has resonated with thousands. DTEO is internationally renowned for its collection of high-quality Lightning Ridge opals, each certified by one of the few qualified Australian opal valuers. The company offers everything from rough opals, specimens, and carvings to bespoke opal jewelry. With over 12,000 loose stones in stock, DTEO boasts one of the world’s largest collections of carved Lightning Ridge opals. Each year, they feature a special gem; in 2025, this will be a recently cut stone they’ve named “Jupiter”—a breathtaking, top-grade crystal opal showcasing exceptionally rare, intersecting gem hues arranged in captivating linear patterns.
Upon entering their gallery, visitors are greeted by magnificent Lightning Ridge opals as far as the eye can see. Further exploration reveals a carefully curated collection of unique jewelry and collectibles from around the globe, complemented by stunning and distinctive Aboriginal artworks. It’s a truly delightful experience for anyone fortunate enough to visit. In addition to its prestigious collection, DTEO offers regular behind-the-scenes workshop tours and occasionally appears on the Discovery Channel’s Outback Opal Hunters. They proudly display “Fire and Ice,” the most expensive finished opal ever mined, on the show. DTEO is also actively involved in their community as a philanthropist and supporter of nu
For those unable to make it to Australia, there’s no need to worry! Since 1998, Bokros and Kemeny, alongside various team members, have traveled annually to the U.S. to attend the Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase, the world’s largest gem trade event. They’ve recently relocated from their previous booth at the GIGM - Globex/Red Lion Inn Gem & Mineral Show, to a new purpose-built tent, called the Gem and Jewelry Showcase. They will also be at GJX Gem & Jewelry Exchange. Look for their booths and be sure to stop by!
Tourists often ask Kemeny how a mortgage broker became so deeply engaged in the opal industry. With a chuckle, he usually explains, “Finding Vicki as ‘the one’ and swapping a computer for an opal grinder just seemed like the natural step to take.” Down to Earth Opals is a remarkable company in every sense, ensuring that any investment of time or money is met with exceptional quality and satisfaction. Kemeny and Bokros express, “The most rewarding experience for us is to take someone with absolutely no knowledge of opals, educate them, inspire them, and seduce them into the magic and mystery of opals—all while making incredible new friends, with opal as the common denominator.”
Visit Down to Earth Opals’ profile page on Xpo for detailed information, including show dates, locations and maps, booth locations, contact information, more photos, and website address.