Our Showroom
Our Showroom
In 2021, Down To Earth Opals underwent a significant expansion and renovation of its Morilla Street showroom, elevating it to a world-class standard.
Vicki recounts how husband and business partner Andrew handed her a blank sheet of paper during Covid lockdown in early 2020 which initiated the process, by inviting her to envisage her dream shop and make a rough sketch. The drawing was then translated into a scale model, then formal designs and finally working drawings. Contracts with all trades were cemented mid 2020.
Collaborating with talented local tradespeople, national and international experts and defying the constant unknowns of continuing lockdowns – demolition commenced on Boxing Day 2020 and after a three month rebuild process, reopened on 31st March 2021 featuring an innovative new technology lighting system, custom-made showcase cabinetry and a bespoke commercial vinyl floor designed to resemble the Lightning Ridge opal washing dams was crafted in the Netherlands which has quickly become a notable tourist attraction.
The showroom proudly displays over 2,000 loose Lightning Ridge cut and carved opals, establishing itself as a global hub for high-quality Lightning Ridge opals and personalised handmade opal jewellery. Vicki’s meticulous design process, combined with the craftsmanship of skilled jewellers, results in the stunning pieces showcased in-store and online. Emphasising authenticity, every Lightning Ridge solid opal jewellery piece is sourced, cut, designed, and set in Australia.
Beyond opals, the gallery features an eclectic array of unique jewellery & collectibles from various cultures worldwide, exquisite Aboriginal artworks from the Utopia region, and hand-stitched textiles featuring Aboriginal designs.
Reflecting on a journey spanning three decades, Vicki notes how a constant commitment to excellence has positioned Down To Earth Opals as leaders in opal quality, retail display and jewellery design – garnering respect both domestically and internationally.
The Down to Earth Opals Showroom Floor
In mid-2020, Andrew and Vicki embarked on an exclusive expedition to one of the remote miner’s tank sites in the Coocoran Lake area, aiming to capture a rare and extraordinary example of the naturally dry, cracked clay bed that few have the privilege to witness. Utilizing a sophisticated drone with a high-resolution camera, they meticulously selected a 12m x 10m grid and captured hundreds of stunning photographs. These images were expertly stitched together to create a single, breathtaking composite.
The impressive 6GB of images were then sent to a renowned factory in the Netherlands, the only place in the world capable of such precision printing, to produce the Down to Earth Opals showroom floor. The result is the world’s first 3D-like replication of the natural cracked earth and mud curls, exquisitely printed on commercial vinyl. This luxurious project was brought to life by the vision of Vicki Bokros, with exceptional photography and editing by Lightning Ridge’s own Peter Chaffey, and the unparalleled floor printing expertise of Forbo Australia.
