Sydney’s best kept secret

By Aziza Ibrahim
When it comes to buying beautiful gems and stones, there is no need to look further than right here in Australia. Australia produces 95% of the world’s opals, mostly in Cooper Pedy in South Australia. More common water, jelly and fine opals are found in Mexico and Mesoamerica. It’s the combination and links of these two factors that help Juan Martinez of Vollé succeed in his jewellery selling business.

Born in Mexico and now living in Australia, Juan is making a living out of selling gems including opals, diamonds and pearls in one of the most beautiful shops in town. Believe me it is a hidden treasure in the middle of the city.

However, it was not always about selling these stones, "Basically, I started out by selling Mexican jewellry. My uncle Marco gave me samples when I went to travel around the world and said if I could get customers for him it would be good. So at night I got a job working in a Spanish restaurant and by day I was actually selling at the Bondi markets", says Juan. From the markets, Juan managed to get wholesale customers before turning to and trying his luck in retail.

Despite Mexico being well known for and strong in silver production, Juan found that it was not in the taste of the Australian public, "the jewellry I initially got was specialised and maybe not for the Australian people but interestingly, I managed to sell to Mexican people for five years".

Juan’s first retail shop is located in the Queen Victoria Building. Two years later he expanded and opened another store on 149 York St. Opposite the Queen Victoria Building & Town Hall. Now he is the only jeweller in the city to showcase a unique range of opals, diamonds and pearls "these are the gems our customers are after and we like to give the customers what they want", says Juan. He truly believes that if he did not get into selling modern types of jewellry, such as these precious stones, or get the right locations, then his business would not have succeeded.

Raised in Mexico, Juan now calls Australia home. Like many immigrants before him, Juan moved here alone, leaving his family behind but admits he has no regrets, "the culture here is nice and Australia is a beautiful place. I am happy here but it is difficult to say if I will live here forever but I probably will". His motto is to "learn to enjoy what you have at the moment.

Although he dreams of Mexico at times, Juan confesses that when he was in Mexico two years ago visiting relatives, he missed Australia, "so it becomes an issue of where do I belong", he says.

Maybe his father can help him answer that question. Having recently retired, Juan’s father is currently in Australia and no doubt he is not just here to see his son, but I’m sure he will have some business advice - not that Juan needs it.

To admire his beautiful stones and gems, check out one of his two stores, and while you are there take a moment to admire the beautiful décor.