The tour began in Sydney in August, with IJO members taking part in the International Jewellery Fair in Darling Harbour.
Nationwide Jewellers general manager Glen Pocklington said the US visitors were impressed with the Sydney Fair, and immediately took a great interest in uniquely Australian jewellery.
Following the fair, the group travelled to Cairns for an event hosted by Everts Fine Jewellery. The highlight of the journey north was a special presentation about Australian opals.
Nationwide’s conference and event coordinator, Helen Hunter-Lee, said the US visitors were fascinated by the opportunity to see opal jewellery up close and personal.
"The IJO delegates from the United States who travelled to Sydney for the International Jewellery Fair enjoyed a few days of relaxation in sunny Port Douglas,” she said.
“After a dazzling day exploring the Great Barrier Reef, Everts Fine Jewellery on Macrossan Street hosted an exclusive twilight session for the group. Our heartfelt thanks to Mary and Jo Mohun for graciously sharing their expertise on opals and the mining process, all while we enjoyed a glass of bubbles in their beautiful store."
The Global Jewellers Network is a collaboration between Nationwide Jewellers, the Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ), based in the UK and Ireland, and the Independent Jewellers Organisation (IJO), based in the US and Canada.
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