Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.
Australian Opal Expert Andrew Cody Dies at 71
The dealer was known for his infectious enthusiasm and passion for the gemstone.

He was 71 years old.
Cody grew up in the Melbourne suburbs of Hawthorne East and Ivanhoe and lived in Melbourne his entire life.
He started collecting fossils, minerals, and gemstones when he was 12 years old. He began cutting opal at an early age, too, after a school trip to Coober Pedy, an Australian town often referred to as the opal capital of the world.
After studying valuations at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Cody decided to pursue his passion for gems, launching wholesale opal and gem cutting business Cody Opal at age 20. He eventually expanded it to export opals around the world.
His brother, Damien, also joined the company, and the two led it together.
Cody had a decades-long passion for the industry and helped propel Australian opal to new heights; he was known for his immense knowledge of opals that he was always willing to share with others.
Many comments on the Facebook post his brother shared about his death referred to his infectious enthusiasm, both in work and in life, as well as his humor, positivity, and loving nature.
Industry achievements included being involved in the declaration of opal as Australia’s national gemstone, the production of an award-winning opal stamp series with Australia Post, designing the official National Gemstone emblem, and developing the official opal nomenclature.
In 1991, he wrote the book, “Australian Precious Opal: A Guide Book for Professionals,” which was published in English and Japanese and has been used extensively worldwide by the industry.
In 2010, he and Damien published “The Opal Story” in six languages; there are now more than 50,000 copies in circulation.
Cody was a co-founder of The National Opal Collection—a supplier of Australian opals and opal jewelry, which has offices, showrooms, and museums in Sydney and Melbourne—and created an expansive opalized fossil collection that includes a 2.5-meter opalized pliosaur and the opalized upper jaw of a rare Mesozoic mammal.
His business won both government export and tourism industry Awards. Cody received a Gold Commendation from the Lord Mayor of Melbourne and was a research associate at The Australian Museum.
He served the industry in several capacities, including as president of the Australian Gem Industry Association, founding member and chairman of the Australian Jewellery and Gemstone Industry Council, and special projects officer of CIBJO (The World Jewellery Council).
He also served as a member of Thailand’s JTC-AIGS Leaders Council and president of the International Colored Gemstone Association.
The Australian Gemmological Association and the Gemmological Association of Great Britain both awarded him honorary fellowships in honor of his services to gemology. Cody was also a regular speaker at international forums.
He is survived by his wife Lynore and sons James, Patrick, and William.
The Latest

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

The organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.


The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.