OUR TEAM
EXPERIENCED, PASSIONATE, COMMITTED, CARING - THESE SIMPLE WORDS DEFINE THE ALTMANN + CHERNY FAMILY AND TEAM.
The whole team at Altmann + Cherny are a close and supportive group. The outstanding family spirit this company exhibits is not only for the staff but also extends to the clients. The experience and knowledge that the team share every day make it a pleasure to be a part of.
John D. Altmann founding partner.
1919 – 1997
RUDI CHERNY, FOUNDING PARTNER.
1924 – 2010
In 1948 John and Rudi formed an enduring partnership as gem cutters, gem merchants and manufacturing jewellers, specializing in Australian Opal.
FIONA ALTMANN - 3rd Generation
managing director / Head Designer
COMMENCED 2001
There was never any doubt that Fiona would join the family business. She has mirrored her grandfather’s passion for Australian opals. Learning the jewellery trade from her Mother and Grandfather, Fiona quickly established herself as an enthusiastic supporter of both the Opal industry and Australian Tourism. Fiona leads by example maintaining the family’s exemplary standards and values.
Fiona continues the family tradition of travelling to the Opal fields to buy directly from the miners. She is the head designer and works closely with the goldsmiths to ensure the highest standards. Fiona’s love of Australian opal is evident in her captivating opal presentations. Fiona is always available to assist clients with any queries or concerns.
MICHELLE MCDONALD - OFFICE MANAGER
& SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT
COMMENCED 1999
Even though Michelle has worked with Opals for nearly 20 years she is still in awe of this fascinating stone. She loves how the colours and patterns are constantly changing as the stone moves. She has great respect for the opal miners, the harsh conditions they endure and their heavy workload.
Michelle is delighted that her daughter recently designed an opal pendant and it seems her love of opal is being passed down to the next generation.
SARAH HENVILLE
SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING MANAGER
COMMENCED 2017
Sarah has studied Media Arts, majoring in graphic design at UNSW as well as Jewellery Manufacturing at Enmore Design Centre. Sarah has a genuine passion for Australian Opal. She is inspired by the rarity and natural beauty of this Australian stone which is reflected in her artistic designs. Sarah is looking forward to one day visiting the opal fields, particularly Lightning Ridge, to explore the mines where Australia’s national gemstone is found.
SARA TREBLE
SALES CONSULTANT
COMMENCED 2019
Sara grew up around opals as her father was an opal jeweller. She is currently studying a Bachelor of International Studies, however, has previously studied gemmology with the Gemmological Institute of America. She has always appreciated the beauty and incredible range of colours that opals come in.
ABBEY MCDONALD
SALES CONSULTANT
COMMENCED 2022
Abbey is Michelle’s daughter, and has been a part of the Altmann + Cherny family from a young age. She started playing and helping in the store during school holidays and has now progressed to an official team member. Abbey particularly enjoys talking to clients and helping them find the perfect present for their grandchildren. She has visited the opal mines on family holidays, and particularly loves the light opal found in South Australia.
RANI SHARMA
SALES CONSULTANT
COMMENCED 2022
Rani has been a Makeup Artist for over 20 years. As a natural creative she has always been interested in colour and texture which is what has drawn her to the beauty of opals, especially the amazing way opals are formed in nature. Rani loves working at Altmann + Cherny where she can connect with clients and help them find Australian Opal jewellery they can cherish for a lifetime and generations to come.
KASSIA TER-MINASIAN
SALES CONSULTANT
COMMENCED 2022
Kassia is originally from the U.S., currently studying a Bachelor of Arts and majoring in Media, Culture & Communications at Macquarie Uni-versity. Her grandfather is a well-established opal jeweller in Sydney, where her mother grew up. Kassia has grown a love for Opals and de-veloped her knowledge about the gemstone and it’s significance since working at Altmann + Cherny.
