Australian Queen of Opals
Ikecho was founded from a uniquely Australian legacy of opal craftsmanship, rooted in a rich heritage and a family history of working with some of the country’s most iconic natural treasures. At the heart of Ikecho is founder Erica Miller, whose father, Erik, is one of Australia’s most respected opal experts and exporters. Inspired by her family’s deep connection to these gemstones, Erica built Ikecho as a brand dedicated to capturing the beauty of Australia’s remarkable opals and sharing them with the world.
A Journey Shaped by Australia’s Opal Heartland
Erica’s connection to opals was cultivated through family holidays spent exploring Australia’s famous opal mining regions, such as Lightning Ridge NSW. These rugged landscapes, known for producing some of the world’s most coveted opals, introduced her to the art, skill, and passion her father brought to sourcing and cutting these precious stones. This early exposure instilled in Erica a deep respect for the natural beauty of Australian opals, and she carries this with her in every Ikecho creation.
Continuing the legacy: Erica's daughter, beaming with
excitement as she holds a raw opal at her grandfather’s
mine in Lightning Ridge – a new generation embracing
Australia’s opal heritage.
Australian Craftsmanship and Design
Ikecho’s pieces capture the essence of Australian craftsmanship. Each opal used in Ikecho jewellery is carefully hand-selected, ensuring only the highest quality stones make it into the collection. Erica draws from her years of experience and her strong connection to Australia’s natural beauty to design jewellery that balances elegance with the distinctive character of each opal. Her designs blend the organic allure of Australia’s landscapes with a modern aesthetic, resulting in timeless pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind.
The Ikecho Difference: Sourcing from Australia’s Opal Mines
With close, long-standing relationships with Australian opal miners that span generations, Erica has the privilege of selecting the finest opals directly from the source. This hands-on approach ensures fair pricing practices for miners and maintains transparency from mine to market, giving customers confidence in the authenticity and integrity of each piece. At Ikecho, the unique shapes and colours of each opal are celebrated just as they are found in nature, without alteration. This commitment to preserving the opals’ natural beauty results in one-of-a-kind jewellery that captures the raw essence of the Australian landscape.
Three generations at the heart of Australia’s opal legacy:
Erica, her father, and daughter at the family mine in
Lightning Ridge, where a passion for opals is passed
down through generations.
Celebrating Australia’s Treasures, One Opal at a Time
For Ikecho, each piece of jewellery represents a connection to Australia’s heritage and its incredible natural resources. When you wear Ikecho, you’re not only wearing a beautifully crafted piece of jewellery—you’re carrying a piece of Australia’s landscape and spirit. Ikecho’s designs are a tribute to the country’s breath taking beauty and natural wonders, making them truly special additions to any jewellery collection.
Follow Erica and Ikecho on Instagram @ikechoaustralia for an exclusive glimpse into Australia’s finest opals and the intricate process of bringing them to life in jewellery. Experience the magic of Australian opals, crafted by Australia’s Queen of Opals, and see how Ikecho brings a piece of Australia to the world.