Karen Lindley AM

Director

Karen Lindley AM

Karen Lindley AM is a gemmologist, valuer, and internationally recognised opal specialist with more than 45 years’ experience in the Australian opal and jewellery industries. She has been closely connected to the Lightning Ridge opal fields since 1976 and qualified as a gemmologist in 1981, becoming a pioneering female wholesale dealer of black opal in 1982.

Karen built a highly respected international business focused on Lightning Ridge black opal and spent more than three decades developing global markets and promoting Australian opal as a premium natural gemstone. She brings extensive experience in international trade, valuation, expert evidence, industry governance, mentoring, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, and has served on multiple industry and community boards.

In 2021, Karen was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to the gem industry and to social welfare. She brings to the Board strong governance capability, deep sector expertise, and a lifelong commitment to preserving, promoting, and interpreting Australia’s unique opal heritage for future generations.