The family began its fascination with opals in the 1960’s when Colin & Helen Haddy began mining in Andamooka and Lightning Ridge as a hobby.  Colin spent the early years cutting and polishing his gems and selling them during his many business trips while working for weapons research. This became a  serious venture in 1972 when a retail jewellery shop in Perth called The Gem Centre was turned into the family business.   

The business specialised in Australian opals, pearls and semi-precious gemstones, providing valuations for numerous jewellery pieces and gemstones. Mrs. Haddy went on to study gemmology in Australia, United States of America and Britain, and was one of the first registered Jewellery Valuers in Western Australian.

Helen broadened her knowledge in diamonds, synthetic gemstones and treatments and became the Western Australian president of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers. Mrs Haddy continues to be a senior member of the Gemmological industry and frequently attends conferences and meetings and significantly contributes to jewellery lectures.

The renowned business continued down the family line. Kaye Haddy studied gemmology and won the Julie Myers prize for the top final practical exam paper in Australia in 2000. Kaye and Helen provide professional advice and certificates for all types of valuations. 

HJHaddy & Associates provided the most knowledgeable and professional valuation service in Perth.

Kaye’s daughter Sarah Lock became a qualified gemmologist in 2016. Sarah contributes to the quality of the services provided by this specialised team of valuers and gemmologists. 

With the opening of a new store in Dunsborough and the inclusion of two more family members the business rebranded as HADDYS.