Mondial - A Rich Heritage
Mondial by Nadia continues a rich family history of artisan jewellery of over 60 years
The 1950s
A job as a salesman for a Melbourne-based jeweller saw Fred Neuman travel all around Australia on his motorbike. During each trip away, he’d purchase a beautiful piece of jewellery for his wife, Maria, to gift on his return.
1961
This endearing act of love set the foundations for Fred and Maria’s first business. In 1961, the couple opened Carina Jewellers in Kings Cross. Their first collection, the chains and little gold charms and pendants Fred had purchased for Maria during his travels.
At the time, Kings Cross was a beacon for Australia’s emerging designers. Carina’s became a destination for those wishing to discover jewellery that was anything but ordinary.
The store also had its share of high profile customers. Among them Elton John (not yet ‘sir) who chose a diamond heart pendant for his fiancée Renate Blauel to wear on their Valentine's Day wedding in 1984.
1970's
In the 1970s the Neuman’s began importing some of the world’s most exceptional jewels under the name Neuman Jewellery Imports, distributing them to a growing number of jewellers around the country. Over the subsequent decades, they were instrumental in growing and supporting some of the most recognised retailers in Australia.
1993
Through the wholesaling side of their business, the Neuman’s grew to love the beauty of natural-coloured diamonds. After establishing a store in the iconic Queen Victoria Building in Sydney, Fred formed strong ties with WA’s Argyle Diamond Mine, the largest producing pink diamond mine on the planet.
Mondial became known as coloured diamond connoisseurs, holding the largest selection of natural pink coloured diamonds in the country.
2009
After working alongside Fred and other family members at Mondial, in 2009 Nadia established a second store. The eponymously named Mondial by Nadia Neuman was established to showcase Nadia’s bold and innovative creations.