Our History
Learn more about the humble beginnings of Kalmar Antiques.
1948
Marlene Kalmar immigrated from England to Australia where she would meet her Husband, Charles.
1986
Marlene and Charles Kalmar begin their antiques business in the Hyde Park Antique Centre.
1989
After trading for 3 years the Kalmar’s open their own store front in the Imperial Arcade where they continued to trade for 19 years whilst raising their sons, Damien and Daniel.
2000
Daniel Kalmar graduates as an award-winning watchmaker and brings his passion for antique and vintage timepieces to the family business.
2001
Damien Kalmar graduates as gemmologist, diamond grader and registered valuer to offer his services to the business. He is also a lecturer at the Gemmological Association of Australia where he continues to educate the next generation of industry professionals.
2001
Along with Marlene, Damien Kalmar is also appointed a Director of Kalmar Antiques after the late Charles Kalmar.
2003
The Kalmar family move their business into the historical Queen Victoria Building where they continue to trade.
2012
Lisa Berghofer joins the Kalmar Team, bringing a wealth of knowledge from working in the luxury jewellery and watch industry. Lisa has graduated as a gemmologist and diamond grader and specialises in pearl jewellery.
2012
Eric Wolf joins the Kalmar team, bringing over 20 years of industry experiene as a jeweller and business owner, and his skillset as a registered valuer, gemmologist and diamond grader. Eric was able to expand the business offering services in custom jewellery design and restoration.
2012
Kalmar Antiques expands operations to their online website.
2015
Beverley Wilson joins Kalmar Antiques after working in the antiques industry for over a decade. Beverley’s passion for antique jewellery covers all eras from Georgian through to Art Deco.
2021
Teaghan Hall joins the Kalmar Antiques team, bringing her experience from the jewellery and diamond industry. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art and has a passion for Georgian and Victorian era jewellery.
2022
Watchmaker, Lorenzo Del Rosso, joins the Kalmar team to offer his specialty services as a Rolex trained watchmaker.
2022
Kalmar Antiques expands its business within the Queen Victoria Building becoming one of the largest antique jewellery dealers within Australia. With over 30 years of experience in the antique jewellery trade, the Kalmar’s have gained much respect and notoriety within the industry. Marlene, Damien and Daniel continue to operate the family business and are always available to assist with your enquiries.
Meet The Team
Marlene Kalmar – Proprietor
Marlene immigrated to Australia from England in 1948, and started Kalmar Antiques with her late husband Charles in 1986.
Marlene has a very keen eye for fine antiques, and has built up over the years, a very large and loving clientele, many of whom have become her friends.
Marlene is always ready to help you, as she enjoys dealing and meeting new people, and helping in any way possible.
Damien Kalmar – FGAA Dip Dt.
Damien has graduated as a Gemmologist, diamond grader, and has a Diploma in Diamond Technology and Diamond Grading.
Damien taught gemmology at the Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) for over 10 years and is often asked by various antique publications his opinion on value of antique pieces, as well as to write articles on various topics. He also appeared on Season 2 of Antiques Downunder on 9GEM. He often gives lectures on antique jewellery and watches for the National Council of Jewellery Valuers (NCJV) of which he is a member.
He has a true passion for antique jewellery and after his wife and children it is his other “true love”.
He is a registered jewellery valuer with the National Council of Jewellery Valuers (NCJV) and can assist in valuing your items of jewellery.
Daniel Kalmar
Daniel Kalmar graduated as an award winning watchmaker and repairer in 2000.
His energetic personality will make you fall in love with his passion of pocket watches and clocks, and he is always available to offer his advise and expertise in anything watch related, as well as jewellery.
He is a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. (NAWCC)
Beverly Wilson
Beverley has been dealing in antiques for over 10 years, and has built up a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
With a passion for Georgian jewellery all the way to Art Deco, she will be more than able to help you find that special piece.
Eric Wolf – FGAA
Eric began his career as a jeweller in Sydney, later attaining a Diploma in Gemmology and diamond grading.
He is also a registered jewellery valuer with the National Council of Jewellery Valuers (NCJV). Eric brings knowledge and experience, plus new energy to our shop.
Eric is very easy to deal with and well known in the industry. He is able to discuss all aspects of jewellery, from repairs to making that special custom designed piece, and is always willing to always offer expert opinions.
With a great knowledge of jewellery and watches, he will be able to assist you with any inquiries.
Lisa Berghofer – FGAA
Lisa came from Shanghai in 1990 and has been working in the jewellery trade since 1992 and has graduated as both a gemmologist and diamond grader and has a thorough knowledge of both jewellery and watches and has a real vivacious personality who truly enjoys meeting new clients.
She takes a keen and genuine interest in all of her clients needs and will easily be able to assist you in choosing that special piece.
Maryanne Qiu
Maryanne has been involved in so many aspects of jewellery since living in China to moving to Australia. For nearly 20 years she worked at the Sydney Antique Centre until it closed and was quick to be snapped up by Kalmar Antiques.
We welcome her passion and enthusiasm for all aspects and eras of antique jewellery for many years to come.
Teaghan Hall BFA FGAA
Teaghan graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Jewellery and Small Objects. She is a gemmologist with a love and passion for antique jewellery. Teaghan is an avid writer and has written articles for various industry publications including The Australiana Society Magazine, The Limner Company, Antiques to Vintage Magazine and is a regular contributor to Jeweller Magazine.
Lorenzo Del Rosso – Horologist
A native from Florence, Lorenzo joins our team with a wealth of knowledge and passion for both modern watches as well as antique pocket watches. After finishing his watchmaking degree at the esteemed watchmaking school ITI-IPIA Leonardo da Vinci, he started his career with LVMH and then moved to Rolex. While working for Kalmar Antiques, he has been honoured to work on repeater and chronograph watches, as well as some truly magnificent 18th century pocket watches. Not limited to just servicing timepieces, he is highly skilled and trained in the correct techniques and equipment to polish a watchcase. With Lorenzo at the helm of our brand-new state-of-the-art workshop, we welcome you to bring in your timepieces for a complete and thorough overhaul.
Luke – Watchmaker
Luke is a second-year apprentice watchmaker who is currently completing a Certificate III in Watch and Clock Service and Repair at TAFE NSW. Luke brings a dedication for the art of watchmaking and along with his formal qualifications, is being apprenticed in the trade by our Horologist, Lorenzo Del Rosso. Luke’s passion for the craft spans all areas, from the servicing of movements to the complete restoration of watches and pocket watches and the specialised field of case polishing.
