About us

Natural Australian Opal Specialists

Opal Galaxy is dedicated to natural untreated Australian opals sourced directly from the opal fields. Each gemstone is personally evaluated and carefully selected for collectors, jewelry designers, and opal enthusiasts worldwide.

Opal Galaxy specializes in natural Australian opals sourced from Lightning Ridge, Queensland, and Coober Pedy.

Our collection includes Lightning Ridge black opals, Queensland boulder opals, and crystal opals from Coober Pedy, alongside Australian opal jewelry and calibrated stones for custom jewelry making.

Founded by Yuka Hatano and Michael Shepherd, Opal Galaxy connects international buyers with genuine Australian opals through transparency, gemological expertise, and direct sourcing from the Australian opal fields.

From Japan to the Australian Opal Fields

In 2012, Yuka Hatano left Oita, Japan for Australia after discovering the extraordinary beauty of natural opals.

Determined to understand the gemstone at its source, she spent years working directly within the Australian opal trade. Time spent in Lightning Ridge, Winton, and Koroit provided firsthand experience with opal miners, rough opal evaluation, and gemstone cutting.

Handling thousands of stones and studying how geology shapes color play developed a deep understanding of opal quality, authenticity, and treatment identification.

Building Opal Galaxy

In 2017, Michael Shepherd joined Yuka to build what would become Opal Galaxy.

Together they created a direct connection between Australian opal sources and international buyers. The goal was simple: offer natural Australian opals with clear information, honest representation, and expert evaluation.

Today Opal Galaxy provides collectors and jewelry designers with a curated selection of natural opals, including loose gemstones, opal jewelry, and calibrated stones for custom jewelry making.

Expertise and Gemological Standards

Every opal offered by Opal Galaxy is personally evaluated and authenticated by us.

Yuka and Michael are members of:

• International Gem Society (IGS)

• Opal Association

These professional memberships reflect a commitment to accurate gemstone identification, ethical sourcing, and responsible representation of Australian opals.

Australian Opal Expertise

Australian opals are considered the finest in the world, with over 90% of the global supply originating from Australia. Each region produces opals with distinct characteristics formed by unique geological conditions.

Lightning Ridge in New South Wales is known for producing rare black opals with strong color play and dark body tone. Queensland boulder opals form naturally within ironstone, creating striking patterns and vibrant flashes of color. Coober Pedy is famous for crystal opals with bright transparency and luminous color.

At Opal Galaxy we work closely with the Australian opal industry to source stones directly from these regions. Every gemstone is examined individually to confirm its authenticity, natural origin, and overall quality.

By focusing exclusively on Australian opals, we ensure that each stone offered reflects the remarkable natural beauty that makes opal one of the most fascinating gemstones in the world.

Why Buyers Trust Opal Galaxy

Trust is essential when purchasing gemstones online. Every opal at Opal Galaxy is described with clear information about its origin, characteristics, and whether it is a natural solid opal or an opal doublet.

Each gemstone is individually photographed and documented so buyers can see the exact opal before purchase.

Because every opal is a one of a kind gemstone, the stone shown in the photographs is the same stone the customer receives.

Our goal is to provide transparent transactions and honest representation so customers can make confident decisions when selecting a natural Australian opal.

Our Standards

Natural untreated Australian opals | Direct sourcing from Australian opal fields | Personally evaluated gemstones

Our Commitment

Gemological expertise | Customers worldwide | Direct communication with the founders

Opal Galaxy focuses exclusively on genuine Australian opals. Synthetic stones and misleading treatments are never part of our collection.

A Personal Approach to Opals

Opals are among the most complex gemstones in the world. No two stones are identical, and each piece displays its own character through color play, pattern, brightness, and tone.

At Opal Galaxy every gemstone is individually examined and described so buyers can make informed decisions when selecting an opal for collecting, jewelry design, or long term appreciation.

Our collection includes:

• Lightning Ridge black opals

• Queensland boulder opals

• Coober Pedy crystal opals

• Australian opal jewelry and calibrated stones

A Founder Led Business

Opal Galaxy is not a large marketplace. It is a founder led business where every opal is personally handled and evaluated.

Customers communicate directly with the founders, ensuring knowledgeable guidance when selecting an opal. For many collectors, purchasing an opal becomes the beginning of a long relationship with one of nature’s most remarkable gemstones.