About us

From Oita, Japan to the Opal Fields: How Opal Galaxy Began

In 2012, Yuka Hatano left Oita, Japan for Australia, drawn by the mesmerizing beauty of natural opals and determined to master the trade at its source. She learned by working directly with Australian opal miners in Lightning Ridge, Winton, and Koroit, watching rough opal emerge from the earth, understanding how geology shapes color play, and developing an eye for quality that only comes from handling thousands of stones.

Between 2012 and 2017, Yuka mastered every stage of the opal trade: sourcing rough material from miners, evaluating stones for authenticity and treatment, understanding cutting techniques, and grading finished gems.

In 2017, Michael Shepherd joined Yuka to build what would become Opal Galaxy. Together, they combined their expertise to create a direct connection between Australian opal sources and collectors worldwide.

As co-founders, Yuka and Michael work together on every aspect of the business, from sourcing inventory at Lightning Ridge to evaluating authenticity to answering customer questions. Both are International Gem Society Pro Members and Opal Association members, bringing dual certification to every stone evaluation and customer interaction.

Every opal on Opal Galaxy is personally evaluated and authenticated by certified gemologists. Every customer receives direct support from the founders. It’s not a marketplace. It’s a partnership built on genuine, untreated Australian opals, professional certification, and genuine relationships.

Yuka & Michael Co-Founders, Opal Galaxy IGS Pro Members | Opal Association Members