Lightning Ridge Opal Mines

I visited Lightning Ridge Opals looking for a gift for my Nan. I didn't have a huge budget so I wasn't sure I could actually afford anything. The gentleman who served me was so informative, taught me all about the history of the family business, the different types of opal, where they're mined etc. He was super nonjudgmental about my tiny budget and I left with a beautiful necklace. Not ONLY that, but they have literal frogs. Can't recommend enough.

As jewellery shops go, this is by a land slide the best I've ever been into. The thing is, its not just a jewellery store, it's drenched in history, family run with heaps of character.
Upon arrival to the store you'll be shown the different types of Opals with a very informative introduction to the history and grading. Shout out to Stuart, who really took the time to show me around the store. Loved every second. Also to Kira for being so welcoming.
This is as much an attraction as a jewellery store. The pieces are stunning, and from what I was told they have some of the best in the city.

I must mention Stumpy the lizard, who I can only assume is the mascot.

Thank you both for your time and patience, I will definitely be returning sometime soon.

What an experience! Every staff was so friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. The setup was very educational and fun with hands on activities. This business is not just a normal opal merchandiser but they have rich history and background in the opal industry. Going through their store is like visiting a museum full of wonderful stories. The zoo corner should be very fun for kids and it compliments the main opal story well. Highly recommend even if you just want to drop by and learn about opal. And if you are looking for opal for yourself or as a gift, definitely need to come here.

Visiting here was an enjoyable and educational experience. The explanation about the different qualities of black opals was very good that I felt like I immediately developed a keen eye for opals. 😅 I was also at ease while buying jewelry here. Highly recommended!

I dont normally leave review on google but I was really impressed with customer service here. At first, they have a quick tour to help you understand basic stuff about opal then they let you freely look around, ask questions and decide what you like without hard selling. Such a pleasant experience, definitely recommend.

A spectacular store with so much to offer! Not only are there some incredible opals on display but the staff are extremely warm and knowledgeable. I was helped by a very charming young man who helped to educate me on the history and geology of opals! I left the store wiser than when I came :)

Did not end up buying there but the shop was amazing. They have two super cute lizards and they will give a little course on opals if you want to. Great experience!

This place is awesome! Family owned and operated. Very fair prices. If you're a novice or experienced Opal shopper go check it out.

Atheka is such a kind, helpful person. Walked my partner and I through the whole process for an exchange, found a way to discount our exchange and overall made the process simple and enjoyable. Thank you for bringing me a smile on an otherwise rough birthday, Atheka.

Amazing place!
Super nice staff. Great free explanation about the opals.
If you interested in opals or buying them, you need definitely visit this place!

friendly, wonderful family with a huge selection of opals for all budgets. happy repeat customer ♥

If you are interested in Opals I would very highly recommend Lighting Ridge Opals, we could
not be happier with the service, professionalism, and attention that was provided by Atheka. At no time did we feel pressured in making our final choice of a beautiful black opal which was very well priced. We also had the stone mounted and this whole process and the final ring turned out so very beautiful. If you are interested in Opals you should consider Lighting Ridge Opals we are so glad we did. 😊😊😊

Beautiful shop! Owner is very knowledgeable and helpful. Heaps of assistance in buying a small piece for my wife. Lighting ridge opal Mines melbourne is a must see place for everyone even locals!
I highly recommend heading over to check this place out, can't wait to go again to attend an experience!

The BEST opal shop in Melbourne. It is always such a delight visiting Lightning Ridge Opal Mines as the staff are so friendly and welcoming. Happy to spend as much time with you as you need, easy going and relaxed. No pressure with sales, just good customer service. The Opals are genuine and unique, well made into jewellery and prices are very reasonable. Thank you to all the wonderful staff for a memorable time.

Lighting Ridge Opals is a fantastic shopping experience, starting with the interesting history of Opal mining in the family which own and run the shop. The opals are beautiful and settings interesting and quality. Most of all when you had a problem as I did the after sales services is above and beyond. Highly recommend.

Very warm and friendly greeting from the staff.
I feel so relaxing going here and spend time to see as much opal as I want and there is no pressure with sales or anything. They even have a "mini" class about opals for guests, so impressive. The experience here is so different from other stores that I have been to. Opals here have a very reasonable price as they come directly from their mines.

100% will come here again.

I have been to this opal shop previous locations but this time we went to the current shop and the atmosphere was very warm and welcoming. (Many jewellery stores aren't easy to get in usually because I feel pressure and I feel I must buy if I enter jewelry stores but Lightning Ridge Opal Mines is different. Very educated and friendly staff showed us wide range of opals and explained about opals. I want to purchase a opal for my mom but currently we can't go to overseas so I didn't purchase anything this time but the staff didn't change any attitude and good bye to us very nicely. I really impressed their service and I will go back to purchase opal from them.

Went in last minute for help with some opal related questions. Super friendly staff, great atmosphere and very helpful. Walked out of there super content. They took their time to answer all my questions and i didn't feel pressured to buy anything the whole time I was there. Definitely worth stopping by if in the area.

They gave us a free tour and taught us how the opal are made, I have bought a ring for my girlfriend and a necklace for my mum, both loved it.

What a find! My daughter and I were travelling on a cruise and Melbourne was one of our stops. We decided to explore the area on our own, but stopped at the information counter to ask about an opal shop. We weren't looking for the touristy, everyone has the same things, kind of shop. We were told to try Lightning Ridge and are so glad that we did.
Immediately upon heading down the steps to this little gem, we were welcomed by Talitha, who is a gem herself. She asked if we knew much about opals and if we wanted to learn. YES, we did. They teach you as much as you want to know about the process from mining, to the beautiful end product, which they have plenty of. We spent several hours - yes, hours - there and never once did they make us feel we were a bother. Everyone pitched in with our selections from their unique offerings. We left with some great opals and quite a bit of knowledge we didn't have before entering this wonderful place. If you're in the area, it is a must see!