About Us
The Brisbane Opal Museum is a family-owned and operated cultural institution dedicated to the education, preservation, and celebration of opal. We have curated a modern and accessible space that showcases Australia’s national gemstone and delves into its history, stories, and the people who have shaped the industry.
It all started when Geoff and Val met in London through mutual friends in 2001. Over the years, they co-parent children and co-founded the Brisbane Opal Museum and the jewellery shop together. Their love for opals was guided by Geoff’s brother, John McDonald, when he suggested for the pair to specialise in opals. It was when a miner showed them his hobby box of incredible opal pieces, during their search for knowledge, that their passion for Australia’s national gemstone grew.
Geoff was struck with what we call, “Opal Fever '' from that first encounter with the miner. His focus has always been to provide customers of the adjoined jewellery shop, the necessary education of their products and its value. He loves collecting opal pieces in his travels, specifically the thrill of when his next big “find” will be. His knowledge of opals is extended through his experience of opal cutting and polishing.
Comparatively, Val’s love for opals truly developed a little after their exchange with the miner, when she was introduced to an opalised jacaranda seed pod. Having loved fossils most of her life, this was the turning point for Val’s own fascination with opals. As curator, Val’s desire to learn more about opals and subsequently grow our museum is unwavering. Her true passion for education and love for science can be seen throughout the museum as she continues to develop ways to showcase the gem opal and the many incredible pieces in our collection.
From there, we have expanded into an independent, purpose-designed museum and showroom located only a few minutes from Brisbane’s CBD.
We are proud to offer a variety of interactive and educational experiences at the Brisbane Opal Museum, with guests able to explore our world-class permanent collection through self-guided or guided tours. From our fossicking table to our exclusive opal polishing experience, there are hands-on opportunities for all ages to enjoy!
Our dedication to showcasing opals protects cultural heritage and ultimately contributes to the continuous fascination of these captivating gems. This commitment fuels our anticipation of expanding the collection in the years ahead.
To learn more about our journey and our museum co-founders Geoffrey and Valentine, continue reading below!
Geoffrey Mcdonald
Shop manager
Geoffrey, native from New Zealand, moved to Brisbane (Australia) when he was 8 year old after his father relocated for work.
Between 2002 and 2004, Geoff lived, worked and travelled in UK.
Since attending a personal development seminar Geoff always wanted to have his own business. His first attempt was by creating a child motivation chart, which he stopped after working out how many he would need to sell in order to make any money - in the end the numbers simply did not add-up (first lesson - no matter how passionate you are about something if the numbers don't work - it's not a business.
When he returned from UK, He created his second business. Selling jewellery on eBay but this time with his brother John, which was the foundation of Brisbane Opal Museum and Jewellery shop.
Since 2004, Geoff has been director and working full time at Brisbane Opal Museum and Jewellery shop.
Geoff has continuously improved his entrepreneurship knowledge by reading and listening numerous successful personality among them : Dan Kennedy, Michael D. Rowland, Jordan Belfort and Anthony Robins. Just to name a few.
Geoff is a self-taught opal cutter and he will be your teacher if you decide to experience the “gold class” tour which includes a cutting/polishing opal session.
In his numerous adventures, Geoff was teaching meditation in the beautiful and secluded “Daintree forest”.
In his opinion, To be a successful entrepreneur, “tenacity and be an expert in marketing” is the most important requirement. He also believes in the mantra of “constant and never ending improvement”.
Geoff is the present shop manager and opal cutter.
Valentine Mcdonald
Museum curator
Valentine is from France and grew up in a typical French suburb 45 minutes from Paris. Her family roots are from Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany.
Between 2000 and 2004, Valentine lived and worked in London, Isle of Skye, Edinburgh, Rennes and Brisbane.
In the early 2000s, she found work in hospitality and as her English improved and she gained more experience in photography, she quickly found jobs in photographic specialty shops.
In September 2004, Valentine moved to Brisbane. She arrived with a Working Holiday Visa and had planned to stay for one year. Now, she is an Australian citizen, and in 2024, will celebrate 20 years of living in Brisbane!
In the early 2005, She joined JG Jewellers, the company that Geoff and John (Geoff’s brother) had just created.
She occupied different positions over the years. Among these roles were greeting and serving customers; taking commercial product photography; as well as creating (and organising) marketing and communication campaigns. Valentine has a long-lasting passion for art, so she naturally participates in creating and commissioning jewellery collections.
Between 2010 and 2017, Valentine took three long periods of maternity leaves to look after her three young children.
In 2019, Valentine became the museum curator of the Brisbane Opal Museum.
Valentine has been interested in gemstones since childhood when her father gifted her a malachite bead necklace from one of his business trips to Africa. Her interest in gemstones was sparked a second time when she worked one summer in the jewellery shop at Nature and Découverte (a French novelty franchise store) during a student's year.
Valentine has a DUT Techniques de commercialisation (a French equivalent to an undergraduate degree in marketing) and a DEESMA (European Advanced Diploma in Marketing). Since 2022, She has graduated with a GAA diploma in gemmology.
When Valentine is not working, she likes spending time with her kids, bushwalking at a nearby national park, photographing, plotting her next trip or visiting the latest museum exhibition.
She has frogs and reptiles as pets. Her favourite quote is “think outside the box” and she believes that you can never have too many books!
