Opal jewelry, particularly opal rings, is beautiful, rare, and a delight to wear. Whether you want to buy an Opal ring for yourself or are looking for a perfect gift, knowing how to choose the right opal can be helpful yet tricky, and there are some factors to bear in mind.
Every opal stone is rare, and it is nearly impossible to get two Opals that look alike unless they originate from the same stone and split into two. It is a unique gemstone that one can own, with each opal having different features and color play. You must consider two key factors when shopping for an Opal ring: firstly, the design of the ring. You can check this by the way you wish to wear the ring, such as daily or on special occasions, and also in what kind of environment you will wear the ring. Secondly, the type of Opal you wish to wear. This detailed blog will help you decide how to choose the perfect ring that matches your style and preference.
Designs on an Opal Ring
Now you must be thinking, how does the design of an Opal ring matter? It is because the ring design will decide how the Opal will stay protected and safe whenever you wear it.
Bezel Set Opal Rings
Bezel-set opal rings provide the best protection as the metal is wrapped around the Opal stone. Rings with such designs can look very charming and beautiful, and if the Opal is bright, it can improve the Opal's hue. This design is ideal for:
- Everyday wear
- An environment where the Opal may get accidental bumps or knocks against something.
Claw Set Opal Rings
In a Claw Set Opal ring, the Opal is attached to its settings by a series of tiny metal prongs. It is set slightly up in the air to let light flow around the gemstone, but that doesn't mean that the Opal will not stay protected. This design creates a very stylish-looking ring, and it is perfect for:
- Cocktail rings to wear on special occasions
- Birthstone rings for occasional wear
- Daily wear, if in an environment where the Opal will not come into contact with anything.
Type of Opal
The second thing you need to consider when buying an Opal ring is the type of Opal. It is surely your personal choice, but it can significantly influence your ring's price. If you are seeking something luxurious, then go for a Black Opal. For a more affordable option, Boulder Opal rings and the Opal Doublet rings can be considered.
Black Opal Rings
Black Opals offers various colors, from blue to rare fire red hues. The perfect black opals create the right ring stones, as the play-of-color can be visible from every angle. Also, a high cabochon cut reflects the color variations in opal rings. Only Black opals with body tone of N1 to N4 are considered real. Bright black opals are set in a gold setting. While black opals or semi black opals are mostly set in sterling silver rings.
Crystal Opal Rings
Crystal opal rings are translucent with mostly blue color, from pale blue to deep sea blue, and sometimes green to sunset fire hues as well. Crystal opals were discovered in the Australian opal field, Mexico, and Brazil. The South Australian opal fields of Cooper Pedy are where the Australian crystal opal is mainly found, whereas small quantities are found in Lightning Ridge and a few even in boulder opals of Queensland.
Boulder Opal Rings
The Outback areas of Queensland, Australia, are where the Boulder Opal is found. It is characterized by its formation on natural ironstone backing and typically has a flat structure. Cabochon stones of this opal are quite rare to get, yet this opal is famous for its vibrant colors and strength of fire hues. Two opal mining fields in Queensland make rare boulder opal featuring colorful veins running through the ironstone patch. These create distinctive large opal rings known as Yowah Opal rings and Koroit Opal rings. Also, wood fossil rings are a type of boulder opal that incorporates wood or vegetation replacement, making it a great conversation piece as you explain how it was formed.
Ethiopian Opal Rings
Ethiopian Opal rings exhibit a unique pattern and fire, which can be used to make beautiful Opal rings. Some of the Ethiopian Opals undergo a smoking process, which makes the Crystal opal look black, resembling an Australian black opal.
Inlay Opal Rings
Inlay Opal rings have small cutaways or channels in the band. It features natural slices of crystal opals that are cut to fit specific bezels in the ring. The base of the ring is often black, which increases the Opal's fiery colors once it is polished and set. If a solid crystal is used with an enclosed back, then the black opal is considered enhanced.
Triplet Opal Rings
Triplet Opal rings consist of a natural thin slice of Opal with man-made top and bottom layers. This provides a way to own a vibrant opal look at a fraction of the price of solid opal rings. To prolong their lifespan, it is advised to take good care of these rings and remove them while washing the dishes.
Mosaic Opal Rings
Similar to triplet opal rings, mosaic opal rings are made from small opal chips bonded to a man-made base and top. Some of these opals showcase vibrant color play and are visually attractive and striking.
Doublet Opal Rings
Doublet opal rings consist of a thin slice of natural opal set on a natural base, often made from natural ironstone from Queensland opal fields, offering a way to own a bright opal apperance at a more affordable price. Opal diamond rings typically offer excellent value for money for their rich colors at a very affordable price.
Opals and Gemstone Rings
Today, many individuals enjoy the beauty of wearing rings with multiple gemstones. Some popular combinations include Ethiopian Opal with Tanzanite and Black Opal with Amethyst. Various types of opals can be set with brilliant-cut genuine diamonds in gold rings, while silver rings often use man-made cubic zirconia to represent diamonds.
Mexican Opal Rings
Mexican Opal rings, particularly fire Opals, create amazing cluster rings. Their freedom of shape lets them lend themselves to creating inventive and creative opal rings.
Indonesian Opal Rings
These opals are formed from volcanic activities and are often wood replacements. Most Indonesian opals undergo heat and oil treatments.
Opalite Rings
Known as cats eye opal or green opal, this variety is sourced from Brazil and features a vibrant green color. It is suitable for large-sized opal ring designs.
Pink Opal Rings
Found in Peru and also in Western Australia, pink Opals can feature solid or swirling patterns. They are particularly popular with women and are relatively affordable compared to other opal types.
Tiffany Opal Rings
Mined in Utah, USA, Tiffany Opal rings are famous for their large, veiny patterns, ideal for statement rings.
A perfect gemstone for every jewelry piece
Opal rings are an amazing choice for anyone seeking to add a rare and colorful gemstone ring to their jewelry collection. By considering this blog, you can find the perfect ring that matches your preference and style perfectly. Doesn't matter whether you choose an opal stone for your bespoke jewelry piece or a ready-made ring; the brilliant play-of-color in an Ethiopian opal will always be a treasured item in your collection throughout your life.
