Opal engagement rings are perfect for women. Women want a ring that is going to be seen from far away, but they also want a ring that is lightweight and gorgeous. “The bigger, the better” is not always the case; simple and classy might not always be preferred, so you need something in between that is beautiful, light, and, at the same time, won’t exceed your budget.
Opal is the national gemstone of Australia, which accounts for 95-97% of the world’s supply of opal. Boulder opal forms when high rainfall dissolves silica that seeps into cracks and crevices in ironstone. As the water evaporates, the silica hardens into unique formations of tiny spheres of the same shape and size.
Unique Opal Rings for your Engagement
An opal engagement ring might just be the engagement ring you are looking for that is perfect the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with.
Black Opal Engagement Rings
Fire Opal Engagement Rings
Natural Opal Engagement Rings
Vintage Opal Engagement Rings
Rose Gold Opal Engagement Rings
Silver Opal Engagement Rings
Gold Opal Engagement Rings
Choosing your Vintage Opal Ring
Opals are among the fragile of gems, subject to thermal shock and sensitive to humidity changes. They are gorgeous, but not very durable. However, you can still find beautiful vintage and antique opal engagement rings that have been past on from parents to children that are still in perfect condition.
An opal engagement ring is the sixth-most popular gemstone after diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, and tanzanite. While black opal is the largest-selling variety, boulder opal has a specific attraction to sellers, buyers, and collectors of these precious opal stones.
The main appeal for those who select an opal engagement ring is its unique play of iridescent color. Light diffraction produces a rainbow effect called opalizing. This inconsistency adds a magical touch to opal’s coloring together with the appeal of its unique form and shape. For this reason, couples who like to be unique and are not scared of the durability of gemstones pick an opal engagement ring.
The price of opal is determined by its uniqueness of color and form. The range of prices is wide and is based on the piece, not the carat size. Opal does lend itself perfectly to making one-of-a-kind artistic pieces of jewelry being assured only you have the perfect opal promise ring, engagement- or wedding ring.
The Evolution from Opal to Diamond
Diamonds only really became the must-have engagement ring gemstone in the early to the mid 20th century after an advertising campaign by De Beers. Before that, color gemstones were much more common to use for opal engagement rings.
In ancient times, opals were believed to be hugely lucky gemstones as it was believed they possessed the powers of all the gemstones of the colors in the opal. However, in the 1800s a character from a Walter Scott wore an enchanted opal stone and when it touched water, the character turned to ash. Pretty soon after that, opals lost their popularity for being an engagement or wedding ring and gained the diamond wedding ring more popularity.
Nowadays, finding the perfect vintage opal engagement ring has become a real obsession for many to-become-brides. We gathered a beautiful selection of modern and antique opal rings for your inspiration below.
What to look for in an Opal Ring
When you decided that you want to buy an Opal Engagement Ring then you should consider choosing the type and color first. As with many gems you also want to take into consideration the type of stone, the size, patterns, and brilliance.
Opal Ring Type
The value of opals is mostly determined by the type and size of the gem. Black opal is amongst the more expensive ones, whereas crystal opal has an average opal price and is white opal the least valuable.
Opal Ring Color
The more colors you see in an Opal Engagement Ring the more valuable the ring. Also, the dominant colors of fire have value in the order of red, orange yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.
Opal Ring Size
Similar to other gems like diamonds, opals are measured in carats. If all the other factors will be the same, then the bigger the opal the more valuable the opal is.
Opal Ring Patterns
The combination of colors and brilliance have a big effect on the value of the opal. Large flashes and broad patterns are unique, thus, valuable small types of pattern like pinfire.
Opal Ring Brilliance
The degree of brightness is of supreme importance. The more vibrant the colors in Opal Rings, the greater it’s value. A dull stone with many colors will be less valuable than an Opal ring with only one vibrant clear color.
Men’s Opal Rings
Are opal rings suitable for men? Mens opal rings are one of the world’s most marvelous gemstones and men from different parts of the world are fascinated by its striking colors. If you are planning to buy an opal ring then it is important that you should do your own research.
Opal is not as hard as diamonds. In fact, it ranks 5 or 6 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness while diamonds rank 10. The hardness of opal is the same as glass. Hence, it is very important that you should take precautions in order to make sure that your opal ring will not get damaged. There are a lot of ways that you can do to ensure the durability and security of your opal. You should consult an expert before buying opal rings for men.
An increasing number of men are now shopping for opal rings for men. Perceptive consumers who want to buy only the best. Men who are style conscious want to invest in unique jewelry deviating themselves away from the norm. All types of men, whether he is young or young at heart, should get an opal ring. Mens opal rings can add vivacity and a touch of lavishness to your style.
Men’s opal rings have excellent colors making them great for everyday wear. They are also a perfect gift for anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions. There is a myriad of designs and styles to choose from and each one of them is unique when it comes to its finishing or textures. Some opal rings are accentuated with precious gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires, and others.
Opal rings can look amazing on anyone. Most men choose a large solid opal ring. If you want to make a statement, then you should go for a black opal ring. However, keep in mind that they are a bit expensive. Some men prefer an inlaid opal ring. Most opal rings are set with claw settings which look more feminine. Men should choose “rub over” settings that look simple, sleek, and have the slightest feminine touch. Mens opal rings could be large and could include diamonds placed adjacent to the opal to increase the opal’s appeal.
Opal Engagement Rings Frequently Asked Questions
Buying an engagement ring is a big step forward in your relationship. You want to make sure you are as well-informed as possible when shopping. Here are some frequently asked questions about opal engagement rings to help guide you:
What do opal engagement rings stand for?
How long will an opal engagement ring last?
Can you wear an opal ring in the shower?
How do you pick a good opal?
Are opals cheaper than diamonds?
Buying Opal Engagement Rings
Each woman is unique just like the ring you are purchasing. There is a vast sea of jewelry available online for partners looking for opal rings; you just have to look out for them according to your own style, needs, taste, and budget. In the end, you know your fiancé better than anyone else.
Hence, when buying expensive opal engagement rings, you want to make sure you get it appraised and insured. Over time the value of opal jewelry goes up as long as it is being taken care of. You want to make sure your ring is insured because there is always the possibility of your ring being stolen or getting lost.
Be honest towards your budget, since you are probably also be paying for your wedding and your future together, don’t spend your life savings on your new engagement ring. You can always upgrade your ring over the years as a wedding anniversary gift!
Hey lovely readers! My name is Chantal and I am obsessed with everything accessory and jewelry. My husband (and best friend) John and I, have been writing content for this blog for over 4 years now started the RTP store with over 4000 curated accessories and jewelry. We are traveling around the world to find the latest products, negotiate the best prices and find the best quality for our readers. We have managed to make our passion for feeling and looking good into our work. We are always open to new product suggestion, improvements or feedback. If you would like to chitchat with me, email me here!
