Opal Jewellery

How To Pick The Perfect Opal Engagement Ring

Although diamonds have traditionally been the gemstone of choice for engagement rings, many women today are looking for something a little bit different and unique. This is where opal engagement rings come in – they’re lightweight, big and bold. No one will ever have an opal that is exactly the same as someone else’s, which makes them the very definition of “one of a kind”. But how can you go about picking the perfect one?
 
The appeal of opals lies in their radiant colours, which can often be seen bouncing inside the stone. This kaleidoscope of colour is called opalescence and can display every colour of the rainbow, from purple to red. If you’re looking for something to represent the individuality of the bride, there is nothing better.
 
With so many colours and varieties of opal available, choosing the perfect one can be difficult. Here are some things to consider:
 
  1. Shape
    Most opals are oval in shape, as the rough material best lends itself to this shape. If you’re looking for a boulder variety, however, they are usually kept in a free form shape.
     
  2. Body Colour
    The body tone of the stone (either light, dark or something in between) will determine how the opal colour shows. The darker the body, the brighter the colour will be.
     
  3. Opal Colour
    The colour of the opal determines its value. Purple and blue are the most common moving into greens, yellows. Orange and red are the rarest and, therefore, the most expensive.
     
  4. Location
    It is not unusual for a certain location to hold sentimental value for a person or couple. If an opal is produced in this area, it could be a thoughtful and beautiful choice.
 
As opal engagement rings are intended to be worn every day, they will require some special care. Most rings will have the opal bezel set with metal surrounding the edges, which will help to protect it. A traditional solitaire design, however, can be worn if it will not be exposed to harsh environments.
 
We have found that opals can be complemented by yellow gold, white gold, platinum and even silver. We do, however, recommend choosing the stone before choosing the metal that the band will be made from – as some colours will better complement the metal than others.
 
Did you know that the opal is Australia’s national gemstone? This is where almost all of the world’s finest opals are produced. It has been growing in popularity over the last few years, with many jewellers all around the world starting to create some amazing rings.
 
If you have decided that an opal engagement ring is the ideal choice for yourself or your sweetheart, we hope that the information provided above has enabled you to choose the perfect one. Choose a reputable dealer who has a long history with opals, as this will ensure that you have ample stones to choose from and that the finished ring will be everything you wanted and more. Also remember to do your research so you know what you’re looking for.