Opals have a long and storied tradition. The word “opal” is said to have origins in Sanskrit as upala, which means “precious stone.” Subsequently, it moved to Greek as opallios, which means “to see a color shift.” Opals comes from when rainwater trapped in sedimentary rock layers evaporates, leaving behind silica deposits. They can be from different places throughout the world. Opals come in a variety of colors and shapes, from almost transparent crystal opals to the darker black opal. Natural opals feature a base hue that ranges from colorless to moderate gray, and these are the stones that make up the bulk of opal engagement rings.
If you want a more natural vibe, then boulder opal is a mixture of rock mass and opal that forms naturally. Fire opals, also known as Mexican fire opals, are translucent to transparent and are available in warm tones such as yellow, red, and orange, while Peruvian or blue opals come in blue and green shades. Black opals are the darkest as well as the rarest of all opals, and have a price tag that reflects their rarity. Synthetic opals, like many other gemstones, are available and can be distinguished from natural opals by the periodicity of the silica pattern.
The opal’s fascinating background will not disappoint you if you’re looking for symbolism in such an engagement ring stone. Opals have been shrouded in mystery since the Middle Ages due to their mystical light. Legends of opals vary from being considered bad luck to getting worn to fend off bad spirits. Caesars gave opal to their wives for good luck in Roman times, believing it to be the most powerful and effective gemstone.This romantic implication has been carried forward into contemporary times.
Choosing an Opal Engagement Ring
Opals displayed in jars of water or that look cloudy should never be purchased. Cloudiness may indicate that the stone is dry and on the verge of cracking. If the stone comes from an origin known for producing opals with high moisture content, some merchants would sell them in jars of water. These stones are more prone to cracking and crazing.
Color
One of the things to look at when you are looking to purchase an opal is the color of the stone. Go for an opal with a vibrant color show that is uniformly throughout the stone. The harlequin pattern, which uses a variety of colors, is the most valuable. It’s made up of a patchwork of diamond-shape streaks that run the length of the stone. The diamonds ought to be big in size. Any red-based play-of-color pattern is particularly popular. Pick up an opal and twist it in your hand while selecting one. All through the stone, look for a strong fire, particularly red fire.
Stone shape
The next thing to look for in an opal ring is the shape of the stone. Select an opal engagement ring stone with a pleasing shape. Because most opals are cut into cabochons, the stone ought to be symmetrical (not too narrow or wide if it is an oval) and have a sleek, complete dome. The dome enhances the color and fire of the stone, which is particularly beneficial for paler opals. As a result, check to see if the dome is dented.
Best Places To Buy Opal Engagement Rings
Capucinne
Capucinne has a wide variety of engagement rings to choose from. It is relatively simple to locate a high-quality opal engagement ring at a reasonable price. They also have pictures that can assist you in determining whether or not a ring is right for you. A Capucinne opal engagement ring is an excellent choice.
Jared
When it comes to jewelry online retail, Jared has gained a reputation. This company has quickly become one of the most popular places to shop for high-quality engagement rings. They have a variety of opal engagement rings for you to choose from. It’s always a good idea to buy from Jared.
Zales
For your opal engagement ring, Zales offers a balance of consistency and affordability. Zales is a company that has a stunning collection of opal engagement rings that are also affordable. Their customer service is outstanding, which can be accorded to their years of experience.
Opal Engagement Rings vs. Diamond Engagement Ring
The major difference between opal and diamond engagement rings is on their durability. While diamonds have a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, opals have a score of between 5.5 and 6. This means that they are a relatively soft stone. An opal engagement ring, unlike a diamond, is not a common option for an engagement ring. Opals are much softer than most diamonds, despite the fact that most gemstones are not quite as hard as diamonds. In contrast to opals, diamonds are more expensive per carat. Opals with excellent grades that occur naturally are extremely rare in contrast to diamonds.
Opal Engagement Ring Metal Options
The gemstone’s appearance will be influenced by the metal band option for opal engagement rings. An opal stone with a darker undertone would be ideal on a white gold metal. Rose gold as well as other warmer metals will highlight the gemstone’s rich deep hue. Palladium is another excellent metal choice for an opal engagement ring since it is both strong and less expensive than white gold. Palladium, unlike white gold, does not require rhodium plating after a period of time. Platinum will be an excellent choice for lavish opal engagement rings.
Common Setting Styles for Opal Engagement Rings
Certain setting style choices will aid in the preservation of your opal. Bezel settings, for instance, are common because they are the simplest way to secure opals while avoiding putting them under pressure. On opal engagement rings, a variety of setting types are used. The prong setting is amongst the most popular, with a single opal gemstone at the center and metal pins holding it to the prong. The majority of rings in this setting include four to six prongs.
Beautiful Examples of Opal Engagement Rings
Opal engagement rings have become more popular alternative engagement rings as they get more common. They are distinct in terms of style, setting, and even form. Opal engagement rings come in a variety of styles, including three stone, solitaire, as well as floral. Opals come in a variety of shapes, engagement ring styles, and sizes, including ovals, square cuts, round cuts, and cushion cuts. From the large selection of opal engagement rings accessible, you can be sure of a variety of options. We found stunning examples of opal engagement rings that we believe your significant other would adore.