Opal rings have gained immense popularity among individuals seeking unique and distinctive jewelry pieces due to their stunning play of colors. However, opals hold a deeper significance and are believed to possess calming and restorative properties.
If you’re searching for assistance in purchasing the finest opal engagement rings, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled this Learning guide to aid in your understanding of the following:
- What are opal engagement rings?
- Factors to consider when selecting an opal engagement ring
- The pricing of an opal engagement ring and how they are priced
- Tips on maintaining the quality of your opal engagement ring
- Among others!
Finding an impeccable opal ring need not be a complicated task. With appropriate guidance, anyone can acquire a one-of-a-kind and magnificent opal ring that provides exceptional worth for the price.
Are you ready? Excellent! Let’s begin!
Best Opal Engagement Rings
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Oval Opal Gemstone and White Topaz Engagement Ring in 10K White Gold
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Introducing our top pick for opal engagement rings: a stunning 10K white gold ring adorned with an oval opal gemstone and white topaz stones.
Featuring an 8 by 6mm oval cut center stone, this ring boasts a white base with subtle yet captivating flashes of color.
The band is crafted from lustrous 10K gold and boasts a tapered shank, typically embellished with sparkling white topaz gemstones.
To make things even better, the ring comes with a gift box, making it the perfect package to present to your loved one when you propose.
Pros
- Oval opal center stone measuring 8 by 6mm
- This ring features a classic solitaire design complemented by six accent stones in white topaz
- High-quality white gold construction
- It comes with a bonus gift packaging
Cons
- Center stone made of simulated opal
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Oval Opal and Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
AVAILABLE ON JAMESALLEN
The James Allen ring adorned with opal and diamonds is the epitome of luxury and elegance, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a statement piece.
The opulent aura of the design is enhanced by a circle of small, exquisite diamonds encircling the oval-shaped cabochon opal at the center.
The yellow gold band provides a stunning contrast against the iridescent opal, and is accented by multiple white diamond stones on the upper section of the band, adding even more sparkle to the already glamorous halo ring pattern.
Pros
- Contains a center stone made of natural opal weighing .81ct
- Embellished with 28 side stones in a round cut using diamonds
- Meticulously crafted using 14K solid yellow gold
Cons
- The color play of the oval shape might be too subdued for some preferences
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Oval Cabochon White Simulated Opal and Red Created Ruby
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Don’t let the understated appearance of this opal ring fool you – it’s packed with hidden beauty.
Boasting a 1.95 carat imitation opal center gemstone with a larger surface area than our previous picks, this ring displays stunning play of color which is quite hard to ignore. In fact, some may argue that it’s even more desirable as compared to their natural counterparts available on the market.
The opal gemstone is flanked on both sides by cubic zirconia gems and simulated round-shaped ruby, adding a smidge of sparkle and color to the overall design.
The silver band keeps the cost of the ring affordable, without sacrificing on beauty and durability.
If you’re searching for a ring that exudes a splash of color, Oval Cabochon Opal ring definitely won’t disappoint.
Pros
- Features an oval-shaped opal stone at the center weighing 1.95ct
- Adorned with side stones made of simulated cubic zirconia and ruby
- Band crafted from .925 sterling silver
Cons
- The stones utilized in this particular design are all man-made or synthetic.
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Natural Opal and Cultured Pearl Victorian Engagement Ring in .925 Sterling Silver
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
This stunning Victorian-style ring in sterling silver boasts a unique and distinctive design.
Featuring a center stone that is oval-shaped and has a natural white color.Plus, it’s flanked by two perfectly coordinated cultured pearls, this ring has a vintage appeal that is hard to resist. The opal’s milky hue is further enhanced by the pearls’ luminous quality.
What sets this ring apart is the intricate swirling pattern of the band in Victorian style, which is crafted from .925 sterling silver. The band adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall design.
Pros
- Center stone made of natural opal
- Side stones made of cultured pearls
- The band in Victorian style creates a vintage, timeless aesthetic
Cons
- The band’s vintage look may make it appear unfinished to some.
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White Simulated Opal and Cubic Zirconia Infinity Ring in .925 Sterling Silver
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
At the bottom of our catalog is the oval and cubic zirconia opal ring, notable for its infinity band shaped like a heart.
The center stone, which is a simulated opal is set in 4-prongs, making it a more affordable option for those on a tight budget. However, if you prefer a natural gemstone, you may want to consider other options. The cubic zirconia gems adorn either side of the center gemstone, emphasizing the silver band’s heart-shaped design.
Pros
- The center stone of this ring features an oval opal, which is known for its captivating play of color and unique patterns.
- The side stones are made of cubic zirconia, a high-quality, man-made gemstone that is known for its brilliant sparkle and durability.
- The band of the ring is designed in an impeccable infinity heart-shaped pattern, which symbolizes everlasting love and commitment.
Con
- It is important to note that the white opal used in the center stone is synthetic, meaning that it is lab-created rather than a naturally occurring gemstone.
What is an Opal Engagement Ring?
An opal engagement ring is usually highly coveted for its exceptional appearance and properties, just like other opal jewelry. Opal has a fascinating cultural history, with even Ancient Roman intellectuals admiring its distinct play of colors, which encompassed hues like amethyst, ruby, topaz, sapphire and emerald.
It was considered the most precious gemstone by the Romans. Opals have been given various incomparable names like Pandora, Empress, and Light of the World. Bedouins even believed that opals were gems that descended from the sky amidst thunderstorms.
Opal is the birthstone for October and is formed when silica gel fills gaps in rock. During the drying process, the silica is accumulated in tiny spheres, that resemble miniature pingpong balls inside a box.
The shimmering display of colors arises due to the diffraction of light caused by the arrangement of silica spheres that come in diverse hues and patterns.
Unlike diamonds that may seem identical when they have the same cut, clarity, carat weight, and color, opals are one-of-a-kind gemstones that vary from each other. This unique characteristic makes opals particularly appealing for a range engagement rings.
Opals come in a restricted range of designs and forms, with oval cut being highly sought-after. Other shapes include cushion, round and teardrop cuts, while emerald, princess, and marquise cuts are not common for opals.
Types of Opals
Below is an overview of some of the sought-after varieties of natural opal:
- Light opal: It’s also called white opal, which is the most popular variety employed in the creation of opal jewelry. It features a lighter base tone that ranges from milky white to colorless or medium gray, which doesn’t show colors vividly like other varieties.
- Black opal: The most valuable type, that you can find in the Lightning Ridge. Despite its name, black opals aren’t actually black, but have a relatively dark base tone than white opals. What’s more, the play of color is more distinguishable due to the sharp juxtaposition with the dark base hue.
- Fire opal: These translucent to transparent opals have red, orange, and yellow colors, but typically don’t display play of color like light and black opals. They’re found in Querétaro, Mexico, and some specimens may exhibit green flashes.
- Boulder opal: The rock naturally forms a section of the gemstone, setting it apart from other types. It’s mainly found in Western Queensland, Australia and can be black or light. Boulder opal is more likely to cleave and create two highly polished faces.
Are Opal Engagement Rings Cheap or Expensive?
The price of an opal ring is usually determined by three different factors: the quality of the opal, the craftsmanship quality (type of metal), and the presence of any side stones. Let’s delve into each factor in detail.
Opal Quality
When looking to purchase an opal engagement ring, the primary aspect to take into account is the quality of the center opal stone. The category of opal utilized will play a significant role in determining the final cost. Black opal rings are rarer and more beautiful, making them significantly pricier than light or white opal rings.
Assuming you have a limited budget, opting for a center stone in a white hue would be a more financially wise decision.
The color intensity also affects the price. The cost of a ring increases with the brightness and intensity of its hues. Additionally, the proportion of play-of-color in relation to the background color can affect both the value and caliber of the jewelry. A higher percentage of play-of-color results in a more expensive ring.
It’s possible to negotiate between the saturation and ratio of hues for a greater worth opal type or a larger central gemstone.
Opals with inclusions and blemishes are assumed to be of low quality and will be relatively cheaper as compared to their blemish-free and eye-clean counterparts.
Craftsmanship Quality
The cost of opal engagement rings differ based on the craftsmanship quality and the kind of metal employed. Platinum rings are the most expensive, while 14K gold is the norm for most engagement rings as it offers superior quality at an affordable price range.
Rings made from 18K and 24K gold are usually more expensive due to the higher gold quality. An opal engagement ring can be crafted from rose gold, white, and yellow that ranges from 10K up to 18K. However, a sterling silver ring is more affordable but no less beautiful or durable.
Side Stones
It’s essential to take into account any accompanying stones in the ring’s design as they can also impact the total cost of your opal ring. The type of stone will affect the cost – the more precious the side stones, the more expensive the ring. Diamond and opal engagement rings are more expensive as compared to rings with opal center gems and side stones made of cubic zirconia.
Choosing the Best Opal Engagement Ring
If you want to get the best value for your money when looking for an opal engagement ring, there are several factors to consider.
To ensure you obtain the highest quality for the price paid when looking for an opal engagement ring, start by selecting premium grade opal center gemstone. Natural opals that have intense color plays are desirable, they can also be costly.
To compromise, consider going for an opal ring that has a small center stone weighing a carat or even less. Alternatively, go for an opal with washed-out colors and a milky white base tone. You can also opt for a ring made of a simulated or artificial opal, which is less valuable than natural opal stones with the same characteristics.
Craftsmanship-wise, 10K gold rings and its 14K counterpart offers a degree of worth in proportion to the amount of money paid and sterling silver is an affordable option as well. When it comes to side stones, they are not as crucial as the center gemstone, and any defects will be less noticeable due to their small size.
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Ultimately, you can still find a stunning and meaningful opal engagement ring without breaking the bank.
Cleaning Opal Engagement Rings
An opal engagement ring is a low-maintenance option for those leading active lifestyles. Mild dish soap and warm water are quite effective at removing oil buildup an grime yet gentle, making them ideal for almost all jewelry metals and opal types, including black and white opals.
Follow these steps to clean opal engagement rings:
- Mix a small amount of gentle detergent with lukewarm water in a dish.
- Allow the band to immerse in the solution for a period of 10 to 15 minutes.
- Take a mild-bristled toothbrush and delicately scrub off any dirt and grime from the band and center gemstone, being cautious not to exert excessive force that could result in damage to the ring. Place particular emphasis on the regions surrounding and underneath the gemstone at the center.
- Flush with water. Should there remain any residual grime on the ring, redo steps 1 through 4.
- Gently jiggle the ring to eliminate any remaining water droplets, then utilize a hair dryer set to the lowest temperature to completely dry the ring.
It’s important to avoid mechanical systems of cleaning such as steam, boiling, and ultrasonic machines when cleaning opal jewelry.
Best Places to Buy Opal Engagement Rings
After learning about what to consider when choosing an opal ring and different ways to care of it, it’s time to explore best places to buy one.
AVAILABLE ON BRILLIANTEARTH
It’s always wise to purchase from a reliable and reputable jeweler who offers a broad selection of premium grade products at fair prices. James Allen ranks high up among jewelers with more than 20 years of experience in the industry, offering a range of stunning opal rings made from high-quality materials.
Shopping with a professional jeweler like James Allen will give you peace of mind and confidence in your purchase.
If you’re on the hunt for a greater variety of opal engagement rings at various price points, Amazon is a great option. With a wide range of rings that you can choose from, you’ll have more freedom in selecting the perfect design, plus the added bonus of discounts and special offers to help you save money.
On the other hand, we recommend against buying on marketplaces such as Etsy. This is because most of their products lack warranties and are of poor quality in terms of craftsmanship. Plus, they cannot match those of Amazon and James Allen.
Best Option
Our top choice for a balance of beauty and affordability is this white topaz and oval ring. Although the quality of the gold may not be as high as James Allen’s ring, the price tag is reasonable considering the product’s quality and benefits. Plus, the superior craftsmanship compared to the sterling silver recommendations on our list.
What we love about this ring is the reverse tapered shank, which enhances the appearance of the oval gemstone and creates the illusion of a relatively large stone. Additionally, the white topaz provide a stunning sparkle to its impeccable design without adding to the cost of the opal ring.