What Is an Opal?
Opals are composed of microscopic spheres of silica and contain water ranges from 3 to 10%. With uniformly sized and shaped spheres, let opals show off their renowned play of colors, which is one of the things that sets them apart from other gemstones. “Precious opals” is the name given to these gems. Though, only 5% of all opals meet this condition. In contrast, most of the rest of the stones are known as “common opals.” Common opals are less popular than jewelry stones, even though they can be found in an array of exquisite colors.
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Precious opals have multi-colored flashes that move across their surface as well as brilliant body colors. Some even show colorful patterns that have received descriptive names like a harlequin, fern leaf, peacock, and rolling fire. These opals just have an ethereal, otherworldly appearance. In the mythologies of many different cultures, opals come from the heavens.
How to Buy an Opal Engagement Ring: Important Advice
- Decide on a rubbing-over (bezel) setting that works best for you. Opal engagement rings with rub-over settings are practically necessary, as they better protect and secure your opal. A thin gold bezel surrounds the stone’s edge, protecting it from damage and ensuring that it stays put. Claw settings, especially in rings, are less secure, offer less protection, and wear down over time.
- Boulder opal is more durable. Queensland boulder opal is more durable than other types of opal due to its highly hard natural ironstone backing. Boulder opal is the best choice for an opal engagement ring because of its unique color. Boulder opals are the most durable, but black opals, crystal opals, and white opals are also suitable. Boulder opals allow designers more freedom of expression due to their unique ‘free’ shape.
- A low cabochon-cut stone should be chosen (i.e., a dome on top). Opals with a high cabochon are more exposed and vulnerable to impact damage, so if your stone has a flat or low cabochon top, it’s less likely to be damaged.
An Opal Engagement Ring’s Aftercare Guide
To begin, opals are a delicate gemstone and should be handled with care. Also, keep in mind that synthetic opals are generally more potent than natural opals. Because opals are delicate gems, you should treat your ring with proper care. Always have the ring cleaned by a jeweler, as they are equipped to deal with the opal with respect.
We recommend that you treat your opal jewelry with respect and care so that it can be passed down to future generations as an heirloom. Never put them in the water, use harsh cleaning agents on them, or take them rock climbing (The hard way was learned by one of our clients.)
Opals can make a beautiful and long-lasting engagement ring if you choose wisely and treat them with respect. Many of our customers have requested opal engagement rings over the years, so if you have an idea in mind, send it to us via email, and we’ll get to work on it right away.
The size and type of stone you choose will determine the price of your opal ring. Contact us if you’d like to discuss custom-designing an opal engagement ring; we’d be delighted to assist you.
