Opal Engagement Rings

Australian opals are renowned for their unparalleled beauty and vibrant play of colour, making them a stunning and unique option for engagement rings. Unlike traditional diamonds, opals offer a rainbow of colours that can change and shift with the light, creating a mesmerising effect that is both captivating and one-of-a-kind. The Australian Opal and Diamond Collection have over 30 years experience in crafting unique opal engagement rings and can help walk you through the process of creating your one-of-a-kind opal engagement ring.

Symbolism of Opal Engagement Rings

Opal engagement rings carry rich symbolism, making them a meaningful choice for couples seeking something unique. Opals symbolise love, passion, and creativity. Their ever-changing colours represent the dynamic nature of relationships and the beauty of individuality. An opal engagement ring is a testament to a couple's unique bond and shared journey, offering a personal touch that few other gemstones can match.

Types of Opals Used in Opal Engagement Rings

When choosing a natural Australian Opal for your opal engagement ring, there are countless options. Not only are there various types of opals, but each opal is unique and no two opals are the same. This is one of the reasons why opal engagement rings are increasing in popularity. There is no 'right' option when choosing an opal for an opal engagement ring, as this comes down to your partner's personal preference and taste. However, we recommend choosing a type of solid opal as listed below, as opposed to doublet or triplet opals.

Black Opal Engagement Rings

Black opals, primarily found in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, are known for their dark body tone which enhances the vibrant play of colour. They are the rarest and most valuable type of opal, often displaying a spectrum of bright colours that seem to dance on the stone's surface. The dark background of black opals makes the colours stand out more vividly, creating a dramatic and stunning effect.

Crystal Opals for Engagement Rings

Crystal opals have a transparent to translucent body and exhibit a brilliant play of colour. They are prized for their clarity and the way they reflect light, making them a dazzling choice for an engagement ring. The transparency of crystal opals allows for a depth of colour that can be especially striking, as light passes through and interacts with the internal structure of the stone. Crystal Opals are an excellent choice for those who prefer light and vibrant hues of colours such as red, green, blue and yellow.

Boulder Opals

Found in Queensland, Australia, boulder opals are formed in ironstone. Their striking patterns, unique shapes and vibrant colours make them a perfect choice for unique opal engagement rings. The presence of the ironstone matrix often adds a dramatic contrast that enhances the opal's beauty. Boulder opals are known for their durability and the natural, earthy appearance created by the ironstone backing.

Milky Opals

Milky opals, also known as white opals, have a white or light body colour. They are less vivid than black opals but still exhibit beautiful play-of-colour effects. Milky opals are often more affordable, making them a great option for those looking for a stunning solid opal within a budget. Their soft, pastel colours can create a delicate and romantic look.

What to Consider When Choosing an Opal for an Engagement Ring

Colour and Opal Play of Colour

The most striking feature of an opal is its play of colour, which can include flashes of every colour of the rainbow. Opal play of colour is a phenomenon where the gemstone displays a vibrant array of colours that shift and change with the angle of light and viewing. This optical effect is caused by the diffraction of light through the microscopic silica spheres within the opal, creating a dynamic, rainbow-like display that can include flashes of red, blue, green, yellow, and more. The play of colour is one of the most captivating and defining characteristics of opals, making each stone unique and visually stunning. Look for vibrant, well-distributed colours that catch the light beautifully. The more intense and varied the colours, the higher the quality of the opal. High-quality opals will display a full spectrum of colours that are evenly distributed across the stone.

Clarity

While inclusions are common in opals, high-quality stones will have fewer imperfections. Clearer opals often command higher prices. Clarity in opals refers to the transparency and the absence of internal fractures or cloudiness. A clear, translucent opal with minimal inclusions will generally be more valuable and visually appealing.

Opal Cut and Shape

Opals are typically cut into cabochons (rounded, polished shapes) to best display their colour. The shape should enhance the stone's natural beauty and allow for the best play of colour. Common shapes include ovals, rounds, and teardrops.

Opal Patterns

The pattern of colours in an opal can significantly affect its value. Patterns such as harlequin, pinfire, and flashfire are highly prized. The arrangement and distribution of the play of colour within the opal are unique to each stone and can range from broad flashes to small pinpoints. Highly desirable patterns will be well-defined and cover a large portion of the opal's surface.

Opal Engagement Ring Settings

  • Prong Setting

    A prong setting holds the opal securely while allowing maximum light to pass through, enhancing the stone's brilliance. This setting is ideal for showcasing the opal's play of color. However, because opals are softer than diamonds, prong settings must be carefully designed to protect the stone from damage.

  • Bezel Setting

    A bezel setting encircles the opal with a metal rim, offering excellent protection against damage. This is particularly important for opals, which can be more fragile than other gemstones. The bezel setting provides a sleek, modern look and ensures that the opal is securely held in place, reducing the risk of damage.

  • Halo Setting

    A halo setting surrounds the opal with a ring of smaller diamonds or gemstones, adding extra sparkle and emphasizing the opal's beauty. This setting can make the opal appear larger and more brilliant by reflecting additional light onto the stone. Halo settings are popular for their luxurious appearance and ability to enhance the overall visual impact of the ring.

Opal Engagement Ring Design Inspiration

Solitaire Opal Rings

Embodying simplicity and grace, solitaire opal rings feature a solitary opal gemstone as the focal point. This minimalist design celebrates the opal's natural allure, offering a timeless symbol of enduring love and commitment.

Halo Opal Rings

Adorned with a halo of smaller gemstones encircling the opal, these rings exude a captivating radiance. The halo setting not only enhances the opal's luminosity but also adds a touch of glamour, making it a favourite design option with our customers.

Vintage Style Opal Rings

Steeped in nostalgia and intricate detailing, vintage-inspired opal rings evoke the romance of bygone eras. From delicate filigree patterns to ornate engravings, these designs exude an old-world charm that resonates with admirers of vintage aesthetics.

Opal Cluster Rings

Bold and mesmerising, cluster rings feature an array of opals arranged in captivating formations. Whether clustered together or fashioned into floral motifs, this style makes a striking statement, perfect for those who dare to stand out.

Opal and Diamond Engagement Rings

Combining the ethereal allure of opals with the timeless brilliance of diamonds, these rings epitomise sophistication and harmony. Opal and diamond engagement rings are timeless and elegant choice.

Why Choose AODC

We have over 30 years experience creating unique opal engagement rings. Our experienced team can guide you through the process of creating your opal engagement ring from design, opal selection, settings and more. Contact us today or visit our Adelaide showroom to find out more.

Get in Touch

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Opal Suitable for an Engagement Ring?

Yes, opals are suitable for engagement rings. While they are softer than diamonds, proper care can ensure they last a lifetime. Choose a protective setting, such as a bezel, and follow care guidelines to keep your opal ring looking beautiful.

ow to Care for an Opal Engagement Ring?

To care for your opal engagement ring, avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and physical impact. Clean it gently with mild soap and water. We also recommend removing your opal ring when showering or washing dishes.

How Much Are Opal Engagement Rings?

The cost of opal engagement rings varies based on the quality of the opal and the design of the ring. Factors such as the type of opal, the setting, and the metal choice will influence the overall cost. Our friendly staff are happy to assist in working with your budget and explaining the options available to you.

How to Clean An Opal Engagement Ring?

Clean your opal engagement ring using mild soap and warm water. Use a soft brush to gently remove dirt. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals. For best results, have your ring professionally cleaned periodically to maintain its shine and beauty.

Have a Question? Get in Touch