A Definitive Guide To Opal Rings

THE BASICS --

Opal is one of the most fascinating gemstones in the world. Its ever-shifting colors and patterns are so alluring that many call it "The Queen of Gems." Some opals flash all colors, while others are mostly reds and oranges or mostly blues and greens. This guide will help you pick the right opal ring, explains the symbolism and legends of opals, and describes the different types of opals.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• About Opals
• Factors to Consider When Choosing an Opal Ring
• Color
• Doublets and Triplets
• Mines
• Fire
  
• Meaning and Symbolism
• Magical
• Greek Legend
• Healing Properties
• Emotional Stability
• Inspiration
• Durability and Care Tips
• Celebrity
• Choosing An Opal Ring

About Opals

Opal is a luxurious, iridescent gem with fiery color that sparks from deep within the stone to give it a lifelike spirit and unique charm. Opals are formed when rain showers soak through underground rock formations. During dry spells, solid deposits of silica are formed between layers of sedimentary rock. These layers create opals.

Opals have a captivating, ever-changing shimmer that catches the light as you move. With their wide range of colors, they pair beautifully with both neutral tones and bolder outfits. Whether you prefer a classic or modern style, there’s an opal ring to match every taste and budget.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Opal Ring

Color

Fire opal is what we usually think of when we imagine an opal. It’s a mix of colors with patterns called flash, because they move and shift with the light. In terms of color, most fire opals come in three main color categories: white opal, black opal, and crystal opal. This describes the primary background color. While black opals are rarest and the most expensive, white and crystal opals are also stunning and valuable. A white or crystal opal with good color and fire is more valuable than a black opal without as much color. Mexican fire opal has very limited flash and is usually orange or red.

Doublets and Triplets

Sometimes opal with a beautiful color and fire come in a very thin vein, too thin to set by itself as a stone. Gem cutters will put a glass or quartz rounded cap on top of the stone to protect it and make it think enough to set. This is called a doublet opal. A triplet opal is ;an opal that's between a glass or quartz top and a stone bottom, usually onyx or some other dark stone. Most 19th century vintage opal engagement rings are solids, but later opal rings may be doublets or triplets.

Opal doublets and triplets are real opal, but not as valuable as solid opal because they aren’t as rare. As long as the jeweler discloses that a contemporary or a vintage opal ring is a doublet or triplet, you can feel secure buying one.

Mines

Australia is famous for opals, but opals also come from Africa, especially Ethiopia, Mexico, and the United States. They’re not just limited to the Earth, though. There are even opals on Mars. Opal deposits occur where water carried dissolved silica deep into the ground. As the water evaporated, it deposited the silica on bedrock, or matrix. If the silica formed in a particular grid-like pattern, it created fire opal. Different sizes of silica particles create the different colors.

Meaning and Symbolism

Magical

Opal is associated with magical powers, especially the power to appear and disappear. This probably comes from the way that colors appear and disappear as the stone moves.

Greek Legend

Ancient Greeks thought that opal gave its owners the gift of prophecy. In later European legends, opal came to symbolize truth and fidelity. Some also believed that magicians could harness the power of light within an opal.

Healing Properties

Emotional Stability

Opals are believed to promote emotional stability, helping to soothe the mind and release stress, making them ideal for those seeking inner peace and clarity.

Inspiration

Opals are said to enhance creativity and ignite inspiration, encouraging self-expression and fresh ideas.

History

Opals have a long and varied history in jewelry. During the Victorian era, they were often set in sentimental pieces, reflecting the romantic style of the time. These designs included delicate filigree work and symbolic motifs, with opals chosen for their mysterious play of color and emotional symbolism.

In the mid-20th century, opals became popular again, appearing in bold, statement jewelry that embraced the vibrant, unpredictable nature of the stone. Designers paired opals with yellow and rose gold, creating pieces that captured the spirit of the era.

Durability and Care Tips

Opals are soft, approximately 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, so if you have a solid opal, make sure that the setting protects the edges. Opals can dry out if you expose them to heat, especially dry heat, for a long period, so don’t wear one in the sauna. They’re also sensitive to some chemicals, so avoid wearing an opal in a swimming pool.

Celebrity

Hollywood has caught opal fever and has graced some of the most popular fingers in Hollywood, including Claire Danes, Taylor Swift, Cate Blanchett and the late great Liz Taylor. Any bride who chooses an opal ring joins this elite group of leading ladies who adore this stunning gemstone

Choosing an Opal Ring

Opal rings come in many styles, from simple solitaires to vintage halo designs. Diamonds and opals make a classic combination, while pairing opals with garnets captures the rich style of the Victorian era. Whether you’re drawn to the fiery colors of black opal or the soft glow of white opal, these rings are a timeless choice. Find the perfect opal ring to celebrate your love and let this unique gemstone become a lasting part of your story.

SUZANNE SACHS

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