Did you know that millennials are opting for alternatives to diamond engagement rings?
Diamond alternatives are becoming more popular for ethical reasons. Also because people want to find something more unique.
One of the best options for an engagement ring is the opal, which is a beautiful stone.
Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about buying opal rings before you make a purchase!
Opal Is a Gemstone
Many people confuse opal as a crystal, rather than a gemstone.
Opal is a gemstone, much like diamonds and sapphires. What makes them unique, however, is their diverse pattern with many colors. In the Middle Ages, opal got called the “magician’s stone” because of its colors and some people thought that it held the powers of every gemstone.
Gemstones consist of minerals and crystals that are precious or semiprecious. Most of the time they get cut, polished and used for jewelry.
They Are Slightly Delicate
Gemstones are typically hard to damage and have a tough exterior that helps protect their beauty.
Opal rings, however, need to be cared for properly to ensure that they last a lifetime. Since opals have water content within them, they can crack if they aren’t nourished. Many people recommend soaking opal in baby oil or water to prevent damage from drying out.
If you are planning to buy natural opal rings, talk to a specialist about how you should care for the ring. Once opal begins drying out, the integrity of the entire stone is at risk. Opal should also get put in a bag with cotton wool and some water if it will get stored until you are ready to pop the question!
Colorful and Unique
Many places sell opal rings, such as Wholesale Sparkle, which has a large selection.
Each opal gemstone is one-of-a-kind and can’t be replicated. The colorful pattern reminds people of a kaleidoscope because it can change colors under different light. Take your time to find an opal stone that matches your love’s personality and style.
Opals give off an iridescent rainbow pattern that appears to move. The main colors that are displayed in opals are red, green, blue, yellow, and pink. Some opals also have purple and aqua scattered throughout. The base of the stone is typically white, but you can also find black opals.
Black opals are the rarest color to come across, but they are worth the money. They have a special look to them that will catch the attention of everyone.
There a 4 Main Types of Opal
As mentioned above, the most popular types of opal are white or you can even look for black opal.
Black opal is identified by its dark background color. The rainbow colors of the opal look brighter and more defined against the black when compared to white or milky options. White and milky opals are the most common because they aren’t as rare and are much more affordable.
A crystal opal looks relatively close to the white opals, however, the background color is much more translucent. Some crystal opals have darker, and more natural colors visible, but they are still more see-through than others. Since the crystal background is more translucent, the colors are subtle compared to other options.
Another type of opal stone to get is the boulder opal. Boulder opals typically have a piece of rock that is attached to the gemstone and are much less valuable than the rest of the options.
Dark vs Light Tones
When picking out an opal engagement ring, you will want to consider the tone of the gemstone.
The tone of the stone is similar to the base color and it impacts the value. If you want a more valuable stone, look for opals with dark tones. The opal’s tone is important because it helps the various colors stand out and become more pronounced.
Your overall price will reflect the tone of your stone, so if you are looking for a great deal, stick with white bases. Light tones are easier to find and are, therefore, more affordable.
Brightness Matters
Much like the tone of opal, brightness is another factor that you must think about when making a decision.
Opals fall on a brightness grading scale that can include dull and subdued, bright, or brilliant. Brilliant opals are the most valuable stone because they flash each color off more than the duller options.
If you are looking to get a reasonably priced stone that still has a lot of beauty, try looking for bright options. Those on a budget can consider the dull and subdued, which still gives off a unique and colorful look.
The brightness is determined by penetrating light through the stones and seeing how the colors react. If you are making a purchase online, be sure to inquire about the brightness levels of each item you are looking at.
Watch for Dead Spots
Most opals are covered with various colors and don’t show much of the base.
When you are looking at opal rings, you will want to be cautious of dead spots. Dead spots are areas of the stone that don’t have all of the colors from the rainbow and they can affect the value of the stone. Typically, opals with dead spots fall into the dull category.
The fewer dead spots there are on your opal, the more valuable and colorful the ring will be. Since each stone is so unique, you will have to look at rings individually to determine the best-looking one.
What You Need to Know About Opal Rings
If you are looking for a unique stone to propose with, opal rings make a great alternative to diamond.
Opal rings for women are becoming more popular, as millennials swap out diamonds with alternatives. Opal is such a unique stone that displays nearly every color of the rainbow, making it largely attractive.
Take your time when finding opals so that you can get the brightest and most toned stone of the collection.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about custom opal rings and how to find the best jewelry!
