7 Tips for Buying The Best Opal Ring

Patrick Adair Designs

When it comes to incredible gemstones, opals are by far one of the most versatile and intriguing. The birthstone for October, this multicolored stone is a beautiful option for jewelry due to its unusual, one-of-a-kind look. Next to a brilliant diamond, a precious opal will look just as stunning and reflective. With so many options out there from Australian opals to Ethiopian opals, if you're on the hunt for a new opal ring, read on for a list of seven tips to help you find the perfect one for you.

1. DURABILITY OVER ANYTHING ELSE

As you search for an opal ring, keep in mind that you'll want to choose something durable, and that can hold up well to lots of wear. This is especially crucial if you live in active lifestyle or work with your hands for a living. You definitely don't want your new ring to crack, end up with a loose stone, or become scratched.

Opal jewelry tends to be a bit more on the fragile side. Precious opal isn't as hard as other gems so it is more vulnerable to scratches and cracks. If durability is your number one concern, consider going for a synthetic or lab grown opal ring. Synthetic opal is a lot more durable while still looking the part.Look for an opal ring infused with resin or housed in a white gold setting to give it durability and strength. Never compromise when it comes to the quality of opal rings, and make sure that they're crafted by a skilled jeweler so you know that your new investment will last.

2. KNOW THE OPAL BRIGHTNESS SCALE

Just like diamonds and other precious stones, opal is graded based on a variety of scales, including brightness. Precious opal has a brightness scale with four different categories - dull, subdued, bright, or brilliant - with dull and subdued considered the least bright and colorful of the bunch.

Of course, precious opal rings that are rated as "bright" will have much more flashes of color and more variation. Dull or subdued opal is a bit darker and less flashy, which isn't always a bad thing. If you are looking for something more subtle, dark opals are beautiful in their own right.

Think about the way you want your opal ring to look, and how bright and brilliant you want it to be. Explore a variety of opal types to find one that suits your personality, style, and fashion sense.

3. PICK THE PERFECT COLOR FOR YOUR OPAL RING

Due to its unusual properties, opal comes in a rainbow of incredible colors that range from brilliant greens and deep blue to green and pink. Whatever color you are looking for, there is a high chance that you'll be able to find it. When you're looking at opal rings for sale, make sure you select one in a hue that will work with your clothing and style.

Rings that are in wild colors or something that's too bright might not go with most of the things you wear every day. It's best to select a ring in a versatile color, so it's easier to coordinate with your daily outfits.

However, if you want to stand apart from the crowd, or you like things a little bit funky, feel free to choose something in a wilder, brighter color! Shop and research a variety of rings and opal types to help you determine which style and color will suit you best.

4. CLOSELY EXAMINE THE CLARITY OF THE STONE

Similar to diamonds, rubies, and other precious stones, opal has varying degrees of clarity. Inclusions and other flaws may not just reduce the value of the stone, but also affect how bright it shines.

Be on the lookout for crazing or minor cracks when you're shopping for real opal rings. This crazing is typically found on the surface of the opal, and it's more common in antique or vintage rings than it is on new ones.

If you notice small flecks of sand or debris embedded into the opal, this will also affect the value negatively. The clearer, brighter, and smoother your opal ring is, the more valuable it is and the better it will look when worn.

5. AUTHENTIC VS SYNTHETIC

Synthetic opal might look beautiful, but it's certainly not worth as much as genuine opal, however synthetic opal will last much longer than authentic. When you're exploring opal rings for sale, you'll have to ask yourself if you value authenticity over durability. Good synthetic or lab-grown opal will look almost identical to authentic opal to the naked eye. At the end of the day, it comes down to whether or not you want an authentic precious opal ring that is fragile or a synthetic opal ring that will last a lifetime.

6. LEARN ABOUT THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF OPAL

In terms of the stone itself, opal comes in a variety of styles or types. Black opals have a darker tone and are known to be some of the rarest of the bunch, which also makes them more valuable. In general, dark opals are a bit less sought after since they aren't flashier than bright white opals. Boulder opals are classified as dark opals. They're a bit more durable thanks to a tough ironstone backing.

One of the most common types of opal is white opals, which have a milky white body and flecks of iridescence. Crystal opals have a clear or transparent appearance that tends to include small flecks of yellow gold or shimmering metal.

7. CHOOSE A RING YOU'LL LOVE

Overall, it's most important to select an opal ring that you'll enjoy wearing. From the brightness and clarity to the type of stone, ultimately your ring should be something you're proud to wear and show off.

Explore a variety of men's opal rings and look at the shape, color, and design. Once you find the perfect ring, you'll have a stunning piece of jewelry that you can enjoy wearing for years to come.

SAY HELLO TO OPAL

With its brilliant array of colors and unique design, it's no surprise that opal is one of the world's most coveted stones. Shop for an opal ring and get ready to add the "wow" factor to your look.

To shop our latest collection, visit our store online and contact us today if you have any questions so we can help you find the perfect ring for you. Our opal collection consists of solid bello opal rings as well as opal inlay rings.

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