Opal engagement rings are increasing in popularity among couples who like to go against the grain. These glimmering, iridescent stones are thought to be formed in desert environments when rainwater mixes with silica. They come in a variety of colors and are known for their colorful, kaleidoscopic sparks.
A favorite of Queen Victoria, these gems could be a surprising feature of an engagement ring for a woman who likes a Bohemian look. Less expensive than diamond rings, these engagement rings come in a wide range of prices and quality.
Comparison Table
Product FAQs
1. What Should You Look For?
People treasure opals for their uniqueness. They vary in color from black to white, with the entire color spectrum in between.
When used in jewelry, these gemstones fall into four types:
2. How Do You Know If A Ring Is A Good Value?
When it comes to these pieces of jewelry, bigger is definitely better. Larger stones have more room to show off their play-of-color; smaller ones have less fire because they simply don't have much space to show it off! Try to buy the largest, brightest stone you can afford.
Another important fact is that, compared to other gemstones such as diamonds, these iridescent stones are somewhat soft. You'll rarely see one cut or faceted like other gems because cutting facets might crack it. This softness affects the style of rings you'll find.
3. How Do You Take Care Of Your Engagement Ring?
One thing to consider before purchasing an opal engagement ring is the fact that most women like to wear their engagement rings every day. Since this is a soft stone, it's not a good choice for a woman who wants to wear her ring daily but works in a physical, hands-on career.
How We Reviewed
In order to compile an unbiased list of the best rings, we researched different ones in a wide price range. We examined the unique features of each ring, and we produced pro and con lists for each one we reviewed. We include our verdict on the best rings at the end of this article.
Overall Price Range Of This Product (And Similar Products)
Though often less expensive than traditional diamond engagement rings, these engagement rings still vary widely in price. The rings we reviewed varied in cost from under a hundred to thousands of dollars.
Settings also affected the price; many rings that we looked at used the claw or prong setting even though it is not ideal for these colorful stones. Bezel settings were higher priced than claw settings, however.
What We Reviewed
Fire Opal Teardrop Gold Ring
Features
This ring features 1-inch long teardrop shaped stone surrounded by cubic zirconias in a channel setting. The band is gold plated silver. The ring is available in several colors and three ring sizes.
The makers classify this as "fashion jewelry," which means it's not designed as an heirloom. The type of stone (solid, doublet, triplet, or simulated) is not specified.
Price
This product can be found on Ringtoperfection.com for between $ and $$
Pros
Cons
Dendritic Opal Ring With White Diamonds
Features
Dendritic opals are often white and feature a dark fern-like dark pattern. This was the only ring we reviewed with this unique design. At 1.5 by 1 cm, this was one of the largest stones in the rings we reviewed. This oval faced ring has a bezel setting of 18k true rose gold surrounded by diamonds.
Price
This product can be found on barneys.com for approximately $
Pros
Cons
Essential Ring
Features
This ring features 10K gold and an Australian opal in a smooth, minimalist, modern setting. Two diamonds flank the stone.
Price
This product can be found on Pamelalove.com for around $$$$
Pros
Cons
Features
This engagement ring includes an oval-shaped gemstone in a prong setting surrounded by conflict-free diamonds. The stone is 2mm by .42 inches.
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$
Pros
Cons
Features
This was the only ring we reviewed that included three different types of gemstones. Pink tourmaline and conflict-free diamonds flank the 1mm by 0.35-inch oval shaped stone.
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$
Pros
Cons
Features
This ring features a truly unique design that updates the classic style of a traditional diamond engagement ring. A claw/prong setting holds the stone.
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$
Pros
Cons
Features
This 8 by 6 mm oval gemstone in an antique setting is available in almost thirty sizes. Instead of gold, this ring features sterling silver, which adds to the antique look.
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$
Pros
Cons
Features
Though the gemstones in this ring are lab-created, the rose gold band is genuine, and the entire piece is beautiful. At 10mm, this was one of the largest stones we saw in our review.
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $
Pros
Cons
Features
This ring features gold vermeil (a 22-24k gold plating) over sterling silver in a unique design featuring two delicate, cubic zirconia studded bands framing a lab-created stone.
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $
Pros
Cons
Features
The 11mm simulated stone in this ring is one of the largest in the rings we reviewed. The traditional "engagement ring" prong setting features white gold for a modern feel. The diamonds and 10k white gold are authentic.
Price
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$
Pros
Cons
The Verdict
We selected two favorites: one in the higher price bracket and a second at the lower end of the price range.
For our higher end pick, we went with the Pamela Love Essential ring at about a thousand and six hundred dollars. The bezel setting provides peace of mind that the stone will stay securely in place.
The crisp, modern design is likely to appeal to someone who's not too attached to tradition. In other words, a woman who'd prefer an opal over a diamond.
At the lower price point, we chose the 925 Sterling Silver Real Genuine Opal Women's Band Ring for around less than a hundred and eighty. What we liked about this silver ring is that it wasn't designed to look like it was made from a different material.
Instead of covering the silver with gold plating, this ring lets the silver shine. It looks like a family heirloom and with care, it could certainly turn into one.
