How To Pick The Perfect Opal Engagement Ring Stones

What is an Opal?

Opal is a precious stone which was first found on the riverside of Australia in 1877. This stone comes in many color; the common color available in the market is white or cream. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful gemstones. Opal is usually given to couples to mark their 14^th anniversary. The reason behind the beauty of this stone is the play of colors that it shows when contacted with light. During current times, Australia is considered to be the biggest market of natural Opal.

The mystical look of soft, blazing fire caught within translucent colors, makes Opal the most unique choice for engagement rings.

Opal Types and Value

Opal comes in many types which are as follows:

Natural Opal

These are the Opals which are untouched by mankind. They are further classified based on skin tone which is the color of the Opal and its transparency which varies from being opaque to transparent. Different types of natural opal gemstones include Common Opal, Precious Opal, Dark Opal, Boulder Opal, Matrix Opal and Fire Opal.

Triplet Opal

When natural Opal is infused with Quartz and is made thinner, it is called Triplet Opal

Doublet Opal

Doublet opals are natural Opals glued to strong backs such as iron. These are thicker than the natural Opal.

Quality Factors for Opal Engagement Ring Stones

Play of Colour

The play of colors is referred to as the change of colors that keep happening in these stones. It is a scientific phenomenon which makes this play happen. Opal is formed of Silica. These silica elements form microscopic spheres in the stone. When the light gets reflected from these spheres, it shows various colors. This can be considered similar to the prismatic effect as well. This reflection of light makes Opal a beautiful stone.

Shape

Opals are found in various sizes and shapes as well. Even though you can find two stones that look alike, you will never find two Opal stones that look alike. Stones for Opal rings are cut into round or oval shapes that are symmetrical and have smooth domes.

Thickness

Thinner Opal stones may appear see-through to the viewer's eyes. Therefore, jewellery stores often display them on black velvet. Ideally, an Opal's thickness should be enough so that the color appears translucent and the wearer's skin doesn't show through.

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