How to Choose the Perfect Opal Rings

Opal rings are one of the most flamboyant formsblues, greens, purples and flashes of orange red
of opal jewelry. They have been prized down theand pink. And although many people believe that
ages for their breathtaking opalescence andthe best gemstones have the widest range of
dramatic range of color flashes. They have beencolor play, this is again very subjective. It is the
considered lucky charms capable of bestowingstrength and vibrancy of the colors that makes a
many powers on the wearer including beauty,good opal. This means that you might prefer a
success and happiness as well as the powers ofgemstone with a bold blue and green color play to
prophecy and foresight. And they symbolize hopeone which has a lot of colors but no life to it.
and purity too. But it is their beauty, which makesAnd if you are choosing an opal ring for someone
opal rings perfect gifts.else, say for an engagement ring, try to choose a
When looking for the best opal ring you first needgemstone which incorporates their favourite
to focus on finding the ideal gemstone for thecolors in its color play.
centerpiece. This can be quite difficult becauseThe best opal rings have high domed cabochon
there are a wide range of gemstone types butgemstones at their centers to maximise the color
whether you choose a black, white, boulder, fire,and make the most of its clarity. Superb clarity is
jelly or any other opal, the most important thingimportant because any included sand particles can
to look for is the brilliance of the internal fire.ruin the opalescence of the gemstone and with it,
Like diamonds, opals are graded four waysthe appearance of the ring.
according to their pattern, colors, shape andOnce you have found your perfect opal, make
clarity. Apart from clarity, which must be good,sure it is set beautifully into a quality precious
these gradings are essentially descriptivemetal setting. The ring will look best if you choose
classifications which can be interpreteda metal color matching the gemstone base color.
subjectively. After all everyone will pick a differentBlack opal rings always look best when made
shape stone with different colors and patterns offrom white gold, silver or platinum but white and
opalescence for their favorite! But the best opalsboulder opals can look wonderful in white or
all have strong and striking plays of color.yellow metal depending upon the color plays within
Gemstones with poor clarity and weak color playsthe gemstone itself.
do not make attractive rings.Finding the perfect opal for your ring can take a
Some opals exhibit a wide range of colors includinglot of effort. However, the end result is worth it!