Opal engagement rings are the highlights of the season, and the millennial brides are choosing opal above any other precious stones. Opals have several qualities that make them a crowd favorite. They are available in unique shapes and colors, along with the fact that they are incredibly reasonable when we come to the price part. Since opal rings are now experiencing a resurgence in the real sense, we will take you through several interesting facts and ideas about them. Presently, many designers around are working with opal and bringing out the best designs for you.
The gemstone used in an engagement ring is the unique part of it all, and everyone takes time to figure out what they want. In this case, if you are looking for something entirely meaningful, opal is what you must choose. Opal has been significantly crucial for ages now. Back during the Middle Age, opal was considered as the ‘Queen of gemstones’ and rightly so. It is because people during that time believed that someone who wears an opal ring could become invisible. However, such superstitions do not persist anymore, and there is no magical power to them too. Further, in this article, you will be able to read about several surprising facts about opal, and some beautiful opal engagement rings designs also.
Funny facts about opal engagement rings
- They say that you are a unicorn, and it is your perfect spirit animal when you say you love opal.
- There is an old saying that the gemstone is mainly for the ones who are born in October.
- Opal rings are more of a favorite if you are a moody person
- Heard of Monica Geller from F.R.I.E.N.D.S? Well, if her cleanliness inspires you, then a sparkling opal will perfectly suit your finger.
- A classic opal candidate is also the one who is calm and does not jump around all the time.
So, if one or more of the qualities here looks relatable, then congratulations, because you have passed the opal test with flying colors. Now, don’t be too harsh on yourself because you can also sport one of those opal engagement rings correctly, even if you have a birthday in some other month! The best way to propose with opal is to do things differently. Ditch that beach or restaurant proposal. Instead, propose her with an opal right after you both have attended a rock concert together! Sounds cool, right? Opal was always meant for people who are capable of thinking out of the box. The unique stone is available in all different shapes and hues. The characteristic qualities include fringe-like design, and that rustic, uncut shape that emits rainbow colors from it is what makes a fantastic opal.
Let’s get into some more facts
To date, Australia is recorded as the highest opal producer in the world, and they own almost 95% of the global market. However, the business scenario is changing nowadays, and other countries are trying to give a tough fight to Australia. The trump card that the other countries are using against the market leader is Ethiopian opals.
Opals in Ethiopia were discovered back in the 1990s though it took them several years to become a part of the primary market. Ethiopian stones were used to make opal engagement rings only around 2008 after the massive opal discovery in its Wollo Province. Now, a lot of people know about the difference between an Ethiopian opal and others because the former is more transparent to translucent in comparison to others. Also, the color-play that happens in an Ethiopian opal is much better than in any other variety. What is more, is that modern brides are now choosing Ethiopian opal due to their chic and stylish look along with the affordable prices. In the next section, we will tell you how to take care of your opal engagement rings.
Natural properties and maintenance of raw opal engagement rings
The relative density of any gemstone, including opal, is expressed by using the term ‘specific gravity.’ Now opals possess comparatively lesser specific gravity than any other gem. The reason is that opals are usually more porous. So, for example, suppose you see an opal and another gemstone of a similar size. Be sure that the opal will always be lighter than the other one.
Special care of opals
Here, you will learn about the maintenance of raw opal engagement rings.
1. Keep them dry
It is the most significant rule that you must follow when you own opals, especially opal engagement rings. Make sure that you are removing opal rings while bathing, washing your hands, or dishwashing. You must not even go swimming or steam-bathing with opals. Therefore, any activity that requires the involvement of water means that you must keep your opal ring away during that time.
If opals come in contact with fire or water, they will lose their color, and won’t look as good as before. However, there is a way out if that happens in a rare scenario when you have forgotten to keep your ring away. You can wipe the surface of the gemstone gently with a microfiber cloth and then let it dry in the air for at least 24 hours. The drying time maybe even more than that, depending on the width of the stone used in your ring.
An opal will take its course of time before it can restore its color-play capacity. Also, please do not use any artificial drying equipment such as a hair-dryer on the opal because that will make things worse. Lastly, never dip your opal rings in a water-bowl with soapy water to clean them. Opals hate water. Instead, you can wipe the surface with a soft cloth to remove dirt.
2. Avoid any chemical
As discussed earlier, there is still a way to restore the natural properties of opal engagement rings if they come in contact with water. What is worse is that they can lose their build-up and properties permanently in case they are exposed to chemicals, including detergent, soap, house cleaners, hair spray, perfumes, hand sanitizers. Therefore, it is a must that you remove your opal rings while doing any activity that requires the use of chemicals even for a second.
3. Keep your physical activities less
If you consider a Moh scale rating, that is usually used to check the resistance of gemstones, and you will understand how fragile an opal is. On the scale of 1-10, opals score at around 5-6. They stand below amethysts and above pearls, which score around 7 and 3-4, respectively. Therefore, you must keep away your opal rings while performing any substantial activity such as exercising, lifting, gardening, and more. Also, it is a suggestion that you store your opal engagement rings in a small cloth or plastic pouch when you are not using it. It will prevent any scratches and tarnishing.
Modern opal ring designs for you
Finally, you have reached the last and most favorite section of the article. In here, you will be able to check out a shortlist of some of the most amazing designs of engagement rings. The models are all interesting, unique, and meaningful, all who make a classic opal work. It is time you take a look at these and make an easy decision about which one you would want on your wedding day.
1. The traditional look
Vintage designs never become obsolete, and the list of modern opal ring designs would not look as unique if we would not start with this one. Well, you are correct, and we are talking about the classic “Punta Vista” design here. “Punta Vista” means the tip of the king’s crown that looks spectacular.
The design is, therefore, the one which is the most suitable to adorn the tip of a king’s crown. It looks simple yet extremely classy with no extra design or fringes. The look is neat with an even and round rim enclosing the spectacular stone. The design is for the ones who like to keep it smart and straightforward and are no-nonsense when it comes to their choices.
2. Rope ring
The name of the ring itself talks about the chic design. An opal enclosed within rope-like rims will suit anyone irrespective the gender. Therefore, it can be an excellent option for twinning engagement rings. You can get two of the same design, with a little difference in the size or shape of the stone. For example, you take a wider stone for the groom and a smaller one for the bride, because of girls like cuter things more. Also, opals always look great with silver or platinum more than any other metal. So, there you are sorted with a superb ring ceremony idea that will suffice the taste of both the bride and the groom.
3. Minimalistic design opal ring
For the ones who do not want either an extravagant ring or a plain one, a minimalist ring is precisely what they want. In these opal rings, the design will almost be like a “Punta Vista” one with slight changes here and there. First, the shape of the opal used will be oval and round. Also, there will be very small and pretty designs surrounding the stone. You can go with little flowers surrounding the gemstone or simple dots for a sweet look too. In this case, you can also go with a rose gold metal instead of using the same old silver or platinum. The color effect of the opal, along with the design, will give it the most royal look.
4. Drop and stone pattern
If budget is not the constraint, then you are suggested to consider this design the most out of all. The drop and stone is a unique pattern, and you can use a yellow diamond with it. The opal stone shape will be in a drop pattern, and the pointed side of the stone will be a small stone. It is still very minimal with a simple ring and nothing else.
The design is unmatchable if you choose this as an engagement ring. It will suit any attire, so you can keep wearing it daily. However, if you are wearing this one regularly, remember it will be challenging to maintain it. So, it is better you wear it on your big day and then store it away safely before you can wear it next. Also, wearing a ring like this means you will not need to stress much about any more accessories, even if you are going for a formal event.
5. The pear shape ring
You already know that jewelers all around the world are now coming up with more and more designs of opal rings. The pear-shaped ring is just another variety in the long list of designs. In this one, we have tried to come up with an excellent combination of a unique shape along with pretty patterns. To make it more transparent, the gemstone enclosed will be shaped like a pair, and the ring will have a rope-like design. You can also go for pointed dots instead of the rope design. The aim is to achieve the most stylish look in spite of keeping the traditionality of an opal.
6. The diamond and opal duo
We are ending the list with the most killer combination of all. It is the diamond-opal romance that is happening here. The ring, in this case, will best be studded with evenly cut, small diamonds, and the opal will be oval and straightforward. It is the ideal engagement ring if you love to be a little extravagant.
Final thoughts
Opal engagement rings are the new cool, and you know so much about wearing one and maintaining it from this article. Therefore, you can ditch your ordinary ruby, diamond, and emerald now and shift to this unique gemstone for a classier look.