Buy the Best Opal Ring at a Reasonable Price

all the gemstones, the opals alone are special for their dazzling looks and for the iridescent effect that they display. These stunning stones they are polished and highly valued for their ability to reflect light in a shade of color and thus the opal ring is not likely to be twins.

As for the moments when a person chooses a ring for himself or herself, as well as for someone close, it is always very interesting to buy an opal rings.

Nevertheless, choosing the best opal ring to buy at a reasonable price is very difficult unless one knows what to opt for. Below, we will map out how one can select the right silver opal ring with the help of guidelines that will help you avoid mistakes and screw up.

Why Choose an Opal Ring?

Due to the unique appearance of opal when it comes to color patterns, the opal is also known as the “Queen of Gems”. In contrast to any other gemstone, the opals have ability to produce phenomenon called ‘play-of-color,’ which occurs behind the stone when it is swung under the light.

Each opal is end product is different and so if someone wants a piece of jewelery that is not going to be replicated they should consider an opal.

Because of the attraction and elegance that is associated with opal ring they are used in various aspects in life in normal and occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, engagements among others. It is thus easy to conclude that the designs also have very sensitive looking and refined, as well as timeless looks.

When combined with gold, silver or platinum, opal can make jewelry the one that will make everyone jealous and shine at the same time.

Understanding Opal Types

It is important to know the various kinds of opals that exist in the market before one decides to buy an opal ring. There are different types of opals and the type that you select will determine the cost, hardness and the overall look of the ring.

White Opals

Light opals or white opals are the most common type of opals and they have a white or light body color with bright play of color. They are usually cheaper than other types, which is a plus for consumers who wish to save money. White opals are more delicate in appearance and are ideal for delicate and beautiful jewelry.

Black Opals

Black opals are the most prized opals because of their black background which enhances the display of colours. Black opals are mostly found in Lightning Ridge, Australia and they tend to be more expensive than other opals but there are some good deals out there if you look hard enough.

Boulder Opals

Boulder opals are found in ironstone rock and are characterised by their natural look and beautiful patterns. They can be very colorful and at the same time can have a more country, natural feel to them. Boulder opals are generally more hard wearing than other types because of the ironstone matrix – this is something to consider if you are wanting your fire opal ring to last.

Fire Opals

The major difference between fire opals and other types of opal is that the former do not necessarily display play-of-color. They are not cool but warm colors such as yellow, orange and red. These opals are usually mined in Mexico and can be fairly cheap, provided they do not exhibit the play of color as is characteristic of opals.

Factors to Consider When Buying an Opal Ring

When shopping for an opal ring, it’s crucial to take several factors into account to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Quality of the Opal

The play-of-color is another factor that is used to determine the quality of an opal since the higher the play-of-color the better the quality of the opal. The more vivid and the larger the area of the color flashes, the greater is the value of the opal.

Choose opals that show clear and evenly distributed colors on the surface and the colors are easily seen from different directions. Be careful with the cracks and inclusions because they are the factors that define the durability and the price of the stone.

Size and Shape

Opals can be found in different forms and sizes; they can be cut into small round shaped cabochons or even large freeform pieces. However, it has been discovered that the bigger opals look more attractive but they are relatively expensive.

However, small opals are also beautiful and can make a great impression if used in the right design. The size and the shape of the opal for the ring depends on your budget and the personal preferences.

Setting and Metal Choice

The metal setting of an silver opal ring can greatly influence the price of the ring in question. Opals are best set with gold (white, yellow, or rose), silver or platinum. However, the platinum and gold are slightly costly as compared to sterling silver settings, which can be a good option in case of cost constraint.

The type of metal used can also bring out the color of the opal; yellow gold for instance will bring out the warm colors in fire opals while white gold or silver will give a more modern look to black or white opals.

Opal Treatment

Some of the opals available in the market are either treated or enhanced in order to have better color or even better hardness. Some of the treatments are smoke or sugar treatment to darken the body tone of the stone and the resin impregnation to increase the strength of the stone.

Although the treated opals are cheaper, the natural opals that have not been treated are valued more. One should not forget to inquire from the seller whether the opal has been treated in any way to make a right decision.

Durability

Opals rank between 5. 5 and 6. 5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means that they are softer than stones such as diamonds or sapphires. Hence, it is advisable to select a ring with a strong setting that will shield the opal from any harm in case the ring is to be used often.

A bezel setting, which holds the opal in place with a metal ring, may be more protective than a prong setting.

Finding the Best Opal Ring at a Reasonable Price

Having learned what you should consider when buying an opal ring, the next thing that you should consider is where to buy a ring that you want at a reasonable price.

Shop from Reputable Jewelers

When purchasing an fire opal ring, it is advisable to purchase the ring from a reputable jewelry store that can offer information on the origin of the opal, its quality and if it has undergone any treatment. Do not buy opals from unknown sellers especially if the prices offered are very cheap.

It is therefore advisable to buy from well-known online stores or local jewelers, who can be relied on to give reasonable prices and who can also help in the purchasing process.

Consider Lab-Created Opals

If you are working under a tight budget, then lab-created opals are a good substitute for natural opals. These opals are grown in laboratories and they are as beautiful as the natural opals with the play-of-color and at a much cheaper price. Synthetic opals produced in the laboratory are also harder and can therefore be worn on a daily basis.

Buy During Sales or Promotions

Opal rings are one of the most popular pieces of jewelry and timing is a critical factor when it comes to getting the best price. Most jewelers tend to sell their products at a cheaper price during the holiday seasons, clearance sales or on special occasions. Shopping during these times can assist you in getting a good quality opal ring for women a cheaper price.

Compare Prices

It is always advisable to check the price of the product with other retailers and other online platforms before making the final decision. You might come across the same ring at a cheaper price or other offers that will enable you to stick to your budget.

Opt for Simple Designs

The more the design of the ring setting, the more the cost of the ring is likely to be since it will require more materials to be used to enhance the setting. If you want to cut cost, then it is better to go for a simpler design that will let the opal shine on its own. Simplicity does not have to be boring and plain, it can be chic and classy while at the same time saving on the cost of intricate designs.

Caring for Your Opal Ring

After you have bought your opal ring, it is crucial that you know how to take care of it so that it can look as beautiful as it did when you first bought it. Opals are softer than most other gemstones and they can easily get scratched, cracked or damaged by chemicals.

Follow these tips to keep your opal rings in top condition:Follow these tips to keep your silver opal ring in top condition:

Do not wear your fire opal ring in very hot water or let it stay in the sunlight for a long time because the stone may crack or fade.

It is recommended that you store your stud opal ring in a different compartment from other pieces of jewelry to avoid scratching and it is advisable to store it in a soft box or a pouch.

To clean your fire opal ring, wash it with warm water and soap and wipe it with a soft cloth. Do not use chemicals like acetone or use ultrasonic cleaner as these will harm the opal.

Conclusion

Opal ring is not only an ornament; it is a symbol of personality and style. By knowing the various types of opal, taking into consideration the quality, size and the setting of the opal, and by following certain guidelines on how to shop for the opal gem, one can easily get the right opal rings at an affordable price. Regardless of whether you choose a white opal or a black opal, this gemstone will not leave you indifferent and will become your favorite piece of jewelry.