How to Pick the Best Black Opal Ring

Black opal rings are now considered to be one of the most popular rings for those who like to wear beautiful and extraordinary gems. Black opals are unique because of their colors and the fact that they are not very common. In case you are selecting a black opal ring for yourself or for a loved one, there are some factors that you have to consider so that you can select the right one. In this guide, I would like to provide you with all the information that you need in order to choose the right black opal.

Understanding Black Opals

In order to discuss how to choose the best ring, it is necessary to know what makes black opals unique. Black opals have a black background, which makes play of color, the bright colors that appear in the stone, to be much more intense. Black opals are mainly found in Australia and the most popular area is Lightning Ridge which is known to produce the best black opals globally.

Evaluate the Color

The color of the black opal is one of the most critical aspects to consider when choosing a black opal ring. The play of color in black opals can be blue, green, red, yellow, orange and purple colors. The more bright and various the shades of the color, the higher the worth of the stone is considered to be.

Here are a few things to look for when evaluating the color:

Intensity: The brightness and saturation of the colors. Brigh vibrant colors are more desirable than dull or muted hues.

Pattern: The arrangement of the colors in the opal. Some patterns, like harlequin which looks like a checkerboard are rare and highly prized.

Dominant Color: Stones with a higher presence of red and orange hues are rarer and often more expensive. However blue and green dominant stones can also be incredibly beautiful and may suit personal preferences.

When choosing a black opal ring think about what colors resonate with you or the person you're buying for. The right color combination will reflect personal style and taste.

Check the Body Tone

The body tone of a black opal is the background color which can be from dark grey to deep black. A darker body tone improves the contrast of color which makes the colors stand out, making the art piece look more dramatic. The best black opals are usually black in the background and this makes the colors to stand out clearly and look more attractive.

Consider the Shape

Black opals can be given any shape and size that is preferred and also the way the opal will be incorporated in the ring. Some of the typical shapes are oval, round, pear and free form. The most common and standard shapes are oval and round but freeform opals give an organic appearance to the ring and can make the ring more noticeable.

Quality of the Cut

The shape of the black opal has an influence to the way the gemstone shows its color. The best way of ensuring that the play of color of opal is optimally displayed is by having the gemstone cut in such a way that will allow light to penetrate and reflect off the various layers of the opal. Choose the stones that have a shiny surface and do not have cracks, pits or any other dull areas as they will mar the beauty of the opal.

Another factor is the thickness of the stone used in construction of the building. The best quality of opal will be thicker than the other one, it will be more powerful and the color will be better than the other stone. Make sure that the opal is cut to its best thickness, not too thin and not too weak.

Size and Carat Weight

Opals like any other gemstones are weighed in carats. The size of the black opal that you decide to buy will depend on two factors, namely, your pocket and your choice. It is also important to know that the bigger the black opal is, the higher its price is, but at the same time, it will have a greater area to display the play of color. Nevertheless, the smaller opals can also be exquisite and less costly, so they can be a perfect option for those who do not have a lot of money to spend.

When considering the size, also think about how the stone will look on the finger. Larger stones can make a bold statement, while smaller stones offer a more subtle, elegant appearance.

Examine the Setting

The black opal ring setting is as significant as the stone that is to be set on it. The right setting will complement the beauty of the opal and at the same time ensure that it is well protected. Opals are comparatively softer than most gemstones and hence they are more susceptible to breakages; therefore, proper setting is recommended.

Here are a few common setting styles for black opal rings:

Bezel Setting: A bezel setting surrounds the opal with metal, providing excellent protection against bumps and scratches. It's a great choice for those who want to wear the ring daily.

Prong Setting: Prongs hold the opal in place with small metal claws, allowing more light to enter the stone and enhance its brilliance. While prongs offer a delicate and elegant look, they may not protect the stone as well as a bezel setting.

Halo Setting: A halo setting surrounds the opal with smaller diamonds or gemstones adding extra sparkle and emphasizing the beauty of the opal.

Consider how often the ring will be worn and choose a setting that offers the right balance between protection and style.

Check for Enhancements

It is also important to note that some of the black opals are treated or enhanced to make them look better. Some of the treatments are to dye the stone to make the body tone darker or to use a doublet or triplet in which a very thin slice of opal is bonded to another material to improve the color.

Opals that are treated can be attractive and less expensive as compared to the untreated stones but they are not as valuable. If you are interested in purchasing a black opal ring, make sure to get one that has not been treated in any way. It is always advisable to discuss with the jeweler on the treatments that the opal has undergone through before buying it.

Set a Budget

Black opals are not expensive as other opals but their price may differ depending on size, color and quality. When looking for a black opal ring, it is advisable to consider the amount of money you are willing to spend so as to limit your choices. It is important not to be tempted to select the largest and brightest stone because there are black opal at various price ranges.

It is also important to note that the environment or the layout of the ring also has an influence on the price. A more complex design with extra diamonds or other gemstones added to the design will also cause the price to rise.

Buy from a Reputable Source

Last but not the least, it is highly recommended that when buying black opal ring, one should do so from a reputable dealer. Try to find jewelers who deal with opals or those who have worked with this type of stones before. When buying opal, always request for a certificate of origin, quality and treatment of the gemstone.

Conclusion

The selection of the best black opal ring entails several factors such as the color, cut, setting, and the cost. It is only when you have taken your time to understand what makes black opals special and evaluating these factors that you can get a ring of your choice or one that can capture the kind of affection that you want to convey. If you are planning to buy a black opal ring for a wedding or any other event or as a symbol of love, it will surely make people spellbound.