Opal Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

If you hadn't considered an opal engagement ring already, let us introduce you to their mystifying beauty and allure. "For the untraditional non-diamond bride, opals make the perfect engagement ring because they display a different kind of sparkle than a diamond—a magical, iridescent sparkle," explains jewelry designer Misa Hamamoto.

"You can't deny the wondrous beauty within an opal. Each opal is truly one-of-a-kind, which is fitting for the one-of-a-kind bride," Hamamoto continues. "The wonderful thing about opal jewelry is not only that they're absolutely stunning, but they are much more budget-friendly than big diamond rings."

Pros and Cons of an Opal Engagement Ring

The pros associated with opal engagement rings aren't a secret: These stones can be deeply significant. Not only is the opal the birthstone associated with October birthdates, but opals also hold an irresistible charm thanks to their lustrous shine and brilliance. In fact, most people agree that these stones shine naturally without having to have too many extra details. 

But even the best (and shiniest) stones aren't perfect. Opals can easily scratch and are more delicate than other stories, which can be considered a significant drawback for some people. 

What to Look for in an Opal Engagement Ring

• How much do opals cost? Opals come in a wide variety of colors and are characterized by their background tone. White is the most common color and black opals are the most expensive.
• Do opals have as much shine as other stones? The ethereal flashes within the stone are called its "play of color" and can occur in a kaleidoscope of hues.
• Are opals full of color? There are opals with very muted plays of color that can seem completely opaque.
• Are opals rough? Opals, like pearls, are smooth stones and not faceted like other gems.

How to Care for an Opal Engagement Ring

First things first, opals are one of the softest gemstones and need to be handled gently. Also, note that lab-created opals tend to be a bit stronger than their natural counterparts. Since opals are softer gems, your ring should always be handled with care. Always take the ring to a jeweler for cleaning—they will be experts at delicately cleaning the opal.

"We advise that you wear your opal jewelry with great care and love so they become future heirlooms," says Hamamoto. "Don't submerge them under water, don't apply harsh cleaning agents to them, and don't go rock climbing with them! (One of our clients did this and they learned the hard way)."

History of Opal Rings

If you're looking for deep meaning with your engagement ring stone, look no further. Known as "The Queen of Gems," and recognized as the October birthstone, opals have incredible significance attached to them, dating back to the middle ages—it was believed opals had the power to make their wearer invisible. Opals rose back into fashion when Queen Victoria became fascinated with them. Other famous opal-lovers in history include Cleopatra and Empress Josephine. So you're in good company. In fact, it's so difficult to resist the charms of these stones that we're willing to bet you've already fallen under their spell, so here are some facts before you begin the search for your perfect ring.

Ready to find your own opal engagement ring? We've curated a list of our 56 favorite styles below.