Opal Earrings

FIND YOUR PERFECT OPAL EARRINGS

One of the most uniquely beautiful types of gemstones to be set into earrings is an opal. While no two opals are exactly alike (think of snowflakes or human fingerprints), each pair of opal earrings from Black Star Opal are as closely matched as possible, while still keeping their distinctive qualities like pattern, colour and vibrancy. Australian opals are one of the most popular and ideal earring gemstones, thanks to their excellent quality, vivid hues and natural brilliance.

When it comes to choosing a pair of earrings set with opal, we recommend going with the rule that when you find a pair perfect for yourself or your loved one, purchase them without hesitation. That’s because no matter how hard opal jewellery designers try, they will never be able to recreate an exclusive set exactly like yours again.

Our Guide to Buying Australian Opal Earrings

Earrings featuring beautiful opals from Australia are stunning additions to any jewellery collection - no matter your age, budget or personal style. With so many types of opals and earring designs to choose from, it can be daunting to know where to start and how much to spend. To help you decide, check out our comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about the best opal styles to add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your earlobes.

Firstly, why opal for earrings? 

If you're searching for a unique and beautiful accessory to add to your personal jewellery collection, consider opal earrings sourced from Australia. These beautiful pieces feature one of the most unique and popular gems in the world, and when set in fine quality gold or silver they are an unrivalled addition to any outfit or makeup look. 

Earrings made with natural, ethically sourced Australian opal feature gems found in only one location in the world - the land 'Down Under'. Famous for being high quality and resplendent with mesmerising colours and patterns, like a snowflake or fingerprint, these beautiful stones are completely unique, and set into earrings they become a one-of-a-kind accessory that is sure to turn heads.

What Opal Suits Your Style?

Opals found in Australia come in a variety of types, each with their own unique characteristics, colours and origin. White opals have a translucent, milky or light-coloured body tone and exhibit shimmering pastel hues, making them a popular choice for their delicate and feminine creamy appearance. Crystal opals are usually transparent and feature brighter, neon-like tones - perfect for those who prefer a bright and colourful look.

Black opals, which are only found at Lightning Ridge, are renowned for their striking 'play of colour' and bold patterns set against a black or dark-coloured background. Queensland boulder opals are equally bright and colourful, but with a unique and earthy look, and are uncovered in ironstone with a natural brown or black backing. If you're looking for an affordable option for a dark vibrant stone, opt for doublet or triplet opal jewellery.

Choose Your Ideal Earring Design

When it comes to selecting the perfect opal earring style, there are lots of options to consider. What occasion or event will you be wearing them at? If it’s a formal event, you can opt for a more classic and elegant style, such as bezel set opal studs or opal drop earrings, which are a timeless choice. If you’re looking for something more fun and casual, hoop earrings can be a great option.

Also, consider the shape and size of the gemstone itself. If they are larger and make more of a statement, you could choose a simpler earring style to let them really shine. On the other hand, if the opals are more delicate, an intricate earring design or sparkling accents diamantes or diamonds (depending on your budget!) can add visual interest. Ultimately, the right earring style for your opals will depend on your personal tastes and where they will be worn.

Select the Right Metal

If you tend to wear warmer tones like yellow gold, rose gold or copper - or you want the colours of your opals to really pop - you may want to opt for earrings made from those metals. If you prefer cooler tones like silver or white gold, those metals may be a better choice. Also, consider the durability of the metal. Opals are a very precious gemstone, and not has hard as diamonds, so you want a metal that will protect them and hold up over time. Yellow and white gold are both good options for this reason.

Pairing with other jewellery pieces

Opal earrings are a versatile accessory that complement other jewellery pieces to create a unique and stylish look. You can keep it classic and elegant by pairing them with a simple pearl necklace or bracelet, as the combination of the gem's iridescent colours and the creamy elegance of pearls creates a sophisticated and refined look. For a more modern and edgy style, try pairing your earrings with a chunky silver or gold statement necklace. And why not mix and match different types of gemstones and metals to create a bold and colourful appearance?

Understand Quality and Value

The price of an opal is determined by a combination of factors including its type, colour, pattern and clarity, among others. The most valuable opals found in Australia have bright, vibrant hues with unique patterns that are evenly distributed across the face of the stone. Black opals tend to be the most rare types, and therefore are more highly prized and costly. Stones with visible cracks or inclusions that affect durability are considered lower quality and less valuable. These gems are priced per carat weight, so size also impacts value, with larger stones typically priced higher than smaller ones.

When it comes to opal earrings, we recommend you choose a pair that not only feature an attractive, beautiful design but also contain natural, high-quality opals with bright, vivid colours and patterns. While bigger can be better, sometimes top quality opals are smaller, so opt for the stone you like, not necessarily for its size. And remember to match the earring metal the the quality of the opal - so for higher priced stones, try gold opal earrings and for lower priced gems opt for silver opal earrings. Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a pair that you love and will cherish for years to come.

Care for Your Earrings

Once you've invested in a beautiful pair of opal earrings, it's important to take proper care of them to ensure they last a lifetime as this delicate gemstone can be damaged if not handled with care. Avoid exposing your opal jewellery to extreme temperatures, chemicals and harsh cleaning agents. Instead, clean them gently with a soft cloth and mild soap, and store them in a soft pouch or jewellery box to prevent scratches and damage. With proper care, your they will continue to shine and dazzle for years to come.