DISCOVER YOUR DREAM OPAL RING
When it comes to opal jewellery, Black Star Opal is the most trusted online source for authentic, high quality Australian opal gemstones and opal rings. Our ring collection features only natural, ethically sourced stones - known as the 'Queen of Gems' - with fiery patterns and vibrant flashes of colour. From rings set with black opals, crystal opals and Read More
DISCOVER YOUR DREAM OPAL RING
When it comes to opal jewellery, Black Star Opal is the most trusted online source for authentic, high quality Australian opal gemstones and opal rings. Our ring collection features only natural, ethically sourced stones - known as the 'Queen of Gems' - with fiery patterns and vibrant flashes of colour. From rings set with black opals, crystal opals and white opals, to boulder opals, doublet opals and triplet opals, our gemstones are set in only the finest quality gold and silver.
Do you know no two rings made with opal are the same? So when you find one you love, the best thing to do is snap it up before someone else does, as you may never see that exact same piece again. Wearing a ring featuring this rare and precious gemstone is the best way to keep a piece of this unique Australian beauty right at your fingertips - be it an opal engagement ring, a dress ring for special occasions or one worn every day. But remember, as with any precious gemstone, it's important to take care of your opal jewellery and be gentle when you wear it.
Opal Rings: Our Guide to Choosing The One For You
Ready to find the perfect opal ring from Australia? At Black Star Opal, our gold and silver rings are not only eye-catching accessories, but feature the brightest and most colourful opal gemstones we can find. Shopping for jewellery set with opal is an exciting occasion, however we recommend you learn the basics of selecting the right type of opal for you before you begin (if you're afraid of being scammed we have an excellent article about this too). But don't be apprehensive about going it alone - we're right here to help you navigate your way through the process.
Select Your Opal Colour and Quality
When choosing a ring set with opal, this precious gem's quality, colours and patterns are top considerations. Famous for its stunning variety of beautiful and brilliant hues, this gemstone exhibits a rainbow-like spectrum including bright blue, green, orange and pink tones as well as neon yellow, purple and fiery red shades. There are also deeper coloured blue stones, which are one of our favourite's and look stunning set in white gold or silver.
Opal displays a unique characteristic called 'play of colour', which is a shifting rainbow pattern that is seen on the stone's surface as it is moved around and hit by light at different angles. This phenomenon is seen in many gem quality stones and is one of the main factors in its price and value. So think about if you would like a captivating combination of shimmering colours for your ring, or do you prefer just one feature hue? This will help you determine the type of stone that best suits your personal style.
Patterns are also a consideration, with the general rule being the rarer the pattern - such as Harlequin, Flagstone or Chinese Writing - the more valuable the stone. Other factors to look for are intensity or brightness of the gem, clarity (so no cracks, fractures, sand spots or dark patches of colourless potch in the stone), origin (Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, Queensland etc), and the opal's type and body tone. Phew, that's a lot to think about isn't it!
The main types of opals are Lightning Ridge opals with black or dark body tones, which tend to be the most expensive kind set into opal jewellery (the combination of this rare gem and precious metals like gold or platinum really elevates its status and price). Coober Pedy white opals are also very popular and feature bright pastel tones that shimmer and shine against a milky body tone. For stunning electric colours contained within a transparent glass-like stone you cannot go past a crystal opal, while Queensland boulder opals feature an earthy, unique look with vivid colours that pop against the stone's ironstone matrix.
With ring jewellery, remember that opals can range in price and value based on quality and size, so it’s essential to take your budget into account when deciding on a piece. And if you're buying one as a gift for someone, keep in mind that their own preferences should really dictate what type of stone you choose—including its colour, shape, size and quality.
Decide on a Shape and Cut
In addition to colours and patterns, the shape - or cut - affects an opal's appearance, price and popularity, and will impact the overall look of your ring. While most people prefer timeless oval or round cuts, some other popular choices include pear, heart, marquise and even square. Most opals set into rings feature a cabochon cut, which gives the stone a domed appearance that best displays its play of colour and offers some serious sparkle. Please note, these gems are rarely faceted as sharp edges are not suitable for the stone's hardness and faceting does not showcase the play of colour as well as a cabochon cut.
Usually, traditional oval and round opal gems are set as the main feature stone in a ring, with pear, heart and marquise shaped stones used as accent stones. However for smaller, more delicate rings, these shapes can also feature as the main stone with decorative designs or crystal accent stones. At Black Star Opal, we have many sterling silver and gold plated silver rings that have been set with less traditional cuts, and even pieces with multiple shapes set into the one piece. Remember, different cuts will allow you to explore the gemstone's full range of beautiful colours.
Bucking tradition, freeform shapes are very 'now' and growing in popularity for rings, even for opal engagement rings. The colour bar will usually guide the way it is shaped, and freeform shaping gives cutters the freedom to cut, carve and polish the gem in flowing and undulating ways, revealing different layers of colour in beautiful and unique forms. This technique maximises colour bars, rainbow patterns and also carat weight - all of which impact the value of an opal. Freeform shaping is popular for Queensland boulder opals or black and dark Lightning Ridge stones.
Cut is also very important as differently shaped stones reflect and refract light in various ways. This impacts the appearance of the gemstone - and therefore the ring - as some shapes may showcase more prominent colours. Keep in mind that depending on what you like, certain colours and cuts may fit better together, so keep this in mind when making your decision. And remember, the best part about opals is they come in many different hues, so the colour and cut combination possibilities are endless.
Choose a Ring Style That Suits You
There's one thing we know for sure - the choice is limitless! While it's best to select the highest quality piece you can afford, it's best to go with your heart as you need to love like the look of the stone and ring design for years to come.
So ask yourself do you prefer a more traditional style with a single solitaire stone in a gold claw setting, or are you looking for something more modern such as a white gold bezel set ring? Do you want the opal to be the star of the show, or do you want it to sit amongst other coloured gemstones or diamonds? Or would you like some channel set side stones that add sparkle and shine all the way down the ring band. It's really up to you!
As you search for an opal ring, take inspiration from the styles you admire and pay close attention to design elements that stand out to you. At Black Star Opal the design and style of our rings are both timeless and contemporary, so you're sure to find a piece that you love. Make sure the design speaks to your personal style as well as your love for opal. No matter what you decide on in the end, it's important that you select an ring that will suit your taste and style for years to come.
Opt For Quality Gold or Silver Settings
When it comes to picking a metal for your ring setting, type and durability should be top of mind. Both gold and silver will do the job, but there are pros and cons to each. While yellow, white and rose gold are more expensive than sterling silver, they are extremely durable and the preference for setting higher quality gemstones. While sterling silver and gold plated silver are less expensive than gold, they are also very strong and suitable for all types of stones. One metal we have seen for sale online but do not recommend is steel, which initially looks like silver but is more grey in tone.
Most gold settings come in 9ct, 14ct and 18ct gold, with a higher concentration of gold - and therefore higher cost - found in 18ct than 9ct or 14ct. Silver and gold plated silver settings are more affordable than gold, and still suitable for all types of rings. While you won't find a top gem quality black or boulder opal set into a silver ring, you will find plenty of white and crystal opals, as well as doublets and triplets, which are composite stones that exhibit the look of a black opal at an affordable price. Most silver jewellery is also protected with a rhodium plating that will ensure its shine for years to come.
To achieve the right balance between shape, design and colour, consider the contrast between the gemstone and its setting. You could opt for a light-coloured stone to contrast with shiny yellow gold, or choose one with a darker tone to complement a silver or white gold ring. Lighter and darker opal stones each have their own unique aesthetics, and not everyone has the same taste regarding which body tone they prefer. White opals tend to show off bright pastel shades, crystal stones dazzle with neon blues, greens and purples, and darker coloured gems from Lightning Ridge and Queensland typically feature flashes of iridescent rainbow tones.
Consider Custom Rings Designs
If you’re looking for something truly special when it comes to an opal ring, consider custom options to create your own one-of-a-kind piece. Many jewellers offer customisable rings, where you can select a gemstone you love and have it set into a design and gold type of your choice. You can even opt for accent stones such as other coloured gemstones like ruby, emerald or sapphire, as well as sparkling diamonds. Whether it’s selecting your own unique Australian gemstone or designing the setting to suit your own preferences, customisation is a great way to own a ring that perfectly matches your own style.
Designer pieces are perfect for any special occasion, such as engagements, anniversaries and birthdays, or if you’re looking to make an elegant statement with a custom or even vintage-style ring. Our jewellery design experts can help you create a truly unique ring that is as individual as you. From choosing a high quality, ethically sourced stone to designing a band in the style you love, there are endless ways you can ensure your ring expresses your personality perfectly. Whether you gravitate toward traditional pieces with classic settings or edgier pieces with bolder designs, customising your own unique piece of jewellery offers something truly special.
WHY BUY OPAL RINGS FROM BLACK STAR OPAL?
Choosing the perfect opal ring is a significant decision, and Black Star Opal is the trusted name in the industry. As the world’s leading online opal gemstone and jewellery boutique, we pride ourselves on offering an exceptional range of rings featuring exquisite Australian opals at an affordable and competitive price range.
Black Star Opal is a multi-generational family business with a history rooted in the Australian opal industry since 1969. Initially established as opal miners and exporters of Lightning Ridge opal, we’ve since expanded to include a brick-and-mortar retail shop The Opal Centre located at the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour and our online store Black Star Opal. Our close connection to opal miners in Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy and Queensland ensures our gems are ethically sourced directly from the mine, guaranteeing competitive pricing without compromising quality.
Read Less
DISCOVER YOUR DREAM OPAL RING
When it comes to opal jewellery, Black Star Opal is the most trusted online source for authentic, high quality Australian opal gemstones and opal rings. Our ring collection features only natural, ethically sourced stones - known as the 'Queen of Gems' - with fiery patterns and vibrant flashes of colour. From rings set with black opals, crystal opals and white opals, to boulder opals, doublet opals and triplet opals, our gemstones are set in only the finest quality gold and silver.
Do you know no two rings made with opal are the same? So when you find one you love, the best thing to do is snap it up before someone else does, as you may never see that exact same piece again. Wearing a ring featuring this rare and precious gemstone is the best way to keep a piece of this unique Australian beauty right at your fingertips - be it an opal engagement ring, a dress ring for special occasions or one worn every day. But remember, as with any precious gemstone, it's important to take care of your opal jewellery and be gentle when you wear it.
Opal Rings: Our Guide to Choosing The One For You
Ready to find the perfect opal ring from Australia? At Black Star Opal, our gold and silver rings are not only eye-catching accessories, but feature the brightest and most colourful opal gemstones we can find. Shopping for jewellery set with opal is an exciting occasion, however we recommend you learn the basics of selecting the right type of opal for you before you begin (if you're afraid of being scammed we have an excellent article about this too). But don't be apprehensive about going it alone - we're right here to help you navigate your way through the process.
Select Your Opal Colour and Quality
When choosing a ring set with opal, this precious gem's quality, colours and patterns are top considerations. Famous for its stunning variety of beautiful and brilliant hues, this gemstone exhibits a rainbow-like spectrum including bright blue, green, orange and pink tones as well as neon yellow, purple and fiery red shades. There are also deeper coloured blue stones, which are one of our favourite's and look stunning set in white gold or silver.
Opal displays a unique characteristic called 'play of colour', which is a shifting rainbow pattern that is seen on the stone's surface as it is moved around and hit by light at different angles. This phenomenon is seen in many gem quality stones and is one of the main factors in its price and value. So think about if you would like a captivating combination of shimmering colours for your ring, or do you prefer just one feature hue? This will help you determine the type of stone that best suits your personal style.
Patterns are also a consideration, with the general rule being the rarer the pattern - such as Harlequin, Flagstone or Chinese Writing - the more valuable the stone. Other factors to look for are intensity or brightness of the gem, clarity (so no cracks, fractures, sand spots or dark patches of colourless potch in the stone), origin (Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, Queensland etc), and the opal's type and body tone. Phew, that's a lot to think about isn't it!
The main types of opals are Lightning Ridge opals with black or dark body tones, which tend to be the most expensive kind set into opal jewellery (the combination of this rare gem and precious metals like gold or platinum really elevates its status and price). Coober Pedy white opals are also very popular and feature bright pastel tones that shimmer and shine against a milky body tone. For stunning electric colours contained within a transparent glass-like stone you cannot go past a crystal opal, while Queensland boulder opals feature an earthy, unique look with vivid colours that pop against the stone's ironstone matrix.
With ring jewellery, remember that opals can range in price and value based on quality and size, so it’s essential to take your budget into account when deciding on a piece. And if you're buying one as a gift for someone, keep in mind that their own preferences should really dictate what type of stone you choose—including its colour, shape, size and quality.
Decide on a Shape and Cut
In addition to colours and patterns, the shape - or cut - affects an opal's appearance, price and popularity, and will impact the overall look of your ring. While most people prefer timeless oval or round cuts, some other popular choices include pear, heart, marquise and even square. Most opals set into rings feature a cabochon cut, which gives the stone a domed appearance that best displays its play of colour and offers some serious sparkle. Please note, these gems are rarely faceted as sharp edges are not suitable for the stone's hardness and faceting does not showcase the play of colour as well as a cabochon cut.
Usually, traditional oval and round opal gems are set as the main feature stone in a ring, with pear, heart and marquise shaped stones used as accent stones. However for smaller, more delicate rings, these shapes can also feature as the main stone with decorative designs or crystal accent stones. At Black Star Opal, we have many sterling silver and gold plated silver rings that have been set with less traditional cuts, and even pieces with multiple shapes set into the one piece. Remember, different cuts will allow you to explore the gemstone's full range of beautiful colours.
Bucking tradition, freeform shapes are very 'now' and growing in popularity for rings, even for opal engagement rings. The colour bar will usually guide the way it is shaped, and freeform shaping gives cutters the freedom to cut, carve and polish the gem in flowing and undulating ways, revealing different layers of colour in beautiful and unique forms. This technique maximises colour bars, rainbow patterns and also carat weight - all of which impact the value of an opal. Freeform shaping is popular for Queensland boulder opals or black and dark Lightning Ridge stones.
Cut is also very important as differently shaped stones reflect and refract light in various ways. This impacts the appearance of the gemstone - and therefore the ring - as some shapes may showcase more prominent colours. Keep in mind that depending on what you like, certain colours and cuts may fit better together, so keep this in mind when making your decision. And remember, the best part about opals is they come in many different hues, so the colour and cut combination possibilities are endless.
Choose a Ring Style That Suits You
There's one thing we know for sure - the choice is limitless! While it's best to select the highest quality piece you can afford, it's best to go with your heart as you need to love like the look of the stone and ring design for years to come.
So ask yourself do you prefer a more traditional style with a single solitaire stone in a gold claw setting, or are you looking for something more modern such as a white gold bezel set ring? Do you want the opal to be the star of the show, or do you want it to sit amongst other coloured gemstones or diamonds? Or would you like some channel set side stones that add sparkle and shine all the way down the ring band. It's really up to you!
As you search for an opal ring, take inspiration from the styles you admire and pay close attention to design elements that stand out to you. At Black Star Opal the design and style of our rings are both timeless and contemporary, so you're sure to find a piece that you love. Make sure the design speaks to your personal style as well as your love for opal. No matter what you decide on in the end, it's important that you select an ring that will suit your taste and style for years to come.
Opt For Quality Gold or Silver Settings
When it comes to picking a metal for your ring setting, type and durability should be top of mind. Both gold and silver will do the job, but there are pros and cons to each. While yellow, white and rose gold are more expensive than sterling silver, they are extremely durable and the preference for setting higher quality gemstones. While sterling silver and gold plated silver are less expensive than gold, they are also very strong and suitable for all types of stones. One metal we have seen for sale online but do not recommend is steel, which initially looks like silver but is more grey in tone.
Most gold settings come in 9ct, 14ct and 18ct gold, with a higher concentration of gold - and therefore higher cost - found in 18ct than 9ct or 14ct. Silver and gold plated silver settings are more affordable than gold, and still suitable for all types of rings. While you won't find a top gem quality black or boulder opal set into a silver ring, you will find plenty of white and crystal opals, as well as doublets and triplets, which are composite stones that exhibit the look of a black opal at an affordable price. Most silver jewellery is also protected with a rhodium plating that will ensure its shine for years to come.
To achieve the right balance between shape, design and colour, consider the contrast between the gemstone and its setting. You could opt for a light-coloured stone to contrast with shiny yellow gold, or choose one with a darker tone to complement a silver or white gold ring. Lighter and darker opal stones each have their own unique aesthetics, and not everyone has the same taste regarding which body tone they prefer. White opals tend to show off bright pastel shades, crystal stones dazzle with neon blues, greens and purples, and darker coloured gems from Lightning Ridge and Queensland typically feature flashes of iridescent rainbow tones.
Consider Custom Rings Designs
If you’re looking for something truly special when it comes to an opal ring, consider custom options to create your own one-of-a-kind piece. Many jewellers offer customisable rings, where you can select a gemstone you love and have it set into a design and gold type of your choice. You can even opt for accent stones such as other coloured gemstones like ruby, emerald or sapphire, as well as sparkling diamonds. Whether it’s selecting your own unique Australian gemstone or designing the setting to suit your own preferences, customisation is a great way to own a ring that perfectly matches your own style.
Designer pieces are perfect for any special occasion, such as engagements, anniversaries and birthdays, or if you’re looking to make an elegant statement with a custom or even vintage-style ring. Our jewellery design experts can help you create a truly unique ring that is as individual as you. From choosing a high quality, ethically sourced stone to designing a band in the style you love, there are endless ways you can ensure your ring expresses your personality perfectly. Whether you gravitate toward traditional pieces with classic settings or edgier pieces with bolder designs, customising your own unique piece of jewellery offers something truly special.
WHY BUY OPAL RINGS FROM BLACK STAR OPAL?
Choosing the perfect opal ring is a significant decision, and Black Star Opal is the trusted name in the industry. As the world’s leading online opal gemstone and jewellery boutique, we pride ourselves on offering an exceptional range of rings featuring exquisite Australian opals at an affordable and competitive price range.
Black Star Opal is a multi-generational family business with a history rooted in the Australian opal industry since 1969. Initially established as opal miners and exporters of Lightning Ridge opal, we’ve since expanded to include a brick-and-mortar retail shop The Opal Centre located at the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour and our online store Black Star Opal. Our close connection to opal miners in Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy and Queensland ensures our gems are ethically sourced directly from the mine, guaranteeing competitive pricing without compromising quality.
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