Opals For Wedding Rings: A Good Choice?

Opals are a unique and popular choice for engagement rings, but can they be used for wedding rings? The answer is yes, but there are some things to consider before making your decision. Firstly, opals are delicate gemstones that require careful handling and storage. They are soft and can easily scratch or chip, so it is important to take off your opal ring before doing any activities that might cause damage. Opals are also susceptible to moisture and extreme temperatures, which can create cracks in the stone or alter its appearance. Therefore, it is recommended to remove your opal ring before showering, swimming, or going out in the sun or cold. With the right care, an opal wedding ring can be a beautiful and unique choice.

Opals are soft and delicate, ranking 5-6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale

Opals are soft and delicate, ranking between 5 and 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means that they are relatively easy to scratch and more susceptible to damage than harder gemstones. On the Mohs scale, a measure of the hardness of minerals, opals fall somewhere between talc (the softest mineral, with a rating of 1) and quartz (which has a rating of 7).

The softness of opals is due in part to the fact that they can contain up to 20% trapped water in their silica structure. This makes them very susceptible to oils, lotions, and even water, which can cause cracking, breakage, and loss of colour. As such, they are not ideal for everyday wear, especially on the hands, which are more prone to knocks and scrapes.

Despite their softness, opals can be suitable for everyday wear if they are well-cared for and protected. For example, opals can be used as accent stones in jewellery, or set in a bezel setting, which provides more protection for the stone. Additionally, boulder opals, which have a very hard natural ironstone backing, are more robust than other types of opals and are ideal for use in an opal engagement ring.

Opals are more susceptible to damage than other stones

Opals are a soft gemstone, making them more susceptible to damage than other stones. On the Mohs hardness scale, opals are rated between 5 and 6.5, which is similar to glass. In contrast, diamonds are rated 10, sapphires and rubies are rated 9, and emeralds are rated 7.5 to 8. This means that opals are relatively easy to scratch and more prone to breaking. One reason for their softness is that they can contain up to 20% trapped water in their silica structure.

Opals are also porous and brittle, making them susceptible to damage from oils, lotions, and water. They can crack or break if exposed to these substances or if exposed to impact. Therefore, opal rings may not be suitable for everyday wear, especially on the hands, which are more likely to come into contact with liquids, creams, or other potentially damaging substances.

To protect opal rings from damage, it is recommended to set the opal in a bezel setting, which provides more protection and security for the stone. A thin bezel of gold follows the edge of the stone, protecting it from impact and ensuring it stays securely in place. Additionally, choosing a stone with a low cabochon (a dome on top) can help reduce the risk of impact damage. Boulder opal, which has a hard natural ironstone backing, is also a more robust option compared to other types of opal.

When cleaning opal rings, it is important to avoid submerging them in water or using harsh cleaning agents. Mild soap and a damp cloth are recommended for cleaning, and it is best to take the ring to a jeweller for professional cleaning. It is also suggested to remove opal rings before activities that could expose them to potential damage, such as cleaning, exercising, or swimming.

Opals are less expensive than diamonds

The price of an opal depends on its type and the setting you choose. A high-quality 1-carat opal can cost between $8,000 to $20,000 per carat, while a commercial 1-carat opal will cost around $100-$300. In contrast, a low-quality, cloudy diamond will cost around $1,500. The price of a diamond depends on the 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. The highest-quality diamonds are flawless, colourless, and cut to reflect the most light.

The most valued type of opal is the black opal, which is worth more than diamonds. Black opals with a harlequin pattern are the rarest and most expensive variety, fetching $5,000-$30,000 per carat. The harlequin pattern is extremely rare and creates a rectangular play of colour across the gemstone.

Opals are softer than diamonds, ranking at 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, compared to diamonds, which are the hardest at 10. This means opals are more susceptible to scratching and require more careful handling and storage.

Opals are known as The Queen of Gems

Opals are known as "The Queen of Gems", and it's not hard to see why. This unique gemstone is formed during the dry period after seasonal rains in regions like Australia. Opals are known for their flashing colours, which is called a "play-of-colour". This occurs when the internal structure of stacked spheres in the gemstone reflects or transmits light.

The "play-of-colour" can manifest in a variety of patterns, from small patches or dots to large flashes or brushstrokes, and no two opals will ever be exactly alike. This makes opals extremely desirable, especially for those looking for a unique engagement ring.

The "play-of-colour" is not the only thing that makes opals so appealing. Opals are also known for their mystical significance and have been steeped in mystery throughout history. In Roman history, opals were regarded as the most precious and powerful gemstone, and Caesars gave their wives opals for luck. Arabic legends say that opals fell from the heavens in flashes of lightning, while ancient Greeks believed opals imbued the gift of prophecy and guarded their owners from disease. Europeans regarded the gemstone as a symbol of hope, purity, and truth.

Despite their popularity, opals are not typically recommended for engagement rings due to their softness and fragility. On the Mohs hardness scale, opals are only about a 5-6.5, which means they are quite soft and susceptible to scratching and breaking. However, with proper care, opals can be suitable for everyday wear. It is recommended to avoid exposing opals to high heat or submerging them in water, and to store them in a soft, sealed baggie when not in use.

If you are considering an opal engagement ring, it is important to choose a setting that will provide protection for the stone, such as a bezel setting. Additionally, certain types of opals, such as boulder opals, are harder and more suitable for everyday wear.

So, while opals may be delicate, with the right care and setting, they can make a stunning and unique choice for an engagement ring.

Opals are the birthstone for October

The word "opal" comes from the Sanskrit word "upala", meaning "precious stone". It is also said to originate from the Greek word "opallios", which translates to "seeing a change of colour", referring to the gemstone's iridescence and play of colour. Opals are classified as black or white, but other base hues include red, purple, and orange. Opals can range from opaque to translucent to transparent.

Opals are a symbol of good luck, love, passion, desire, harmony, and seduction. They are also believed to be a stone of protection, giving the wearer cover from danger, fevers, and infections. Wearing your birthstone is believed to bring luck and good fortune, so those born in October can benefit from the positive energy of opals.

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