Jewelry Accessories

Australian opal rings direct from down under; free international shipping; white, pink, blue and black opal ring designs; genuine stones set in yellow gold and silver settings; unique opal engagement ring creations, prices start as low as $240 for authentic Australian opal set in gold.

Why Buy An Australian Gold Opal Ring

It’s simple. Australia’s national gem is the opal, a fact that’s not surprising since about 97% of all such gemstones come from down under. The primary sources for the world’s best opal is found in South Australia, in a place called Coober Pedy. Andamooka (also in South Australia) offers three different types of this stone, namely: crystal, black opal and the matrix opal variety. There are two other types of this gemstone called boulder opal and pipe opal. Boulder opal comes from Queensland, regions such as Koroit, Yowah and Kynuna, and the pipe opal is known to come from Jundah, also Queensland.

Opals are so varied in color that to list all the variations is to list the spectrum of the rainbow, however the most common ones can be somewhat clear or white with gray and pinkish-orange accents or yellow green and blue. Green with white is perhaps one of the easiest varieties to find, whilst the red-black combinations will be most unusual. The main thing to know is that there are precious and non-precious opals. How can you know the difference? The simplest way is to check how the variable array of colors play together with light and the internal shapes, or spheres of silica, a blend of diffraction of light and how regularly distributed the spheres are.

The term “potch” is used to describe non-precious opal, and it is usually very obvious why, because potch will not have a natural scintillating color display, in other words the color does not play in the internal structure and does not offer the diffraction of light and color that we associate with opal. However, since a thin layer of opal may be found on a dark stone such as obsidian, these may be polished and look very much like the more expensive boulder or black opals.

To really confuse you, there are also what is known as doublet and triplet opals. In the case of a doublet opal, the top layer of the stone is genuine precious opal, but in the case of the triplet stones, these are in fact has a dark background and then a layer of opal and then a top layer of some material that’s transparent and may be polished, something like quartz or even a synthetic material. The top layer acts to enhance the illusion of a better quality gem, when in fact the stone is not really a precious variety at all.

Aside from Australian opals there are also the famous fire opals from Querétaro, Mexico, which are so named because they virtually transparent and do not have a play of color but they change with the heat of body temperature and therefore make for fun jewelry creations, often used in what were once called mood rings. Aside from the Mexican fire opals, there are also the somewhat opaque greenish-blue Peruvian varieties. There is some white opal in the US, mostly Idaho, however there are some notable deposits of high quality precious opals in places such Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras (in Central America) and in Brazil (in South America), as well as the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia (in Eastern Europe), and also (in Asia), places like Indonesia.

So why buy opal rings from Australia?

First, the quality of the stones is the number one reason, the wide range of colors and the abundance of such makes for better prices overall. Many gold opal ring artisans from down under offer high quality gems set in gold, through their online shops, for prices that cannot be obtained elsewhere in jewelry stores.

Second, the selection is fantastic. The color ranges are outstanding and the shipping costs to international destinations are minimal or absorbed by the dealers or artisans who sell through the internet. Although the websites may not be as elaborate as some manufacturers’ sites that retail through larger chains, the Australian handmade market offers some unique items that are worth considering no matter where you live.

One good place to order is simply called Opals Down Under and offers a massive selection of gold jewelry with genuine precious opals of all color ranges. Since they offer free international shipping (on orders of $300 AUD or more) the prices quoted are extremely reasonable. Although the items offered on their website are quoted in AUD (Australian dollars) the conversion rate is in favor of the US dollar. At the time of writing the currency exchange rate was approximately $100 Australian = about $84 USD.

Let’s take a closer look at what Opals Down Under have to offer.

The Actual Color of A Black Opal Ring

It may surprise you to learn that a solid black opal ring isn’t necessarily black. For example the term “black opal” can denote the main body or background and yet the dominant color that’s visible will be blue or green or a blend of colors, which is what makes opal jewelry to enticing – the ranges of colors that play within the stone. Therefore the bluish-green opal ring that features a somewhat opaque cabochon from Lightening Ridge New South Wales, and is set in solid 18k gold, is in fact called a black opal design. The piece we present from Opals Down Under is ready to wear and is one of the simple creations that’s quite affordable, priced at just under $640 AUD, which equals about $540 USD, and includes shipping.

Now compare that to what is called a matrix opal ring, which in fact looks quite black and has a play of colors primarily green, but also with a hint of pink, orange and a little blue. The design featured is called the Solid Black Paradise Matrix Opal Ring and is set in solid sterling silver, totally handmade, with an 11 carat cabochon with a broad flash opaque stone. This contemporary piece of jewelry is very large and dramatic with a stone that’s freeform or free-shape which means it retains more of a natural shape rather than a specific cut. The matrix opal comes from Winton Queensland and is considered a subdued bright stone with a pinfire pattern. It costs about $860 AUD, which equals about $730 USD (including delivery).

Yet another completely different color is also considered a black opal. The stone is more rare since it has the dark tones and red as well as a touch of yellow, blue and green, and has a broad pattern that’s considered bright. This excellent gemstone is set into an 18k yellow gold shield design and is accented with diamonds. Naturally this piece is more expensive, retailing for around $1,430 AUD, which equals just over $1,200 USD.

By the way, in case you’re looking for a birthstone ring to give as a present, the opal is the birthstone for October.

Opal Engagement Rings

Some couples are choosing other gemstones instead of diamonds for their engagement rings, and one of the popular stones is the opal, in part because the crystal opal designs are very light, even translucent and have a gorgeous opalescence that goes well as wedding jewelry.

For example, the half eternity ring that features 5 translucent crystal opals set in solid 14k white gold with 8 small diamonds is a luxurious creation ideal for any bride or bride to be. The oval cabochons, set in gold claws, are natural Coober Pedy, South Australian gems that have a broad pattern with delightful color play that reflects yellow, light orange, soft blue and green hues. This is considered a fire opal ring because of the illusion of the dancing crystal refraction within the stone. It’s a genuine masterpiece. The price is reflective of its quality: $3,400 AUD which equals about $2,800 USD.

There are many other crystal opal creations that are more affordable, under $1,000 and also exquisitely crafted. For example the Marquis cut crystal opal engagement ring features a Coober Pedy, South Australia gem that’s translucent with a pinfire or floral pattern that reflects orange, blue and green colors that sparkle set in your choice of white or yellow gold with diamond accents. The beauty of this ring is enhanced because the price is right: about $900 AUD which equals about $760 USD. Again, this item is available through Opals Down Under and includes free international shipping.

A Delicate Pink Opal Ring

What many people consider a pink opal will likely be a type of crystal opal that’s either transparent or opaque but with a dominant pinkish tone, although it may also include some other colors to a certain degree. You can opt to choose a loose opal stone and have the ring set, thereby getting the exact color you desire, or choose from the ready made designs.

The opaque varieties that are creamy pink and do not play with color or light are usually Peruvian gemstones. Australia does not seem to produce the light pink opaque styles but instead the crystal pinkish and orange ones that are not what you see in the fashion magazines. For designer items, you may want to consider creations by Judith Ripka, who uses pink orals and sterling silver to craft some unusual pink opal ring designs that are gorgeous, especially as cocktail jewelry. The sterling silver opal ring by Ripka is available online and costs about $87.

Ross Simons also have some unusual pink opal ring creations set in 14k gold and accented with diamonds. These designs are elegant and may be considered as an opal wedding ring choice, especially if only one ring will be used. The Ross Simons piece costs about $270 and is available online. As you can see the differences in opal jewelry styles is vast, from refined designer pieces that are very feminine pink to large natural cabochons that are black or red or green.

Men’s Opal Rings

Because opals are relatively affordable gemstones, and the cabochons are often large and dramatic and may be dark colors like black, blue or green, the Australian opals are ideally suited to crafting unusual, often eccentric, men’s opal rings. Returning back to Opals Down Under, we present some very masculine creations.

First is the Black Paradise Matrix Men’s Opal Ring that features a large 7 carat cabochon from Winton Queensland. Set in a handmade sterling silver band that encases the stone with a blend of textured and polished silver, this item is a classic yet dramatic mans ring. The stone is primarily black, however it has gorgeous pinfire with orange, yellow and blue-green accents that sparkle in the light. For about $720 USD this silver opal ring will be a delightful gift for the man in your life who loves opals.

Completely different is the black opal mens ring design that features an opaque green opal with a hint of red and blue that offers gorgeous flashes of color. The cabochon is just under 3 carats but the setting gives it the illusion of being larger. It’s bezel set in a yellow gold band with the stone resting lower down in a sort of golden valley, protected from being bumped or scratched. This is one sumptuously elegant gents ring, right hand ring or fashion statement.

Created Opal Ring Suggestions

All the items we’ve featured in this post are genuine opal ring designs, mostly from Australia, some from Peru, but all of very high quality. The prices are reflective of the high-end designs, the gold and sterling silver settings as well as the rarity of the gems, however, there are many online shops that deal in created opal ring styles that are somewhat cheaper both in quality and price.

Created opal jewelry may be an alternative, but we’ve found while doing opal research that most of the created opal jewelry items available are not very good value. Why? Simply because some of the created opal ring designs are often elaborate, set with other faux gemstones and often not very tasteful, sometimes just blue and pink mottled colors, rather plastic looking, yet they retail for $100 to $300. Considering that you can buy a very tastefully crafted genuine opal ring set in solid gold from Australia for as little as $240 (as we showed at the start), it seems less practical to buy fashion jewellery items that cost as much as real gems.

Nevertheless, for young ladies’ gifts or children’s rings, there are some simulated opal creations, in pink and crystal imitation styles, that retail for as little as $30 or $40, and these may be a practical solution for those who just want to try out the opal look without investing too much. Incase this is something that interests you, try shopping for created opal rings at places like My Jewelry Box, or Goldia, or even start at really cheap outlets like Target. If you must buy simulated or created gemstones, then try to buy from recognized quality dealers like My Jewelry Box who offer good value and overall fine quality products, even in their more affordable collections. The above item in the picture we feature is about the best value you’ll find for the quality. It’s a genuine white gold ring with genuine diamond accents and a small opal and retails for just $149 through the online shop mentioned above.

More Gemstone Jewelry

If you are interested in other gemstone jewelry items, please continue browsing what we have to offer on topics like affordable amber earrings and jewelry. Amber, being another gorgeous gem that is usually priced within most people’s budgets, is an excellent choice for children’s and young ladies earrings and rings. We also offer a wide range of information on genuine pearl ring creations that can be purchased direct from Asia. In other series we present options for buying ruby ring designs that are affordable, and how to choose emerald rings and earrings as well as the most recent diamond creations that are lab created yet totally real. Find out more about whatever gem you love in the pages and pages of informative jewelry guides we offer for your perusal.

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