You might not think "engagement ring" when you think of an opal, but more and more brides are turning to this colorful semi-translucent stone for this important time in their life—and more and more jewelers are offering it! While opals are experiencing a major resurgence, they've been beloved for some time: They were thought to be the most precious stone by ancient Romans, and were prized possessions of Queen Victoria. In fact, opals were a relatively rare, sought-after stone for centuries thanks to their luminous properties that cause multiple colors to nearly burst through the stone's exterior when the light hits it. No two opals are the same, and they come in a range of different mesmerizing hues.
Due to their popularity in the late 19th century, you'll find many opals in vintage settings—but that doesn't mean antique or vintage-inspired jewelry is the only way to wear an opal engagement ring. Designers have concocted a series of stunning creations for these fiery, one-of-a-kind gemstones. There are the modern iterations, from a teardrop bezel-set solitaire to a multi-stone setting with diamonds surrounding the center. You can also find an opal nestled underneath a gold setting with a diamond set directly above it, or an asymmetrical cluster setting.
If you do want a Victorian-era (or other vintage-style) ring, you have plenty of options, from a regal halo to a highly ornate diamond-studded yellow gold mosaic-like band. Opals are on the softer side as far as gemstones go, so look for rings with protective settings—and get it insured. Ready to discover all that opals have to offer? Click through to see these radiant gemstone engagement rings.
Anna Sheffield
Anna Sheffield Marquise Tiara Band Yellow Gold & Opal, $1,900, annasheffield.com
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Trumpet & Horn
Trumpet & Horn "Smokey Hill" 18-Karat Rose Gold, Pearl, and Opal Ring, $2,750, trumpetandhorn.com
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Bario Neal
Bario Neal "Soma" Opal Cabochon with Champagne Halo Ring, starting at $2,390, bario-neal.com
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Loren Stewart
Loren Stewart "Crowned Jewel II" 14-Karat Gold Multi-Stone Ring, $920, net-a-porter.com
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Brilliant Earth
Trumpet & Horn "Smokey Hill" 18-Karat Rose Gold, Pearl, and Opal Ring, brilliantearth.com
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Nina Runsdorf
Nina Runsdorf Medium White Opal and 18-Karat White Gold Flip Ring, $5,400, modaoperandi.com
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Blue Nile
Blue Nile Opal and Diamond Halo Ring in 18-Karat White Gold, $1,560, bluenile.com
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Master Jewelry Shop
Master Jewelry Shop 14-Karat Gold Opal Diamond Engagement Ring, $366, etsy.com
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Anna Sheffield
Anna Sheffield "Wheat" Engagement Ring Yellow Gold and Opal, $3,350, annasheffield.com
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Trumpet and Horn
Trumpet & Horn "White Cliffs" 14-Karat Gold and Opal Ring, $2,950, trumpetandhorn.com
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Brilliant Earth
Brilliant Earth "The Millers Ring" 14-Karat Yellow Gold and Opal Cabochon Ring, brilliantearth.com
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Supreme Jewelry
Supreme Jewelry Cabochon Opal Engagement Ring, price upon request, www.supremejewelry.net
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Anna Sheffield
Anna Sheffield "Wheat" Opal Engagement Ring, $2,900, annasheffield.com
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