Caring for Opal Diamond Rings

 When it comes to opal engagement rings, diamonds may be the most popular choice, but they are far from the only one. Most opal ring designers will offer potential brides and grooms a range of stones to adorn their band with, allowing those on a budget and those wanting a more original ring to walk away happy.

However, there is one type of opal stone that many engagement ring designers will vehemently warn their customers against, and that is the opal. This is not because opal doesn't make a stunning ring stone, because it does, but simply because, like gemstones, it is near the top of the "hardest to care for" list, making it less suitable for use as an engagement ring stone.

For example, most engagement ring designers know that opal is extremely fragile and breakable, which is in stark contrast to even a standard diamond. Therefore, this type of gemstone is definitely not recommended for people with an active lifestyle. Neglecting to remove the opal ring before starting any slightly more demanding activity will almost certainly result in the jewelry cracking or taking on a rough appearance.

Similarly, opal is extremely sensitive to heat, which can also pose a problem for brides and grooms who want to have one of these stones on their ring. Additionally, these stones should not be subject to sudden changes in temperature and can be affected by something as simple as stepping out of a centrally heated home into a freezing winter day. For these reasons and more, engagement ring designers try to discourage their customers from getting opals as much as possible.

However, braver souls who feel they can rise to the challenge of having one of these stones on an engagement ring will need to take a number of special precautions to ensure the maintenance of the stone. For example, opals should be polished regularly with a soft cloth and room temperature soap and water. Opal engagement ring owners should also avoid soaking the stone in water or chemical solutions, as these can cause the layers of the opal to separate.

More importantly, these stones should not be left anywhere they can be exposed to the elements, and again this includes things as common as open windows or radiators. Opal owners living in dry climates also need to make sure the stone is permanently hydrated, preferably with a piece of cotton inside a sealed plastic bag.

It is measures like these that lead engagement ring designers to consider opal a poor choice for a ring stone. However, customers who think they can handle the care that a stone of this type requires are most pleased with its high luster and its visually attractive colors.