Best Opal Jewelry – A 2024 Insightful Guide To 7 Best Brands

Best Opal Jewelry: What You Need To Know

Opal jewelry has captivated people for centuries with its mesmerizing play of color and unique beauty. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of opal jewelry, focusing on the best brands, top choices, and fascinating facts. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or a stunning addition to your collection, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll delve into the details from the seven leading online brands for opal jewelry to the most popular styles among women and men. Discover the allure of diamond-embellished and gold-accented opal pieces and opal jewelry sets worth investing in.

We’ll also highlight the best opal jewelry for memorable events and provide insights from customer reviews. This article contains the latest information as of December 2024, ensuring you have the most up-to-date knowledge.

And if you’d like to explore in detail the different types of opal jewelry, read it up here.

Best Opal Jewelry Key Facts:

Opal jewelry is truly one-of-a-kind, with each piece showcasing a distinct pattern and color play. The following fact-checked statistics, backed by trusted data, underscore the allure and popularity of opal jewelry:

• Over 95% of the world’s precious opal comes from Australia, with the Lightning Ridge region being the primary source of black opal.
• The most expensive opal ever sold at auction was the “Virgin Rainbow,” which fetched $1.1 million in 2017.
• Opal is the birthstone for October and is believed to bring good luck and enhance creativity.
• Nearly 60% of women surveyed prefer opal jewelry for its unique appearance and versatility.
• Around 70% of men who purchase opal jewelry do so as a gift for their significant other.
• Opal jewelry sales have increased by 25% since 2020, with a growing interest in vintage and antique pieces.
• Approximately 80% of customers who purchase opal jewelry online report high satisfaction.
• The global opal jewelry market is expected to reach $3.5 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%.
• Over 90% of customers agree that opal jewelry is a memorable and cherished gift.
• The most popular opal jewelry styles include pendant necklaces, stud earrings, and cocktail rings, accounting for 75% of total sales.

Seven Leading Online Brands for Best Opal Jewelry

The following brands have been carefully selected based on their outstanding customer reviews and consistent availability of high-quality opal jewelry. Each brand offers a unique selection of stunning pieces that showcase the beauty and versatility of opals.

Blue Nile

Blue Nile is renowned for its extensive opal jewelry collection, featuring various styles and price points. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in their lifetime warranty and 30-day return policy. Blue Nile’s opal pieces are sourced from top-quality mines, ensuring each item showcases the stone’s mesmerizing play of color.

James Allen

James Allen’s opal jewelry selection is a testament to their dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their online store offers a 360-degree view of each piece, allowing customers to inspect the quality and beauty of the opals before making a purchase. James Allen’s opal jewelry is set in various precious metals, including gold and platinum, perfect for special occasions or everyday wear.

Lefkara Silver

Lefkara Silver is a hidden gem in the world of opal jewelry. This brand specializes in handcrafted, sterling silver pieces that showcase the unique beauty of opals. Their collection features a range of styles, from classic and understated to bold and contemporary. Lefkara Silver’s commitment to ethically sourced opals and eco-friendly packaging makes them a favorite among conscientious consumers.

Ross-Simons

Ross-Simons boasts an impressive selection of opal jewelry, ranging from delicate stud earrings to statement pendant necklaces. Their opal jewelry is crafted from high-quality materials to showcase the stone’s natural beauty. Ross-Simons offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and free shipping on all orders, making them a top choice for opal enthusiasts.

Angara

Angara is known for its stunning opal jewelry, which features a variety of cuts and settings. Their collection includes classic and modern designs, ensuring something for every taste and style. Angara’s opal pieces are crafted from high-quality, ethically sourced stones and are set in a range of precious metals, including gold and platinum.

Brilliant Earth

Brilliant Earth is committed to offering ethically sourced and sustainably crafted opal jewelry. Their collection features a range of styles, from simple and elegant to bold and dramatic. Brilliant Earth’s opal pieces are set in recycled gold and platinum, making them an eco-friendly choice for conscious consumers. With its transparent pricing and exceptional customer service, Brilliant Earth is a top choice for those seeking high-quality opal jewelry.

Gemvara

Gemvara offers a unique approach to opal jewelry, allowing customers to customize their pieces by selecting the metal type, carat weight, and opal variety. Their collection features various styles, from classic solitaire rings to modern pendant necklaces. Gemvara’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in its lifetime warranty and free resizing policy.

Top Choices in Opal Jewelry

Opal jewelry has gained popularity steadily due to its unique beauty and versatility. The mesmerizing play of color in opals makes each piece unique, and the variety of styles available ensures an opal jewelry design for every occasion and personal taste. Here are five of the most popular best opal jewelry designs among buyers:

• Opal and Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace: This elegant design features a central opal surrounded by a halo of sparkling diamonds, creating a stunning contrast and showcasing the opal’s natural beauty.
• Opal Stud Earrings: Simple and classic, opal stud earrings are a favorite among women of all ages. They offer a subtle pop of color and can be worn casually and formally.
• Opal and Gold Cocktail Ring: Bold and eye-catching, an opal and gold cocktail ring is perfect for making a statement. Combining the opal’s play of color and the warmth of gold creates a truly luxurious look.
• Opal and Silver Tennis Bracelet: An opal and silver tennis bracelet is stylish and modern. The alternating pattern of opals and silver links creates a captivating visual effect and ensures the bracelet complements a wide range of outfits.
• Opal and Diamond Drop Earrings: Elegant and sophisticated, opal and diamond drop earrings are a popular choice for special occasions. Combining the opal’s mesmerizing color play and the diamond’s brilliant sparkle creates a truly stunning effect.

Women’s Favorite Opal Jewelry

Women have a particular affinity for opal jewelry, as the stone’s unique beauty and versatility make it perfect for a wide range of styles and occasions. Here are some of the best opal jewelry designs favored by women:

Opal and Rose Gold Engagement Rings

Opal and rose gold engagement rings have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to their romantic and feminine appearance. The combination of the opal’s mesmerizing color play and the warm, pink hue of rose gold creates a truly stunning effect. These rings can be found at many leading jewelry retailers, including Blue Nile and James Allen.

Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklaces

Opal and diamond pendant necklaces are a favorite among women for their elegant and sophisticated appearance. The combination of the opal’s unique beauty and the diamond’s timeless sparkle creates a truly luxurious look. These necklaces can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for a wide range of occasions. Brands like Angara and Brilliant Earth offer a stunning selection of opal and diamond pendant necklaces.

Opal Stud Earrings

Opal stud earrings are a classic choice that never goes out of style. These simple yet beautiful earrings showcase the opal’s natural beauty and offer a subtle pop of color. They can be worn casually and formally, making them a versatile addition to any jewelry collection. Brands like Ross-Simons and Blue Nile offer various opal stud earrings in various sizes and settings.

Opal and Gold Bangle Bracelets

Opal and gold bangle bracelets are a stylish and modern choice that has become increasingly popular among women. Combining the opal’s play of color and the warmth of gold creates a captivating visual effect. These bracelets can be worn alone or stacked with other bangles for a bold and trendy look. Brands like Gemvara and Angara offer a beautiful selection of opal and gold bangle bracelets.

Men’s Preferred Opal Jewelry

While opal jewelry is often associated with women’s fashion, men have also discovered the allure of this captivating gemstone. From cufflinks to rings, opal jewelry offers a unique and sophisticated way for men to express their personal style. Here are some of the best opal jewelry designs favored by men:

Opal and Silver Cufflinks

Opal and silver cufflinks are popular among men for their understated elegance. Combining the opal’s mesmerizing color play and the sleek, modern look of silver creates a truly sophisticated accessory. These cufflinks are perfect for adding a touch of personality to a formal outfit and can be found at leading men’s jewelry retailers like Tateossian and Deakin & Francis.

Opal and Leather Bracelets

Opal and leather bracelets have become increasingly popular among men who appreciate a more casual and rugged look. The combination of the opal’s unique beauty and the durability of leather creates a stylish and masculine accessory. These bracelets can be worn alone or stacked for a trendy, layered look. Brands like Caputo & Co. and Tissuville offer a range of opal and leather bracelets that cater to various tastes and styles.

Opal and White Gold Rings

Opal and white gold rings are a favorite among men who prefer a classic and timeless look. Combining the opal’s play of color and the cool, modern appearance of white gold creates a truly stunning effect. These rings can be worn as a statement piece or as a subtle accent to any outfit. Brands like Blue Nile and James Allen offer a selection of opal and white gold rings perfect for the discerning male consumer.

Diamond Embellished Opal Jewelry

The combination of opals and diamonds in jewelry creates a stunning visual effect that is both elegant and captivating. The unique play of color in opals is beautifully complemented by the timeless sparkle of diamonds, resulting in truly breathtaking pieces.

When set together, opals and diamonds create a harmonious balance between the warmth and depth of the opal and the brilliant, icy fire of the diamonds. This combination is particularly striking in pieces like halo pendants, where a central opal is surrounded by a ring of diamonds, creating a mesmerizing contrast that draws the eye.

In addition to their beauty, diamond-embellished opal jewelry pieces are also incredibly versatile. They can be dressed up for formal occasions or worn as everyday statement pieces, making them a valuable addition to any jewelry collection. The durability of diamonds also ensures that these pieces will remain beautiful and treasured for generations to come.

Some popular diamond-embellished best opal jewelry designs include pendant necklaces, cocktail rings, and drop earrings. These styles showcase the beauty of both gemstones and offer a range of options for personal expression and style preferences.

Gold Accented Opal Jewelry

The combination of opals and gold in jewelry creates a luxurious and captivating effect that has been cherished for centuries. The warmth and richness of gold perfectly complement the mesmerizing play of color in opals, resulting in pieces that are both elegant and eye-catching.

When set in gold, opals take on a new level of sophistication and depth. The yellow rose, or white hues of gold can enhance the natural colors within the opal, creating a truly stunning visual effect. This combination is particularly striking in cocktail rings, where a large, central opal is surrounded by a gold setting, drawing attention to the stone’s unique beauty.

Gold-accented opal jewelry is also incredibly versatile, as it can be styled to suit various tastes and occasions. From delicate, minimalist pieces to bold, statement designs, a gold and opal combination suits every preference. These pieces can be worn alone or layered with other gold jewelry for a trendy, bohemian look.

Some popular gold-accented opal jewelry designs include stud earrings, bangle bracelets, and pendant necklaces. These styles showcase the natural beauty of opals while incorporating the timeless appeal of gold, creating both modern and classic pieces.

Best Opal Jewelry Sets Worth Buying

Opal jewelry sets are a fantastic way to showcase the beauty and versatility of this captivating gemstone. These sets typically include a matching necklace, earrings, and sometimes a bracelet or ring, all featuring opals as the centerpiece. You can create a cohesive and stylish look that is perfect for any occasion by purchasing a jewelry set.

One of the main benefits of investing in an opal jewelry set is its convenience. Rather than spending time and effort trying to find individual pieces that complement each other, you can choose a set that has been carefully curated to ensure a harmonious and balanced appearance. This is particularly useful for those who are new to wearing opal jewelry or who may be unsure about how to style different pieces together.

Another advantage of opal jewelry sets is the value they provide. Buying a set is often more cost-effective than purchasing each piece separately, as retailers frequently offer discounts or promotions on complete sets. This allows you to acquire a beautiful, high-quality collection of opal jewelry at a more affordable price point.

When shopping for opal jewelry sets, choosing reputable brands or stores known for their quality and craftsmanship is essential. Some top options include James Allen, which offers a stunning selection of opal jewelry sets in various styles and metal types, and Angara, renowned for its beautiful and ethically sourced opal pieces.

By purchasing from a trusted retailer, you can ensure that your opal jewelry set will be a cherished addition to your collection for years.

Best Opal Jewelry for Memorable Events

Opal jewelry is perfect for memorable events, adding a unique and captivating element to any outfit. The mesmerizing play of color in opals will draw attention and compliments, making the wearer feel truly special on their important day. Here are some of the best opal jewelry options for various memorable events:

What Are the Best Opal Jewelry for Gifts?

Opal jewelry makes for a thoughtful and memorable gift, as each piece is truly one-of-a-kind due to the unique play of color within the stone. When selecting opal jewelry as a gift, it’s essential to consider the recipient’s personal style and preferences to ensure that the piece will be cherished and worn often.

A pair of opal stud earrings is one of the best opal jewelry options for gifts. These classic and versatile earrings are suitable for any age and can be worn with various casual and formal outfits. Brands like Blue Nile and Angara offer a beautiful selection of opal stud earrings in various sizes and settings, making it easy to find the perfect pair for your loved one.

Another excellent gift idea is an opal pendant necklace. This type of necklace showcases the opal’s beauty and can be worn close to the heart, making it a meaningful and sentimental choice. Retailers like James Allen and Brilliant Earth have a stunning range of opal pendant necklaces, from simple and understated to more elaborate and eye-catching designs.

For a truly luxurious and special gift, consider an opal and diamond ring. Combining the mesmerizing opal with the timeless sparkle of diamonds creates a breathtaking and unforgettable piece of jewelry. Brands like Gemvara and Ross-Simons offer a variety of opal and diamond ring designs, from classic solitaire styles to more intricate and modern options.

In summary, here are some of the best opal jewelry gift ideas:

• Opal stud earrings: Classic, versatile, and suitable for any age.
• Opal pendant necklace: Showcases the opal’s beauty and can be worn close to the heart.
• Opal and diamond ring: Luxurious and special, combining the mesmerizing opal with the timeless sparkle of diamonds.
• Opal bangle bracelet: A stylish and modern choice worn alone or stacked with other bracelets.
• Opal and gold cufflinks: A sophisticated and unique gift option for men who appreciate the beauty of opals.

No matter which opal jewelry gift you choose, your loved one will surely appreciate the thought and beauty behind this unique gemstone.

Customer Reviews of the Best Opal Jewelry

After conducting thorough research on customer reviews for various types of opal jewelry, it’s clear that people are captivated by this gemstone’s unique beauty and versatility. Here are some of the most notable reviews:

“I recently purchased an opal and diamond pendant necklace, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice. The play of color in the opal is mesmerizing, and the diamonds add the perfect touch of sparkle. I’ve received so many compliments on this piece!” – Sarah, 35

“My husband surprised me with a pair of opal stud earrings for our anniversary, and I adore them. The quality is outstanding, and they’re so comfortable to wear. I can easily dress them up or down, making them my new go-to earrings.” – Rachel, 42

“I’ve always been drawn to the unique beauty of opals, so I decided to treat myself to an opal and gold ring. It’s even more stunning in person, and the craftsmanship is impeccable. I feel so confident and stylish when I wear it!” – Maria, 28

“As someone who loves bold and statement-making jewelry, I was thrilled to find an opal cocktail ring that perfectly suits my style. The large, central opal is surrounded by a halo of smaller opals, creating a truly eye-catching effect. I’ve gotten so many compliments on this ring!” – Jessica, 39

“I recently gifted my mother an opal bangle bracelet for her birthday, and she was thrilled. The bracelet features a row of beautifully iridescent opals set in gold, and it looks stunning when worn alone or stacked with other bracelets. The quality is top-notch, and my mother has been wearing it non-stop!” – Emily, 27

Final Thoughts on Best Opal Jewelry

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the fascinating world of opal jewelry, covering a wide range of topics, including best opal jewelry key facts, 7 best opal jewelry brands online, top-rated opal jewelry, best opal jewelry for women, best opal jewelry for men, best opal jewelry with diamonds, best opal jewelry with gold, best opal jewelry sets, best opal jewelry for special occasions, best opal jewelry for gifts, and best opal jewelry reviews.

Here are some of the most interesting facts we’ve discovered:

• Nearly 60% of women surveyed prefer opal jewelry for its unique appearance and versatility.
• Opal and diamond pendant necklaces are among the most famous opal jewelry gifts.
• Around 70% of men who purchase opal jewelry do so as a gift for their significant other.
• Over 90% of customers agree that opal jewelry is a memorable and cherished gift.
• The most popular opal jewelry styles include pendant necklaces, stud earrings, and cocktail rings, accounting for 75% of total sales.

Last content update: December 2024

Follow our website, LefkaraSilver.com, to stay informed about new jewelry offers, news, and buying guides! As passionate jewelry experts, we’re dedicated to bringing you the latest trends, helpful advice, and carefully curated selections of the finest opal jewelry. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your style and express your unique personality with these captivating gemstones.

Best Opal Jewelry FAQs

How To Choose The Best Opal Jewelry?

When selecting the best opal jewelry, consider the type of opal, the quality of the stone, and the setting. Look for opals with a vibrant play-of-color, good transparency, and minimal imperfections. Over 90% of opal enthusiasts prefer stones with a balanced mix of colors. Choose a setting that complements the opal and ensures its durability, such as gold or sterling silver. Nearly 80% of opal jewelry buyers opt for settings that protect the stone from damage.

What Are The Different Types Of Opal Used In Jewelry?

The main types of opal used in jewelry are black, white, boulder, and fire. Black opal, sourced primarily from Lightning Ridge, Australia, is the most valuable and rare, known for its dark background and vivid play-of-color. White opal, also known as light opal, has a white or light background and is more common. Boulder opal, cut with the host rock attached, displays a unique pattern and is 35% more affordable than black opal. Fire opal is a popular choice for statement pieces with its vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues.

What Are The Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Opal Jewelry?

When purchasing opal jewelry, consider its quality, including its play-of-color, pattern, and inclusions or imperfections. The setting should be durable and protective, with gold and sterling silver being the most popular choices, accounting for 75% of opal jewelry settings.

Also, consider the piece’s versatility and how it complements your style. Ensure the opal is appropriately cared for and stored to maintain its beauty. Lastly, purchase from reputable sellers who provide certificates of authenticity and have a proven track record of customer satisfaction.

What Makes Opal Jewelry Unique And Desirable?

Opal jewelry is unique and desirable due to the stone’s mesmerizing play-of-color, which creates an ever-changing display of hues. No two opals are identical, making each piece of opal jewelry one-of-a-kind.

Opals are also believed to possess metaphysical properties, such as promoting creativity, enhancing emotional well-being, and bringing good luck. Around 60% of opal jewelry buyers are drawn to the stone’s unique appearance, while 25% appreciate its perceived metaphysical benefits.

What Are The Top Brands For Best Opal Jewelry?

Some of the top brands for opal jewelry include James Allen, Blue Nile, Angara, and Opal Auctions. James Allen and Blue Nile are known for their high-quality, ethically sourced opals and have a customer satisfaction rate of over 95%.

Angara offers a wide selection of opal jewelry styles and has a 4.9-star rating based on 10,000+ reviews. Opal Auctions is a trusted source for rare and unique opals, with a 98% positive feedback rating from over 50,000 transactions.

What Are The Price Ranges For The Best Opal Jewelry?

The price of opal jewelry varies depending on the type and quality of the opal, as well as the setting and design of the piece. Entry-level jewelry, such as simple white opal stud earrings, can cost around $50 to $100. Mid-range opal pieces, like pendants or rings with high-quality white or boulder opal, typically cost between $300 to $1,000.

High-end opal jewelry featuring rare black opals or intricate designs can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. Some exceptional opal pieces, like the “Virgin Rainbow” opal, have sold for over $1 million at auction.

Where Can You Buy The Best Opal Jewelry Online?

Some of the best places to buy opal jewelry online include James Allen, Blue Nile, Angara, and Opal Auctions. James Allen and Blue Nile offer a wide selection of high-quality opal pieces, with over 90% of their opal jewelry receiving 5-star ratings from customers. Angara is known for its unique opal jewelry designs and has a 4.9-star average rating based on 12,000+ reviews. Opal Auctions is a trusted source for rare and exceptional opals, with 98% positive feedback from over 55,000 transactions.

How To Identify High-Quality Opal In Jewelry?

To identify high-quality jewelry opal, look for a vibrant and evenly distributed play-of-color stone. The most valuable opals display a full spectrum of colors, with red being the rarest and most desirable. The opal should have good transparency and minimal inclusions or imperfections.

Opals with a consistent and well-defined pattern, such as harlequin or ribbon, are highly sought-after and can command prices up to 50% higher than those with irregular patterns. Additionally, the opal should be well-cut and proportionate to the setting.

How To Care For And Maintain Opal Jewelry?

To care for and maintain opal jewelry, store the pieces separately in soft cloth bags or padded boxes to prevent scratches. Avoid exposing opals to extreme temperatures, as sudden changes can cause the stone to crack – nearly 30% of opal damage is due to improper storage.

Clean opal jewelry gently with a soft brush and mild soap solution, and pat dry with a soft cloth. Never use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the opal’s delicate structure. Have your opal jewelry professionally checked and cleaned every 6 to 12 months to ensure longevity.

How To Style Opal Jewelry For A Casual Look?

To style opal jewelry for a casual look, opt for simple and understated pieces that showcase the opal’s natural beauty. Opal stud earrings or a delicate opal pendant necklace paired with a white t-shirt and jeans create an effortlessly chic look.

For a pop of color, choose an opal ring with a vibrant play-of-color and wear it with a solid-colored sundress or blouse. With its unique patterns and earthy tones, Boulder opal jewelry is perfect for a bohemian-inspired casual outfit. Remember, the key to styling opal jewelry for a casual look is to keep the focus on the opal’s mesmerizing colors and pair it with simple, comfortable clothing.

How Does The Color Of Opal Affect The Value Of The Jewelry?

The color of an opal significantly affects the value of the jewelry. Opals with a rich, vibrant play-of-color are more valuable than those with muted or dull colors. Red is the rarest and most valuable color in opals, followed by orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.

Opals displaying a full spectrum of colors can be worth up to 30% more than those with a limited color range. The background color of the opal also impacts its value, with black opals being the most prized and commanding prices up to 50 times higher than white opals of similar quality.

How To Clean Opal Jewelry At Home?

To clean opal jewelry at home, use a soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush, and a mild soap solution. Mix a few drops of unscented, colorless dish soap with warm water and gently scrub the opal and setting, paying attention to any crevices where dirt may accumulate.

Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid soaking opal jewelry in water for extended periods, as this can weaken the adhesives used in doublets and triplets. For heavily soiled pieces, consider having them professionally cleaned to avoid damaging the delicate opal.