27 Opal Engagement Rings: The Queen of Gems
These days, brides-to-be are looking towards unique ring designs to celebrate their commitment. Traditional diamonds are taking a backseat to other gemstone and precious metal options. Professionally cut or raw and rugged, these luminous beauties are showing up on a lot of ring fingers!
Fair warning: Although we love the look of opals for a ring, they are a very fragile stone at a hardness of 5-6.5 on the Moh’s scale (check out this article on gemstones that we wrote for more information on Moh’s scale for engagement rings). For that reason, it is difficult for us to recommend an opal engagement ring that’s worn everyday.
If you have your heart set on an opal stone, there’s nothing wrong with that. We simply love opals too — you could get yourself a pair of nice opal earrings as a gift!
As far as buying an opal engagement ring, the best advice I can give you is to shop around to pick a ring design that protects the stone as much as possible. Try not to set your expectations too high for durability. There’s a reason that diamonds are a frequent stone in engagement rings – they are extremely hard and durable.
Why Choose an Opal Engagement Ring?
There are a lot of great reasons to consider an opal gemstone instead of a more traditional diamond. For one, opals are more cost-effective than diamonds. They also make a gorgeous statement. Buyers get an elegant and dazzling ring for half the cost of what would be paid to traditional jewelers.
Speaking of traditional jewelers, there’s an important sustainability reason to consider this diamond alternative. Certain regions in the world control diamond mines with violence, child labor, extreme poverty and environmental harm. Although certain processes certify some diamonds as conflict free, you can do humanity and the environment a favor by choosing an alternative stone for your engagement ring.
Not to mention, opals are unique! They come in a variety of colors and cuts that really speak about you as an individual. Buying an opal engagement ring celebrates the unique qualities of your love for your partner.
Opal History: “Queen of Gems”
Shakespeare famously described the opal as the ‘queen of gems’ and ‘a miracle’. Throughout history, the precious gem has shown up in works of art, historical documents, and addorning notable persons. The ancient Mayans and Aztecs mined the Mexican fire opal. Both cultures crafted artifacts out of the “stone of the bird of paradise.”
Opals were considered incredibly precious by the Romans and Europeans throughout the Middle Ages. In fact, the Romans considered opals to be the most valuable gemstone available. British Queen Victoria loved to wear opals as her gem of choice, and frequently gifted them to family members.
27 Gorgeous Opal Engagement Rings
1. Solitaire Opal Infinity Knot Ring
This ring doesn’t need diamonds to shine. The infinity knot showcases your everlasting love while framing a gorgeous opal. This ring is elegant, sophisticated, and absolutely stunning
Why I like it:
- Five materials to choose from, including platinum
- Option to choose the opal size and quality
- Infinity knot symbolizes eternal love and commitment
2. Solitaire Criss Cross with Diamonds
One of the more contemporary designs on this list, this opal ring features a criss-cross setting with inlaid diamonds. The criss-cross setting compliments the soft shape of the oval opal in a way that is both unique and stunning.
Why I like it:
- Criss-cross setting reminds me of XOXO
- Made to order
- Diamonds add a bit of bling
3. Opal and Diamond Twisted Vine Ring
When I say I gasped when I saw this ring, I really mean gasped. It’s stunning! The twisting vine and leaf shank is elegant with an organic feel — perfect for those Bohemian babes. Choose a mixed metal setting for even more visual interest and she’ll be saying yes before you can even ask.
Why I like it:
- Nature-inspired vibes
- Mixed metal options are gorgeous
- Choose opal size and quality
4. Classic Opal and Diamond Three Stones
This ring is another that’s a little more classic than some on this list, but it’s just as beautiful. The two white diamonds accentuate the center stone to create a design that celebrates your memorable past, exciting present (I mean, you’re getting engaged!), and promising future. If that doesn’t say romantic, I don’t know what does.
Why I like it:
- Classic and elegant design
- Ring is made to order
- Perfect choice for a minimalist
5. Opal Cushion Cocktail Ring
Okay, this opal cushion ring may be simple, but it is a showstopper. The center stone doesn’t need anything to highlight it’s beauty — the opal shines on its own. While there are other stones to choose from, none are more beautiful than the opal. Bold and fashion-forward, this ring will make a statement.
Why I like it:
- Cushion cabochon opal is a unique shape
- Simple yet makes a statement
- Larger stone is oh-so-glam
6. Open Opal And Diamond Ring
Open rings may not be what you think of when you think engagement ring, but trust me — they are timeless. This open oval ring is set with opals and diamonds to create an enchanting, almost ethereal design. She won’t be able to take her eyes off it.
Why I like it:
- Open design is a great alternative to a center stone
- Marquis opals and accent diamonds give an ethereal vibe
- Simple, elegant, and stunning
7. White Gold Infinity Opal Ring
This infinity ring is the perfect way to show her your love is eternal. The center opal is set into an infinity band to create a design that is elegant, understated, and classic — just like her.
Why I like it:
- Infinity band shows your eternal love
- White gold highlights the natural beauty of the opal
- Perfect choice for a minimalist
8. Petite Single Opal Birthstone Ring
Oh my! This dainty opal is giving me all the feels. The simple band is set with one solitary opal in a design that’s mean to wow with it’s simplicity.
Why I like it:
- Perfect for the woman who isn’t into large stones
- Dainty and elegant
- A fashion-forward ring
9. Rose Gold Opal Engagement Ring Set
This ring exudes sophistication. I love this art deco-style delicate opal engagement and wedding band set. The center stone is a pear-shaped natural opal accented by moissanites, diamonds, and lab-treated emeralds. Each stone is hand-selected, and no two rings are the same.
Why I like it:
- Includes a matching band to fit the unique shape
- Band detailing adds an extra level of visual interest
- Pear opal gives a unique twist on the usual oval shape
10. Australian Black Opal Diamond Ring
A ring of beauty. Black opals can range from the darkest of blues to the brightest of greens and everything in between. The creator has a variety of loose opals to choose from so you can choose just the right one for your sweetie. Four diamonds dot this Celtic inspired band to create a ring that is stunning, elegant, and one of a kind.
Why I like it:
- Black opals have a variety of color choices
- Celtic design adds detail and visual interest
- Diamonds on the band add just the right amount of sparkle
11. Cushion-Cut Opal Cocktail Ring
For a women looking for a beautifully crafted, elegant and classic piece, check out this oval cut opal engagement ring from Blue Nile. Simple and demanding of attention, the opal is set on a band of 18k white gold. Add an eternity diamond wedding band and you will have yourself a stunning set.
Why I like it:
- Simple and classic design
- Perfect for a more intricate wedding band
- Diamond side stones add a bit of sparkle
12. Oval Opal Engagement Ring Set
High ratings for Etsy seller Nida Rings, who provide this gorgeous oval-cut pale opal flanked by petite diamonds. The matching wedding band is provided with the engagement ring, and you can get both in either 14k white gold, yellow gold or rose gold. The setting has an art deco, vintage allure that is just lovely.
Why I like it:
- Vintage-inspired setting reminds me of Downtown Abbey
- Matching band included for an exact fit
- Three metals to choose from
13. Three Stone Opal Ring
I’m in love with the classic 3 stone setting of this ring. The opal spin on the 3-stone engagement ring makes this piece stunning. It’s a handmade ring that features a natural opal set in between two trillion cut diamonds. The band is constructed from 18k rose gold.
Why I like it:
- Classic and elegant design
- Center stone is a natural opal
- Handmade to order
14. Art Deco Style Opal Engagement Ring
This engagement ring and band looks like it’s going to break the bank. While it looks expensive, this affordable engagement and wedding band set is a great option for couples on a budget. The art deco design gives the ring a high end feel with CZ diamonds framing the round center diamond. Absolutely gorgeous.
Why I like it:
- Surprisingly affordable
- Can be customized to fit your specifications
- Art deco style is totally vintage
15. Pear Shaped Opal Engagement Ring
This vibrant alternative design features a beautiful pear shaped Australian opal set with pear shape diamond right on top that is prong set and 13 pave round diamonds on each side of the shank. The perfect ring for a radiant bride with a big personality.
Why I like it:
- Show stopping ring shape
- Entirely handmade to order
- Heart in the gallery adds a special touch
16. Opal & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
This gorgeous halo ring from Etsy shop RenBijoux features a round Ethiopian fire opal in the center, shimmering with iridescent hues of green and blue. Small diamonds in a halo and the vintage-style setting ring the fire opal.
Why I like it:
- Halo setting highlights beauty of the opal
- Diamond encrusted band adds extra sparkle
- Setting includes additional diamonds for even more bling
17. Double Halo Art Deco Opal Ring
A beautiful art deco ring from Blue Sun Flowers caught our eye for obvious reasons. The classic gold fan flaring out about a gorgeous opal and set with diamonds is a one of a kind statement. The Gatsby-esque ring is perfect for the glamorous bride-to-be who wants to stand out from the crowd.
Why I like it:
- Total Gatsby vibes
- Lots of sparkle packed into a dainty ring
- Baquettes elongate the look of the center stone
18. Rose Gold Cluster Opal Ring
This ring is for any and all budgets as it comes in silver, plated gold, or solid gold! Its classic detailing is the mounting for a large translucent opal, which neatly fuses classic and modern. I love that the opals are carried throughout the design, with smaller opals set into the band.
Why I like it:
- Extremely customizable
- Perfect for the couple on a budget
- Delicate and classic design
19. Art Deco Opal Gold Ring
Wow! I’m loving this handmade ring from an Etsy seller out of the United Kingdom. The creative design is reminiscent of times gone by, with a Gatsby style in mind. An Australian Opal crowns the beautiful ring arrangement and is set in a beautiful engraved 1920’s inspired mount, which is studded with 34 individual diamonds, to create a lot of sparkles while keeping the design dainty.
Why I like it:
- Intricate setting featuring 34 diamonds
- Total art deco vibes
- Gorgeous from all angles
20. Opal & Diamond Halo Ring
This opal and diamond halo ring is another favorite from Blue Nile. A large opal crowns a halo of forty-four round diamonds. The iridescent shimmer of the opal adds to the sparkle of the diamonds, creating a show-stopping shimmer.
Why I like it:
- An opal spin on a classic design
- Diamond halo accentuates fire in the opal
- Large opal gives a wow-factor
21. Raw Opal Lotus Flower
For the women looking for a uniquely designed ring with an opal, this may be the one! This gorgeous dainty rings holds pieces of raw fire opal placed in mosaic way and displayed within a 14k rose gold petal shaped cup that creates a beautiful lotus flower.
Why I like it:
- This ring exudes Bohemian style
- Raw opal is one of a kind
- Handmade to order
22. Floral-Shaped Opal Engagement Ring
This gorgeously delicate white opal engagement ring is equal parts affordable, unique, and timeless. The large opal center sits in brilliant contrast to the diamond halo that surrounds it and is only improved by the opal accents along either side of the band. / If you really want to wow her, check out the matching V shaped diamond wedding band that will fit perfectly nestled underneath long after the big day.
Why I like it:
- Option for a matching band
- A unique spin on the classic halo setting
- Delicate and feminine
23. Australian Opal Handmade Twig Ring
This Opal Twig Ring from a top-rated Etsy seller stands out as a piece of truly impressive craftmanship. The detailing on the band is unbelievably realistic and it perfectly grasps the center opal that serves as a much needed pop of color. This ring gives us major fairytale vibes and is perfect for the nature loving, tree climbing, adventure seeking woman in your life!
Why I like it:
- Nature-lovers will adore this ring
- Multiple metals to choose from, including platinum
- Detailing gives a realistic and earthy vibe
24. Emerald Cut Opal Ring
Setting itself apart from the usually round or oval cut opals, this emerald cut Cabochon opal jewelry item is truly special. Set on a 14k rose gold band and surrounded by a halo of diamond accents, this ring brings a vintage inspired design barreling into the 21st century and is perfect for any modern woman with a flair for the classically romantic.
Why I like it:
- Emerald cut is a unique opal shape
- Diamond halo adds just the right amount of sparkle
- Romantic yet modern design
25. Rare Australian Black Opal Ring
Nothing says sophisticated and refined quite like black opal. This dark colored gemstone will instantly turn heads while the diamond triplets on either side add a traditional flair. This ring is perfect for the trailblazing woman who wants what nobody else has.
Why I like it:
- Three materials to choose from
- Australian black opal has lots of depth and fire
- Diamonds accentuate the natural beauty of the diamond
26. Boulder Vibrant Australian Opal
I am obsessed with this design. This boulder opal 14k gold ring is truly one of a kind. Handmade, uniquely shaped, and still attached to its natural host rock, this iridescent beauty is perfect for the natural beauty in your life who wants to stand out from the crowd.
Why I like it:
- A piece of art she can wear
- Boulder shape is perfect for the adventuring girl
- Artistic prongs keep opal secure while looking elegant
27. Hexagon Halo Opal Engagement Ring
This may just be the perfect ring. Delicate, whimsical, and completely unique, this art-deco inspired hexagonal ring somehow screams vintage romance and modern chic all at once. / While its opal center and diamond halo are reminiscent of the traditional engagement rings we are all so familiar with, it’s unique shape and 14k rose gold setting gives it the vibrance and youth associated with a 21st century bride. It’s also available in 14k white or yellow gold. Absolutely stunning.
Why I like it:
- Perfect for the romantic at heart
- Three materials to choose from
- Diamond halos gives just the right amount of sparkle
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