Entrancing, ethereal, iridescent — these are only some of the ways to describe opal engagement rings! One of the most romantic and magical gems ever, opals have made a name for themselves in the engagement ring world. We’ve all fallen under their spell, and there’s no going back!
With such a distinct and mesmerizing look, opal engagement rings are a match made in heaven for boho, whimsical styles. They’re perfect for a non-traditional look — but they also shine when paired with classic diamonds!
It’s easy to see why opal rings have taken over our wishlists, but there’s also more to them than meets the eye. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate guide to opal engagement rings — from how to care for them to how to choose the perfect one (just wait until you see the black opals!). Let’s get into it!
Just starting your search for the perfect ring? We’ve got you covered with our complete guide on where to buy engagement bands for women — plus how to choose the one!
Green Wedding Shoe’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. Please consider shopping through our links if you would like to support GWS!
What does an opal engagement ring mean?
Full of mystique and allure, opal engagement rings have inspired myths and stories for centuries. From the Ancient Romans who believed that opals symbolized hope and love, to Ancient Greeks who believed they guarded their wearer from disease, there’s something about this gem that feels magical. It’s not called “The Queen of Gems” for nothing!
In modern day, opal engagement rings still carry a ton of meaning. Opals represent inspiration, intuition, and passion, and they are often connected to good luck. Some people also believe that opals have healing properties and can protect you from danger — or turn you invisible, if you’re extra superstitious. Sounds like a pretty magical stone, if you ask us!
This rainbow gem is also the October birthstone — so opal engagement rings carry extra meaning for all the Libras (and Scorpios) out there!
How durable are opal engagement rings?
Opal engagement rings are one of the more delicate options for your forever ring. As only a 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale (for reference, diamonds are a 10), opals are very soft and can easily scratch or chip if you’re not careful.
You also have to be careful not to expose opal rings to any extreme elements. Too much moisture can create cracks in the stone, and drastic changes in temperature can also alter its appearance (and cause it to lose that amazing rainbow color palette that opals are known for!).
Because of this, you may not be able to wear your opal engagement ring anywhere and anytime. It’ll also require a little extra TLC than other ring types….but don’t worry, because we’ve included everything you need to know down below!
How to Choose the Perfect Opal Engagement Ring
To help you choose the perfect opal engagement ring, it’s important to pay attention to the type of the opal. The most common and budget-friendly type is white opals, which have a shiny, milky glow (kind of like the moon). These are great if you’re looking for something classic, dreamy, and minimalist — and just slightly unconventional.
For something more whimsical, you’ll love fire opal engagement rings. These opals appear to contain a kaleidoscope of colors, which is called “play-of-color.” With flashes of pastels and rainbows, they’ll give you that ethereal, magical look — perfect if you want something bohemian, enchanting, and non-traditional!
There are also blue opals, black opals (the rarest and most luxurious type), pink opals, and other types of fire opals that are a bright orange. These are the rings that are MADE to stand out.
GWS Tip: We always recommend looking for certificates of authenticity or information about where the opal is from when choosing your ring. This will ensure you’re getting the real deal!
Of course, choosing the one will ultimately come down to your partner’s style. Do they love all things glam and sparkly? Are they more minimalist and sophisticated? Do they wear mostly yellow gold or white gold? To help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up the best opal engagement rings for every style (keep on scrolling for our faves!). You’ll know it when you see it!
How to Care for Opal Engagement Rings
Like we mentioned before, opal engagement rings are super delicate, so it’s important to take special care of them. To avoid any damages, it’s best to take your ring off before doing any activities that might scratch it, like exercising, washing the dishes, cooking, etc.
You’ll also want to keep your ring away from any moisture or extreme temperatures — so always take it off before showering, swimming, going out in the sun or in the cold, applying lotion, or even snuggling up next to the fire.
When cleaning opal engagement rings, steer clear of industrial or diamond cleaners. The classic toothbrush method is also best to avoid, as this can scratch the stone. Instead, stick to mild dish soap and a damp cloth (remember not to soak the ring). Simple, but effective!
Does opal make for a good engagement ring?
There are both pros and cons to using opals for engagement rings.
Pros: Opal rings are beautiful, magical, and totally stand out from the crowd! As one of the dreamiest gems, opals make for some incredibly romantic engagement rings. Plus, no two opals are exactly the same. That means whatever opal engagement ring you choose, it’ll be totally one-of-a-kind — perfect for your one-of-a-kind love story!
Cons: Because of how delicate they are, opal engagement rings can’t be worn every day, and there is a bigger risk of damaging them. If your S.O. has a super active lifestyle, opals may not be the right choice. But if they’re willing to give it the tender loving care it needs, opal rings make for stunning forever bling!
Where to Buy Opal Engagement Rings
Since they’re less traditional than your basic diamond sparkler, opal engagement rings can be a little trickier to find. For the best of the best, here are our favorite places to buy opal rings!
- Etsy: It’s no secret that we love Etsy’s engagement bands, and their opal designs are no exception! Created by passionate independent designers, you can find opal rings for every style — from minimal + milky designs to Art Deco inspired sparklers. Plus, most of Etsy’s rings are super budget-friendly!
- Capucinne: This brand makes it easy to narrow down your search based on gemstone, and their collection of opal engagement rings is simply unmatched! With a specialty in boho styles and distinct designs, Capucinne’s rings are made to stand out from the crowd. And we’re obsessed with every. single. one.
- Staghead Designs: Another one-stop shop for unconventional rings, Staghead Designs has some of our favorite romantic opal styles. I mean, just look at this sweet heart-shaped ring and this delicate floral design! We also love that each ring is handcrafted using unique and “wild” materials.
Feeling ready to put a ring on it? Let’s get into the designs!!
White Opal Engagement Rings
Featuring the most common type of the gem, white opal engagement rings are what you think of when you think of opal designs.
They’re typically a creamy white, with less bright and bold colors than fire opal rings (more on those later!). The result? A dreamy, soft gem that looks ah-mazing with brilliant diamonds and glowing yellow gold. Kind of like an elevated take on the classic engagement ring look!
Keep scrolling for our very favorite white opal engagement rings — and prepare to be entranced!
1: Victorian-Inspired White Opal Engagement Ring
Did you know that opals were one of Queen Victoria’s favorite gems? She was known to rock them throughout her reign — and this white opal engagement ring pays homage to the gem’s royal past!
With a Victorian-inspired diamond halo and a dazzling center opal, this ornate ring is nothing short of majestic. Plus, you can choose between different qualities of opal for the centerpiece, from a milky white gem to a fiery rainbow-hued stone.
Channel all the glamour of a bygone era with these gorgeous vintage engagement bands! Trust us, these rings will never go out of style.
2: Milky White Marquise Opal Engagement Ring
It’s the iridescence for us! One of the reasons white opals are so popular is the natural shine and shimmer of the stone — and this white opal engagement ring is proof!
Cut in a romantic marquise shape, the center opal of this gorgeous sparkler dazzles just as much — if not more! — as the three accent diamonds on each side. Complete with a glittering gold band, it’ll light up any finger.
P.S. This dazzling ring also has a matching ring guard, which features additional diamonds and fire + ice opal details. No wedding band shopping necessary!
3: Night Sky White Opal Engagement Ring
This white opal engagement ring is giving us ALL the magical night sky vibes! We love the perfect round shape of the opal — kind of like a dreamy full moon. And the diamond side stones on the band are like twinkling stars!
But the best part of this ethereal ring is the bezel setting. Since opals are such delicate gems, a bezel setting is a great way to protect them from damage. Especially if you want to wear your opal engagement ring everyday!
4: Nature-Inspired White Opal Engagement Ring
If your other half loves all things nature-inspired, then you can stop scrolling now. Because we’ve found your perfect white opal engagement ring!
With a band designed to resemble delicate twigs, this opal ring is whimsical without feeling over the top. Dainty diamonds make it feminine, and a mystical center opal (with subtle fiery rainbow vibes) brings the whole look together. Perfect if you love spending time in the great outdoors together!
(Bonus points if you’re planning to pop the question on top of a mountain or during your favorite hike!)
5: Starburst White Opal Engagement Ring
This white opal engagement ring has us totally starstruck! We’re suckers for a starburst halo, and this diamond one is SERIOUSLY mesmerizing. Complete with an enchanting center opal, this romantic ring says “our love was written in the stars!”
Plus, the two diamond accents on the band add just the right amount of sparkle. Starry eyed would be an understatement!
Fire Opal Engagement Rings
They’re named fire opal engagement rings for a reason! Found in the depths of volcanos, fire opals are created when water seeps into lava — resulting in bright blazes of orange, red, yellow, and every color in between. They make for vibrant and mesmerizing rings, and our favorite of all the styles!
GWS Tip: There are typically two different types of fire opals. The more common fire opals can be any color (including white), and feature a fiery play-of-color that flickers across the stone. The other type is complete orange and translucent, like a mini flame in gem form!
And in addition to being completely alluring, fire opal engagement rings are also ablaze with meaning. It’s believed that they symbolize passion and will bring you joy, good fortune, and confidence. Say less!
6: Hexagon Fire Opal Engagement Ring
Dare to be different with this fire opal engagement ring! Fire opals are perfect if your S.O. loves to break tradition and stand out from the crowd, and this hexagon ring takes those vibes to the next level!
With a dazzling geometric design, the center opal makes a statement all on its own. But with the moss agate side stones and the sparkling crown, it’s truly unforgettable.
7: Art Deco-Inspired Fire Opal Engagement Ring
Proof that sometimes more is more! Inspired by the extravagance of the Art Deco era, this fire opal engagement ring maxes out on sparkle and shine. It’s MADE for main characters and old souls alike!
Plus, this stunning stack is actually three opal rings in one. It features a classic engagement ring (with a solitaire fire opal and a pavé diamond band) nestled between two dazzling opal + diamond crowns. Mix and match or wear them together for a maximalist look!
8: Entrancing Fire Opal Engagement Ring
One word: entrancing. This fire opal engagement ring captures a kaleidoscope of colors in one vibrant marquise cut stone. Flickering with pastel pinks, blues, greens, and yellows, we’re pretty sure it’s pure magic!
P.S. This rainbow ring also has a nature-inspired matching band that has us totally spellbound!
9: Perfect Twosome Fire Opal Engagement Ring
Alexa, play “Just the Two of Us!” For a forever ring that says “you and I,” it doesn’t get much better than this tourmaline + fire opal engagement ring.
With radiant green tourmaline and iridescent fire opal placed side by side on a gold band, it’s a stunning twosome in one gorgeous ring. The perfect pair for the perfect pair!
10: Natural Fire Opal Engagement Ring
Featuring a natural fire opal, this blazing orange ring looks like a burning flame for your finger! Such a dazzling way to say that your love will always burn bright (cue the tears!).
Fun fact: These orange-hued fire opals are considered the national gemstone of Mexico. They were also treasured by ancient Mayans and Aztecs, who gave them the name “the stone of the bird of paradise.” We love an engagement ring with a bit of history!
11: Radiant Fire Opal Engagement Ring
Another glowing natural fire opal engagement ring, this stunning design radiates glamour. From the diamond halo to the rosy golden band, it has an aura of luxury and warmth — safe to say we’re totally obsessed!
For a forever ring that’s just as radiant (and fiery) as your forever love, it doesn’t get better than this.
12: Teardrop Fire Opal Engagement Ring
This fire opal ring is bringing the heat! It’s sleek, modern, and contemporary — a no-fuss style that definitely stands out from the crowd. It’s not your average engagement ring, but that’s what we love about it!
Plus, the teardrop style is also having a MAJOR moment right now. Chic and modern, it’s the perfect style for a non-traditional opal ring!!
It’s a modern favorite for a reason — don’t miss our list of the most gorgeous pear-shaped engagement bands for every style!
13: Dazzling Fire Opal Engagement Ring
The five-star reviews don’t lie — this fire opal engagement ring is really THAT good! We love how the baguette diamond halo draws your eye toward that entrancing center opal. It’s impossible to look away!
And if you’re as smitten with this mesmerizing ring as we are, then you should run, not walk, to the designer’s Etsy store! All of their fire opal rings are perfection — and they also have an entire collection of art deco-inspired styles.
14: Compass-Inspired Fire Opal Design
Did you feel lost before finding your other half? Show them that all arrows point to your love with this fire opal engagement ring!
Inspired by a compass, this meaningful ring features a dainty diamond for each direction — north, south, east, and west. And at the center? A magical fire opal to represent your magical love story. (We’re not crying, you are!)
Black Opal Engagement Rings
One of the most enchanting gemstones of all time, black opals are luxurious, ethereal, and extremely rare. It’s no wonder black opal engagement rings are so coveted — there’s something about them that just glows!
Because of the allure and scarcity of black opals, these rings are typically on the pricier side, especially compared to typical fire or white opal engagement rings. Most of them come from down under in Australia, but no single gem is the same. Some look deep and moody, while others flicker with fiery reds, oranges, and blues!
Scroll on for the most luxe, romantic, and one-of-a-kind black opal engagement rings!
15: Ocean-Inspired Black Opal Engagement Ring
Give your S.O. a piece of the ocean with this black opal engagement ring! Aptly named the “lagoon” ring, it channels all the dreaminess of a cool body of water with that ethereal black opal. If you thought black opals would be all black, think again!
We’re also digging the black pavé diamonds along the band, which bring a dark and moody element that is just SO cool.
Fun fact: Like the ocean, black opals are thought to be restorative and cleansing. If you’re S.O. is part mermaid, they will love this ring!
16: Out of This World Black Opal Sparkler
When your love feels out of this world, you need a forever ring that represents that! Enter: this galactic black opal engagement ring.
With a dark rainbow of swirling colors, this teardrop-shaped opal ring looks like a small galaxy surrounded by twinkling diamonds.
Because why settle for the world when you could give your S.O. the whole galaxy?!
17: Minimalist Black Opal Engagement Ring
There’s so much to love about simple engagement bands — they’re perfect for everyday wear, they never go out of style, and they’re equal parts elegant and effortless. Case in point: this black opal engagement ring!
Despite its dainty design, this minimalist ring packs a major punch. With an entrancing black opal and delicate diamond accents, it’s bold, unfussy, and SO mesmerizing!
18: Fiery Black Opal Engagement Ring
It’s all in the details with this black opal engagement ring! We’re digging the combo of different shapes and dainty designs, which come together to create a stand-out ring unlike anything we’ve seen before.
As a bonus, the accent stones are actually a diamond alternative — making this one-of-a-kind ring more ethical AND budget-friendly!
19: Abstract Black Opal Engagement Ring
Speaking of black opal engagement rings that are totally one-of-a-kind….can we just take a moment to appreciate this abstract style?!
A little bit retro, a little bit whimsical, and A LOT glamorous, this black opal ring is totally original. And that’s what we love about it! After all, who wants an engagement ring that looks like everyone else’s?!
Looking for a ring that’s as unique as your love story? Check out these stunning unique engagement bands that we can’t stop staring at!
20: Royal Black Opal Design
There’s no doubt that opals are “The Queen of Gems” with this black opal engagement ring! From the deep blue shade to the marquise diamond accents, this glittering opal ring has a dazzle fit for royalty. It even comes with a matching diamond crown!
Choose between white gold, yellow gold, or platinum to really make that glimmering opal pop.
21: Dazzling Black Opal Sparkler
Where do we even start?! If you’re looking for a ring that’s just as dazzling as your other half, this black opal engagement ring is THE ONE.
With eleven diamonds dancing around the Australian black opal, this sparkling ring is majorly swoon-worthy. And don’t even get us started on that glittering diamond band!
Raw Opal Engagement Rings
There’s something about raw opal engagement rings that just hit different. Also known as rough opals, these gems are uncut and unshaped before being made into engagement rings. The effect is au natural, bohemian, and slightly rugged bling.
If you’re searching for a ring unlike anything else you’ve ever seen, raw opal designs are IT. They’re wild, enchanting, and free-spirited — perfect for your wild, enchanting, and free-spirited other half!
Below we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite raw opal engagement rings. Disclaimer: may cause swooning!
22: Branch-Inspired Raw Opal Engagement Ring
The design of this raw opal ring plays off of the natural characteristics of raw opals, with a band designed to look like a rugged tree branch. Each opal is also carefully hand-cut to stay true to its original shape — SO stunning for boho babes who love to keep things au natural!
Additionally, branch-inspired engagement rings symbolize adding another branch to your family tree. It’s meaningful and beautiful!
23: Aquamarine + Diamond + Raw Opal Ensemble
Looking for a forever ring that tells a story? Look no further than this aquamarine + diamond + raw opal engagement ring!
There’s a ton of meaning behind three-stone rings. Each stone represents your past, present, and future — together. And with this combination of three different stones, that journey has never felt more thoughtful or magical!
We also love that this gorgeous ring is made with gems that have been selected specifically for their originality — it’s the little “flaws” that make them imperfectly perfect!
24: Lotus Flower Ring
Watch your love blossom with this raw opal engagement ring! Multiple pieces of raw opal are combined to create this breathtaking lotus flower design. Complete with a leaf-inspired setting to hold the gems together, it’s feminine, floral, and so romantic!
If you love surprising your partner with flowers, give them a blossom that will last forever!
P.S. This stunning ring also comes in gold.
25: Ombré Raw Opal Engagement Ring
The only thing better than one opal? Multiple opals! This raw opal engagement ring brings together an enchanting ensemble of iridescent gems to create a style that stands out. Talk about a ring that has everything!
We’re especially digging how the stones are lined up to create a rad ombré effect. It’s perfect for stacking or shining all on its own!
If you love the “more is more” aesthetic, then prepare to fall head over heels for these dazzling cluster engagement bands!
26: Rustic Raw Opal Engagement Ring
Ring #22, but make it dainty! We love the rustic charm of the raw opal combined with the delicate twig-inspired band. It’s giving magical forest vibes, and we are here. for. it.
P.S. You can also get this raw opal ring with a moody black opal, instead of a milky white one. And for something super one-of-a-kind, you HAVE to check out this raw opal + half moon ring, created by the same designer!
27: One-of-a-Kind Raw Opal Design
The best part about this raw opal engagement ring? There’s no other ring that’s exactly the same!
Handmade in the US, each ring is designed using raw opals sourced form Australia. The design is then finished with a recycled gold setting that’s designed to perfectly fit the individual gem.
When you order this bohemian opal ring, you don’t know exactly what you’re going to get — but you do know that it’ll be totally one-of-a-kind!
28: Boho Raw Opal Engagement Ring
Is there anything cooler than an opal engagement ring that looks like it came right from the inside of a volcano? We think not! That’s the beauty of this raw opal ring, which features shards of rainbow flash Ethiopian opal in the style that you would find it in nature.
And as if that wasn’t enough, this raw opal ring is also ethically sourced and created by a female-founded small business. Say less!
Blue Opal Engagement Rings
Bright and bold, blue opal engagement rings are generally the same as the other opal rings on this list — except they feature a vibrant ocean-inspired hue! While there’s no one specific shade for these rings, they all do have one thing in common: they make the perfect something blue.
These striking blue opals are also thought to symbolize hope, which is a pretty fitting meaning for the start of your next chapter together, if we do say so ourselves! Additionally, the Ancient Greeks believed that blue opals came from the tears of Zeus after a victorious battle. Do with that what you will…and scroll on for the best tear-inspired styles!
Love the look of a bold blue stone? Because same! That’s why we rounded up 35 of the most stunning sapphire engagement bands!
29: Glamorous Blue Opal Engagement Ring
As vibrant as a tropical ocean, this teal blue opal engagement ring is impossible to miss. We love the play of blues and greens, which look extra mesmerizing next to the moissanite accent stones and glimmering gold band!
This glamorous opal sparkler is bright + bold but sophisticated + elegant at the same time. If we’re also describing your partner right now, then this may just be your dream ring!
30: Lucy In The Sky Blue Ring
Named the “Lucy in the Sky” ring, this blue opal ring (dare we say, with diamonds) is a dream come true!
It features a clear blue Alexandrite center stone, surrounded by a halo of glittering diamonds and blue opal inlays on the band. Plus, you can customize the center stone if you want to go the full opal route!
Can we go ahead and guess your first dance song now?
31: Fire + Ice Blue Opal Design
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the icy flame of this fiery blue opal engagement ring. It’s blazing with deep blues and bold greens — talk about the best of both worlds!
This dreamy opal ring also has a subtle toi et moi style, with two dainty diamond accents next to the blue opal. It’s modern, timeless, and SO cool!
32: Modern Blue Opal Sparkler
Calling all minimalists! This blue opal engagement ring may be understated, but it’s definitely not boring. We can’t stop talking about the rad square design of the opal (protected with a sleek bezel setting).
Plus, the accent diamonds give this modern ring that exciting “we’re engaged” sparkle!
Planning the Perfect Proposal? We’ve Got You Covered.
First of all: CONGRATULATIONS!! This is one of the most exciting milestones in your life, and we can’t wait to help you make it perfect.
If you’re still looking for that dream ring, definitely check out our complete guide on where to buy engagement bands for women — plus how to choose “the one.”
And before you click “add to cart,” make sure you’re buying the right size the first time with our guide on how to measure ring size at home!
Once you have your bling on lock, it’s finally the moment you’ve been waiting for: time to pop the question! Make it a moment to remember with this list of the best unique proposal ideas — and prepare for tears!
How are you preparing for your soon-to-be engaged status? Let us know in the comments below!
