Is opal too soft for an engagement ring?
Last reviewed
How hard is opal?
Opal is 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which runs from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond). That makes it about as hard as glass: softer than sapphire or diamond, harder than pearl.
In everyday terms, fabric, skin, water and soap won't hurt it. Over years, fine dust can slowly dull the polish. A hard knock against stone or metal, like a countertop, a car door or gym equipment, can chip it.
So opal isn't fragile, but it doesn't like hard knocks. The setting makes the biggest difference.
Choosing a setting
For a ring worn every day, a bezel setting, where metal wraps around the edge of the stone, gives the most protection. Knocks hit the metal before they reach the stone.
Claw settings show more of the stone and let in more light, but they leave the edge exposed. They suit rings that are worn with a bit more care.
Which opal for which hand
Boulder opal is the toughest choice. Its natural ironstone back is part of the stone, so there's more support behind the color. It's earthy rather than showy, and it hides small scuffs well.
Black opal is the showpiece. It's the most expensive, so it's worth choosing a protective setting and taking the ring off for gardening or the gym.
Crystal opal is clear, so scratches show more easily. It needs a little more care to keep it looking its best.
What to budget
A solid opal engagement ring isn't a cheap alternative to a diamond. If one is priced like one, check whether it's a doublet or lab-created. See what opal costs, type by type.
What you get is a stone nobody else has. What you give up is resale value: opals don't have the resale market diamonds do. Buy it because you love it, not as an investment.
When opal isn't the right choice
If the person wearing it works with their hands every day, as a nurse, a chef or a climber, a ring that's always on will take a lot of knocks. A pendant, or an opal ring kept for special occasions, might suit them better.
Opal is also hard to judge from a still photo, because its colors change as it moves. Watch the video of the stone before you decide.
Common questions
Is opal durable enough for an engagement ring?
Yes, with the right setting and sensible care. Opal is about as hard as glass (5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale). Everyday contact won't hurt it, but a hard knock can chip it. A bezel setting gives the most protection for a ring worn every day.
What setting is best for an opal engagement ring?
A bezel setting, where metal wraps around the edge of the stone, gives the most protection for everyday wear. Claw settings show more of the stone but leave the edge exposed, so they suit rings worn with more care.
Which opal type is toughest for daily wear?
Boulder opal. Its natural ironstone back is part of the stone, which gives it more support. Black opal is the showpiece and is worth protecting with a bezel. Crystal opal shows scratches more easily.
Can an opal engagement ring be resized?
Not by us. We don't resize our rings. A local jeweler can, but a ring that has been resized or altered elsewhere can't be returned.