How to Tell a Good Quality Opal

Opal is a popular gemstone used as a center stone in engagement rings. It is the only gemstone of Venus that enhances creativity and attracts luck and wealth. No two opals are alike. Many people get confused about real, fake, low-grade, and high-quality opals. 

Plus, an opal gemstone comes in so many colors, shapes, and patterns that a beginner often doesn't know which one is best to buy or gift. This blog provides insight into the best-quality opal to choose for your different needs.

Which Opal Stone Is Best?

Different types of opals have different qualities and price tags. The most expensive and best quality ones are usually Black Opals, especially from Australia. They show strong, bright colors even in low light. Then comes Boulder Opals, which also have great strength and vivid patterns. Crystal Opals are transparent to semi-transparent and look stunning if the color play is bright.

If you want something more budget-friendly but elegant, White Opal and Ethiopian Opal are also good options. So the “best opal” depends on why you are buying it—investment, daily wear, collection, or an engagement ring. Read Here: Natural Opal Gemstone:- The Birthstone of October Month   

Understanding Opal Color & Play-of-Color

Color is the biggest factor in deciding opal quality.

Opal color is evaluated based on its body tone and play of colors. Body tone refers to the background color, which can be different for different types of opals. For instance, the body tone can be white, pink, blue, colorless, grey, or black. 

The play of colors is the most crucial factor in assessing the quality of these stones. Play of color in opals is an optical phenomenon where light refracts to give flashes of colors. The arrangement of silica spheres the stone is composed of determines the intensity of this phenomenon. Read Here: Types of Opal: Why Should You Own One?  

Here's what to notice:

• Brightness: Dull stones are cheap. Bright stones with sharp colors are premium.
• Pattern: Harlequin, pinfire, broad flash, and rolling flash are considered very attractive.
• Contrast: A darker body tone with a bright rainbow effect usually increases value.
  

If an opal shows multiple colors clearly, it is a sign of opal best quality.

Opal Quality & Brightness

Opal Grade	Percentage Found	Characteristics
AAA	Less than 1%	Finest quality with intense play-of-color, Premium Price, Best for high end jewelry. High quality opals
AA	Around 5%	Bright play of color
A	20% – 30%	Moderate color play
B	30% – 40%	Weak Color play
C	25% – 35%	No play of color, Low Grade opals

Opal Clarity: Cracks, Crazing & Fake Signs

• Web-like cracks
• Too-perfect uniform color
• Plastic-like shine (very common in fake opals)
• Exact repeated patterns (indicates synthetic)
• Natural opals have irregular, unique patterns. Fakes often look “too organized.”

Opal Shape – Which One Looks Best?

Oval shape: Most common and shows even color play. White opals with an oval shape are used for astrological purposes. 

Pear shape: Good for pendants and rings with long designs. Freeform: Highly artistic, usually chosen for designer jewelry.

Round opal: Rare because a lot of rough stone is wasted cutting it. An evenly domed top surface (cabochon cut) is ideal because it shows the best play of color.

Read Here: Australian Opal vs Ethiopian Opal: Difference & Benefits

Most Popular Opal Engagement Ring Styles

Halo style – Diamonds around the opal enhance the colors beautifully

Vintage designs – Floral or Victorian patterns look royal

Simple solitaire – Great for a minimal, elegant look

Bezel setting – Extra protection for everyday use

Usually, durable gemstones for engagement rings, and many think that opals do not fit in the list. But if you are really impressed by the beauty of this gemstone, then you can choose black and boulder opals. 

How to Tell a Good Quality Opal (Quick Checklist)

• Check the brightness

• Look for multiple colors

• Avoid cracks & crazing

• Know the type

• Confirm authenticity

• Check thickness

• Compare stones side by side

Caring for Your Best Opal Stone

• Don’t expose gemstones to sudden heat, as it can cause surface cracks. 
• Don’t clean it with harsh chemicals.
• Clean the stone with a soft cloth, mild soap, and water. 
• For high-value opals, please keep them in separate boxes.

Read More: Caring For Opals - How to Clean, Care & Store Opal Jewelry

Is Opal a Good Investment 

There are various reasons why these gems are considered a good investment. Firstly, the unique play of color makes them stand out from the rest. This makes them a desirable option for one-of-a-kind jewelry. 

They are also a popular diamond alternative for engagement rings . Australian and black opals are highly valuable and best for investment. The intense iridescence shown by these gems is unmatched. 

Apart from being the best jewelry option, these gems are also culturally significant. In India, people buy opal to strengthen the Shukra (Venus) planet. Wearing an opal stone ring on the ring finger is said to bring marital harmony and luck. Read Here: Does Opal Help in Getting Married?

To conclude, if you are looking for unique jewelry gemstones or an astrological need, buy quality opals from Navratan.