Opal engagement rings - a great alternative to a diamond engagement ring

Opal engagement rings are a great alternative for those who don't like to follow tradition. Opal stone is mostly mined in Australia. I say mostly, but I don't know of another place where they come from, but I don't know everything, just a lot.

As a scientist, I will give you the facts. Opal is a relatively soft gemstone. Diamond is rated 10 on the Mohs scale, while opal is between 5 and 6. Opal is comparable to modern glass. Opals are rarer than diamonds. While diamonds are set as studded solitaires, most opals are set with a gold rim around the outer edge to help protect the stone. While diamonds display all the colors of the rainbow just like a refracted prism, opal actually has all the colors of the rainbow in the gem itself. When one looks at an opal stone, the moment of color is in an unpredictable pattern and is referred to as a play of colors.

When opal engagement rings are chosen as the one to give when that special question is asked, choose one that won't get damaged easily. Choosing a stone with a low cabochon is preferred. This is the size of the dome of the opal gemstone.

In terms of being harder and more durable when worn, Boulder opal is the right choice because of the natural ironstone that is part of its physical makeup. It is a type with a hardness close to 6.

Opal engagement rings are a good choice for those who want a high quality and precious stone for the perfect moment of their life.

Let's face it - buying a diamond engagement ring is one of the most important purchases you'll ever make. It sets the tone for your marriage and may be more meaningful to you than buying your first home.