Opal Engagement Ring

Why Choose an Opal Engagement Ring?

Diamonds are standard because they offer a dependable mix of fire and sparkle regardless of the cut – so choosing between a round brilliant and a princess cut will make practically no difference. Opal, on the other hand, offers the unique spectacle of colour-changing depending on the angle and the light source – the unpredictable nature of which cannot be replicated in a single piece, and rarely duplicates between pieces. This makes it a much more appealing choice for those who want something truly unique.

On top of the uniqueness factor, the stone holds value across multiple cultural contexts – the Romans believed it to be the luckiest stone of all, imbued with traces of all other gems, and the Arabs had their own legend about opal being formed as a result of lightning strikes. It is not necessary to believe in either for the sheer romanticism of it, but it certainly adds to the appeal of an opal as a token of love. Not to mention the significance it holds in the Vedic tradition, as a substitute for diamond, meant to enhance the wearers love life, marriage prospects, and romance in general.

Opal Gemstone and Vedic Astrology – Shukra Ratna Ka Mahatva

The opal stone, also referred to as dudhiya paththar (although the language prefers the term for the diamond family of stones) comes under the subcategory of upratna, or substitute, for diamond. It is governed by Venus, or Shukra graha, and is worn specifically to enhance the positive effects of the planet. It is said that a strong or beneficial Venus will bring happiness and ease to married life, whereas a weak or faulty Venus can be the cause of late marriage, discord, and general lack of satisfaction with a partner.

In fact, it is right due to this reason that the gemstones for Venus are suggested to counter the negative aspects of the planet, and so a ring, specifically an engagement ring is suggested to be worn by couples during the wedding or the engagement.

It is to be noted, however, that these suggestions do not consider the individual horoscope charts – while Venus is a planet of love and beauty, it is not a positive influence for everybody. As such, the individual kundli must be consulted with an astrologer to understand if the gemstone will have a positive effect on the wearer’s life. In short, if you have to consult an astrologer for a general notion about your kundli, it will be better to do so before buying a daily accessory.

As for selecting the appropriate ring, couples who want to have an opal ring for their engagement will have specific reasons to do so – due to the ring being worn during the engagement period, it must be worn specifically during the most important time for a relationship.

Which Rashi Should Wear an Opal Ring for Engagement?

As mentioned above, opal stone falls under the influence of the planet Venus. The planet is the lord of two rashis namely:

Tula or Libra – it is said that the planet rules over this rashi inherently

Vrishabha or Taurus – the same applies to Vrishabha here as well

Both the rashis are recommended to wear the opal ring for their engagement, but it is to be noted that there are other rashis as well that can wear this ring depending on the placement of Venus in their kundalis. As such, people who have dasha or antardasha of Venus at the time of birth, or have a positive Venus placement according to their kundli can consult an astrologer and wear an opal ring for their engagement.

How and When to Wear an Opal Engagement Ring

Traditional Vedic astrology prescribes a specific set of instructions as to when and how to wear a gemstone of your choice:

Day – The preferred day to wear an opal ring is on a Friday or Shukravar, preferably during the Shukla Paksha, or the bright fortnight.

Time – It is recommended to be worn in the morning, after sunrise. Beforehand, it is customary to cleanse the ring in raw milk and Gangajal and offer prayers to the ring.

Finger – It is to be worn on the ring finger of the right hand by men and the left hand by women.

Metal – The ring is traditionally made in silver or white gold. Both metals are governed by Venus and will hence have a positive effect on the wearer’s love life. There is a reason why most opal engagement rings are made in 925 silver rather than gold. It is recommended to go with these two metals when buying silver opal rings for men or women.

Weight – It is recommended that the average weight for an opal ring for an adult would range between 5 – 9 ratti. It is to be noted that the carat weight in an opal stone does not usually correspond to the ratti in the same way as it does for a diamond. It would be essential to familiarise yourself with the conversion rate before making a purchase, if you are buying the ring for the astrological benefits. It is to be kept in mind that a heavier ring will weigh more on the finger than the actual weight suggests.

Many people also recommend chanting the beej mantra for Venus while first putting on the ring:

ॐ शुं शुक्राय नमः

Chanting it 108 times on the first Friday of wearing the ring is a common practice among astrologers – although it is not considered a necessity, but rather an additional method of activating the gemstone’s properties.

How to Judge Opal Quality Before You Buy

It must be noted that the price range and overall value of an opal stone, or ring for that matter, is dictated by several key points:

Origin – Opal stones of the best quality are said to be from Australia, namely the Lightning Ridge and Coober Pedy regions. Ethiopian opal has also gathered a following in recent years due to its more affordable pricing, but it is quite delicate and requires special care due to its hydrophane nature.

Colour/Play of colour – This is by far the most important criterion when it comes to judging the value of an opal. A desirable trait of the gemstone is its ability to display a wide variety of colours, most of which are bright and vivid. It is important to note that the play of colour varies under different lights. As such, it would be useful to view the gemstone under different lights if possible – ideally at least two, in order to fully ascertain its true colours.

Clarity – Opal stones vary dramatically in clarity – from being quite milky and opaque to being almost transparent. It is important to pay attention to any cracks, patchy spots, or dead areas of colour.

Cut – It is rare to find an opal ring that is cut in a manner similar to a diamond – with many facets on the surface. It is usually cut in a cabachon style (oval shape with a slight dome on top), in order to highlight the play of colour of the gemstone. Oval shape is the most common for engagement rings for precisely this reason and it is what you will find in most collections of Indian jewelers.

Carat weight and ratti – Big opal stones are not commonly found, but it is important to remember that the carat weight rarely has a correspondence to the ratti weight, as opal is generally a lighter stone. If you plan on comparing to other Vedic gemstones, it is important to have a notion of the carat/ratti conversion, in order to know how much you are paying for. It would also be vital to bear in mind that the bigger the carat weight is, the more expensive the opal will be.

Opal Engagement Ring Price In India

In India, prices for opal engagement rings vary from seller to seller, depending on the origin, carat weight, metal, and additional certificates:

1. Singly 925 silver opal rings of an average size (2-3 carats): 6000 – 8000 INR
2. Bigger stones or more intricate designs: 8000 – 18000 INR
3. Gold-plated rings, or any ring with Australian origin (if available): 25000+ INR

The two factors that affect the price the most are origin and certifications. A ring that comes with a certificate from an ISO-standard gemstone lab will cost slightly more than a ring without one, but it is essential to buy a certified ring for astrological purposes in order to ensure that the stone is natural or untreated.

Silver or Gold – Which Metal Suits an Opal Engagement Ring Best?

When it comes to selecting the right metal for your opal engagement ring, it is best to go with silver for the astrological benefits. White gold is also a valid alternative. Both the metals are governed by Venus, and neither of them conflicts with the properties of opal.

This does not mean that yellow or rose gold are not good options, especially for engagement rings. Many western-style engagement rings use warm gold metals to set the opal. If you are not set on the astrological benefits, go with the metal that you feel suits you best – rose gold is good for people with warm undertone, whereas silver and white gold have a cool undertone. If you want to go with the astrological benefits, it is better to stick to the basics, and avoid complicated patterns in yellow, or rose gold – as this may interfere with the effects of the opal.

Other Engagement Ring Settings to Consider

Solitaires: Simple, elegant, and perfect for a ring that draws attention to itself. While it is common to see a solitaire engagement ring, it is not uncommon to see fashion rings in this setting as well. Solitaires allow the unique properties of an opal stone to shine through, without obstructing any of its beauty and elegance. It is usually held in place from beneath by prongs or a basket-like feature surrounding the gemstone. Engagement rings in this setting can range from minimalistic all the way to elaborate, depending on the wearer’s preferences.

Vintage or Traditional Settings: Milgrain detailing, filigree work, and accents are just some of the traditional features one can expect to see in a vintage-style engagement ring. This kind of ring is perfect for those who want to enjoy the romance and elegance of old-world jewellery, but prefer not to risk an investment in an uncertain pawnshop. Modern reproductions of vintage rings are a great alternative to both.

Minimalist Bands: As its name suggests, this style of ring is all about being understated. There is no complicated pattern or additional gemstone to draw one’s attention – just a simple band and small opal accent. Minimalist bands are good for people who want a ring suitable for every occasion. They are simple and elegant, but retain their elegance without the need for extra details.

Custom-Made Rings: Custom rings allow the wearer to select the exact carat weight and the setting of their choice. They are perfect for engagement rings, when the wearer is looking to invest in a ring that is unique to them. Custom rings are a great option for those who want to adhere to the astrological benefits of an opal engagement ring.

Aftercare For Your Opal Engagement Ring

Due to its low hardness and fragile nature, an opal engagement ring requires more maintenance than a lot of other gemstones. It ranks somewhere between 5.5 – 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which makes it far more delicate than diamonds or other traditional gemstones. As such, it is essential to take extra precautions when cleaning and storing an opal ring for engagement.

Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your ring. Chemicals in perfumes, sanitizers, and other cleaners can permanently damage the surface of the opal stone. A simple damp cloth and some soap is sufficient when cleaning an opal ring.

Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners if possible, as they can put too much pressure on a delicate opal. It is best to avoid fluctuating temperatures as much as possible, as they can weaken the structure of the gemstone. Store cleaned opal rings in a cool and dry place, away from direct sources of heat.

Take your ring to a professional jeweller for cleaning and inspection at least once or twice a year. This way, you can make sure that none of the setting mechanisms are loose. An opal ring is a beautiful but delicate piece of jewellery that rarely lasts for generations.

How to Tell a Genuine Opal From an Imitation

The market for opal is rife with imitation and artificially-treated stones, so it is important to know exactly what to look for before buying a genuine opal ring.

Ask for lab certification. Any seller that deals with genuine natural stones will be able to provide one from an ISO-standard lab, certifying that the stone is natural, and noting any additional treatment that may have been performed.

Look at the pattern and spot inconsistencies. Natural stones have inconsistent patterns, while artificial ones will look suspiciously uniform. Some of the most common signs of artificially created opal are the “lizard skin” pattern or the “chicken-wire” pattern when looked at under a magnifying glass.

Watch out for suspiciously low pricing. Stones that are artificially treated or dyed often cost significantly less than one would expect to pay for a natural opal. A large, bright stone at a suspiciously low price is more likely to be a dyed or treated stone than a natural one.

Ask about the origin of the stone. Reputable sellers will be able to tell you whether the stone is Australian or Ethiopian and explain the differences between the two.

Why Buy Your Opal Engagement Ring From MyRatna

Each and every MyRatna opal ring is set in traditional 925 sterling silver and has an elegant oval design, perfect for everyday wear or as a token of love in accordance with Vedic astrology.

Every ring comes with an ISO lab certification, guaranteeing the quality of the natural opal stone. Opal weights range from approx 2.25 – 11.25 carats, ensuring that you get a ring of the carat weight and design that suits your needs in accordance with astrology.

Myratna also provides free shipping across the country, or the world if you so wish, and a return policy. When it comes to the astrological benefits of an opal ring, our gemstone recommendation tool can help you find the size and design that suits your horoscope.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which rashi is opal engagement ring best suited for?

Opal comes under planet Venus which rules over Tula (Libra) and Vrishabha (Taurus) rashi, so it is most suitable for these Rashis. Moreover, it can also be worn by individuals whose Venus is well placed according to one’s horoscope, but it is better to consult an astrologer for this purpose.

Which day and finger should an opal ring be worn on?

It is recommended that the opal ring should be worn on Fridays (Shukravar) morning during the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight). The opal ring is traditionally worn on the ring finger, with the right hand for men and the left hand for women in silver or white gold.

Is an opal ring a good gift for an engagement?

Yes, on two counts. Firstly, it is directly related to planet Venus which governs love and marriage. Secondly, it looks very elegant as an engagement ring as compared to the typical diamond rings.

Can an opal engagement ring be worn every day?

Yes, but one has to take special care while cleaning or using it. It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5-6.5 compared to 7-8 for diamond. It is better to avoid engaging in strenuous activities and exposure to water or harsh chemicals while wearing opal rings, and get them professionally cleaned every now and then.

How can I know my opal ring is original?

You must ask for a certificate of authenticity from the seller, which MyRatna always provides with the rings bought from us. This certifies that the stone is natural and untreated. Natural stones have irregular patterns in comparison to the man-made ones which are mostly uniform.

How much is an opal engagement ring in India?

The price of a silver opal ring starts from around ₹6000 – ₹8000 in India. The cost can go upwards of ₹18000 depending on the size and design of the ring. Australian opals and gold set rings are much more costly.

Which metal is best for an opal ring?

Traditionally, silver is considered auspicious for wear in accordance with astrology, but white gold is also a good option. Yellow and rose gold are great options for the rings made for the sake of appearance.

Does an opal ring help with shukra dosha?

Most astrology experts suggest that an opal ring can be useful in such cases to improve the overall position of Venus in one’s horoscope. However, it must be suggested by an expert astrologer, as the problems related to Venus could be due to several other reasons as well, so it is crucial to get one’s horoscope read before deciding to wear an opal ring everyday.

Does the ring come with a certificate?

MyRatna ensures that their opal rings come with an ISO lab certificate, which authenticates the quality of the ring, essential from both an astrological and buying perspective, as a genuine untreated opal ring has been found to have more benefits than a treated one.

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