Sterling Opal Rings Sterling Opal Rings

Many people get tired of wearing the same type of gemstone jewelry again and again. When this happens, they crave some change. Are you too, looking for a change, and searching for an entirely new gemstone that would not only look beautiful on you but also be extremely affordable? Well, let us introduce you to sterling opal, a new man-made synthetic opal that has become quite trendy in the market. Sterling opal, also known by its trade name “monarch opal”, is becoming quite popular among jewelry enthusiasts nowadays, and many of these people are opting for sterling opal rings made in low-end silver settings. One of the main reasons why people are choosing a silver setting is, that the unique pattern of sterling opal that features veined potch lines looks stunning when the stone is set in 925 sterling silver. In this blog, we will discuss what sterling opal is, why sterling opal rings are affordable, and different ways of styling sterling opal rings. Without waiting any longer, let's dive straight into what sterling opals are.

What is Sterling Opal?

What is Sterling Opal? What is Sterling Opal?

Sterling opal, which is also known as galaxy opal, is a synthetic opal that was created by Jim Zachery. He is the same man who discovered the Zachery Process for treating turquoise to improve its stability and overall appearance. This opal often has a greenish-yellow color, and it features black potch lines that look like veins and indicate the synthetic nature of this opal. The sterling opal’s pattern often looks blocky and uniform.

Characteristics of Sterling Opal

    • Composition: Most often, sterling opal is composed of 80% silica and 20% resin, and thus, it is different from natural opals, which are entirely made of silica, without the presence of any synthetic additives.
    • Optical Properties: Sterling opals are like natural opals in the sense that they too, display opalescence, where light interacts with the microstructure of the stone and produces beautiful play-of-colors. However, there is a difference between play-of-colors of sterling opals vs natural opals – in sterling opals, color spots have regularity.

Production

The manufacturing process of sterling opals is quite complex – it mimics the way natural opals are formed, and it involves the use of synthetic materials. In this process, a structure that resembles the microstructure of a natural opal is created, and the empty spaces present in this structure are filled with resin in order to improve the durability and appearance of the stone. No dyes are used in the creation of sterling opals – this is why this opal never fades.

What Are the Reasons that Make Sterling Opal Rings Affordable?

What Are the Reasons that Make Sterling Opal Rings Affordable? What Are the Reasons that Make Sterling Opal Rings Affordable?

If you are wondering why sterling opal rings are cheap and affordable, below are some of the reasons that explain this:

    • Manufactured Nature: Although sterling opal is not an imitation stone, still, it’s a synthetic gemstone, which is primarily made up of silica and resin. The cost of production of synthetic opals is much less than the cost involved in mining and processing natural opals. This is why a sterling opal piece would cost just a few dollars, which is way less when compared to the pricing of natural opals that showcase play-of-colors. Thus, the sterling opal ring costs less in comparison to a natural opal ring.
    • Abundant Availability: The sterling opals that are set in your sterling opal rings are mass-produced, which brings down the cost of an individual piece. Also, since they are mass-produced, they are readily available in the market, and this is not the case with natural opals, which are rarer and are present in limited quantities.
    • Lower Perceived Value: The price that a specimen of natural opal commands is based on its unique pattern, and play-of-colors, whereas sterling opal specimens are more or less similar and uniformly looking. This is why the perceived value of sterling opals is much less than natural opals, and since these synthetic opals cost less, the price of the sterling opal ring is also lower.

Wearing and Styling Your Sterling Opal Rings

Wearing and Styling Your Sterling Opal Rings Wearing and Styling Your Sterling Opal Rings

Let’s accept this – although the beautiful play of colors and yellow-green tones of a sterling opal set in your ring looks magnificent, still, you need to properly style it, so it enhances your overall appearance. Here are some creative ways through which you can incorporate a sterling opal ring into your outfit:

1. Sterling Opal Ring with Casual Everyday Wear

    • Layer with Simple Jewelry: You can pair your sterling opal ring with minimalist jewelry pieces like a delicate gold chain or silver stud earrings. This will keep your audience’s attention on the ring and bring out an elegant look.
    • Denim and T-Shirt Combo: You can wear your sterling opal ring with a classic off-white t-shirt and sky-blue jeans – the vibrant colors of the sterling opal will pop against your neutral outfit.

2. Sterling Opal Ring on Formal Occasions

    • Statement Piece: If you want to wear a statement piece at some formal event, choose a solitaire sterling opal ring – the unique color and play of light will add a touch of sophistication to the evening wear.
    • Complement with Coordinating Colors: You can choose an outfit that complements the colors of the sterling opal – wearing an outfit having deep greens or soft yellows will highlight the yellow-green tones in the sterling opal ring.

3. Seasonal Styles

    • Summer/Spring Look: Bright, airy fabrics having pastel colors will naturally complement the vibrant play of colors of your sterling opal ring. So consider wearing your ring with a light-colored sundress or linen outfit.
    • Fall/Winter Outfits: In the winter season, you can wear a sterling opal ring with outfits having rich jewel tones such as navy blue or burgundy. As you will wear outfits of these colors, you will find that the color depth of the opal is enhanced.

4. Layering and Stacking with Sterling Opal Rings

    • Stack with Other Rings: In order to create a trendy stacked look, try pairing your sterling opal ring with other gemstone rings or simple bands. Also, try mixing various metals, like rose gold, yellow gold, and 925 sterling silver for an eclectic style that showcases your unique personality.
    • Use Different Textured Bands: You can combine your sterling opal ring with textured bands (try twisted or braided designs) so as to add depth to the jewelry you are wearing in your hand.

Final Thoughts

We have discussed several things about sterling opal rings up until this point. Let us ask you: are you a retailer who wants to purchase sterling opal rings and other sterling opal jewelry at wholesale rates? In case you wish to buy sterling opal jewelry at wholesale rates, then you can purchase it from Rananjay Exports – India’s biggest wholesale gemstone jewelry manufacturer and supplier. Apart from sterling opal jewelry, we deal in a wide variety of wholesale gemstone jewelry and 925 sterling silver jewelry – some of our most notable jewelry collections are birthstone jewelry, zodiac sign jewelry, and sea life jewelry. It does not matter whether you want to order handmade jewelry, casting jewelry, or custom jewelry, Rananjay Exports is there to meet all your needs. Order jewelry from Rananjay Exports and get the jewelry delivered to you in no time!