How to Choose the Perfect Opal for a Creative and Successful Jewelry Setting

Intro: Whether you're a jewelry designer, a hobbyist, or someone dreaming of your next bespoke piece, selecting the right opal is key to both beauty and durability. At Opal Options, we’re more than suppliers - we're cutters and miners who understand what makes an opal ideal for a standout setting. Here are expert tips to help you choose with confidence.

1. Stable Shape and Backing for Secure Settings An opal with a flat or gently curved back is much easier to work with. It provides a stable base for claw, bezel, or glue-on settings, allowing your design to shine without extra stress.

Opal Options Tip: All our boulder opals are cut with a stable, clean back for smooth setting. Each opal listed on our website also includes a clear photo of the back so you can be confident in its shape and stability before purchase.

2. Orientation Matters: Let the Colour Face Forward Opals often have directional fire, meaning their colour flashes strongest at a certain angle. Think about whether your piece will hang vertically or horizontally, and choose a stone that lights up in that position.

Ideal for: Custom pendants, signet rings, and asymmetrical earrings.

3. Choose the Right Edge Profile Beveled edges make life easier for jewelers. A slight inward curve or soft taper allows the setting to hold the opal securely while reducing the risk of edge chipping.

Our edge finish: Opal Options stones are shaped with jeweler-friendly edge profiles - beveled, not flared.

4. Dome Height: Style Meets Practicality Domes that are too high can be hard to set securely and may snag on clothing. A low to medium dome gives a balanced look that’s wearable and elegant.

Pro tip: Higher domes are great for pendants, lower domes are perfect for rings.

5. Matching Pairs for Earrings and Sets When selecting stones for earrings or matched jewelry, look for similar size, shape, dome height, and colour direction. Perfect symmetry isn't necessary - colour balance often matters more.

We help with that: Ask about our curated opal pairs for earrings or design sets.

6. Metal Compatibility: Enhance the Stone The right metal can make the opal’s colors pop:

• Warm opals (reds, oranges, pinks): Yellow or rose gold

• Cool opals (blues, greens, purples): Sterling silver or white gold

Need help matching? We can suggest stone + metal combos based on tone.

7. Creative Settings: Let the Opal Lead Freeform and boulder opals love custom, organic settings. Don’t fight the shape - design around it. Simpler stones work well in traditional settings, but a unique stone deserves a unique frame.

Opal Options Inspiration: Check our gallery for jewelry designs that follow the stone's natural contours.

8. Stability Is Everything Look for stones with a clean polish, no fractures or unstable inclusions. Boulder opals are naturally reinforced by their ironstone base - ideal for long-lasting wear.

Our guarantee: Every opal we sell is examined for integrity, polish, and cutting quality.

Closing Thoughts: Choosing the right opal isn’t just about colour or price – it’s about making a piece that lasts, fits beautifully, and tells a story. At Opal Options, we mine, cut, and polish with jewelers in mind. Whether you're designing a timeless heirloom or a standout custom piece, we’re here to help you find the perfect opal to bring your vision to life.