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The Best Opal Earrings For Women

Last updated on January 6, 2022
Best Opal Earrings For Women

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Authentic opal earrings cost hundreds of dollars, and these stones are notorious for falling out of their settings. They are prized in the gemstone world for their dazzling colors, but they are on the softer side, so they are also known to scratch and chip more easily than harder stones like diamonds.

Still, the colors on an opal can change at different angles, making opals a popular choice in jewelry. There really is no substitute for genuine opals … or is there?

Synthetic opals cost much less than real ones, are created in labs and can look very authentic. Best of all, even the best synthetic opals sell for a fraction of the price of real ones.

Quality imitation opals can contain some real opal fused in with the synthetic materials, and you may not even be able to tell the difference in stud and hoop earrings.

Sellers are required by law to disclose that these opals are synthetic, so read product descriptions carefully before you buy. Generally speaking, if the price listed by a retailer seems like it’s too low for the earrings to contain real opals, it probably is as you suspect.

Real opals are made from silica, water and sandstone. Synthetic opals are made in labs by manipulating tiny spheres of silica into various arrangements that are then bound together.

While you or your gift recipient might not be able to distinguish real and synthetic stones, there are a few subtle details to look for, though you would probably need a magnifying glass to identify them. You might see more of a columnar pattern when looking at the opal at a certain angle, or a “snakeskin” pattern. Lab-created opals might also have stronger colors than real ones, too.

Our Picks For The Top Opal Earrings For Women

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Barzel 18-Karat Gold-Plated Stud Opal Earrings For Women, 3-Pack

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Barzel

18-Karat Gold-Plated Stud Opal Earrings For Women, 3-Pack

This nice set of three pairs of synthetic opal post earrings is plated in 18K white gold. The sizes of the stones in each pair of earrings are approximately one-carat, a half-carat and a quarter-carat. With white and rainbow hues, these accessories will go with most any outfit.

Overall Take

Brighten Up the RoomIf you have multiple pierced ears or want to give some earrings as gifts, this rainbow-flecked set of three opal studs is a great choice.

 Runner Up

Body Candy Synthetic Stainless-Steel Opal Earrings For Women, 3-Pack

Body Candy

Synthetic Stainless-Steel Opal Earrings For Women, 3-Pack

These three pairs of surgical-grade stainless steel synthetic opal earrings are perfectly sized to decorate your ears and nose — and any other body part that's pierced. They are sized at 3 millimeters, 4 millimeters and 5 millimeters, so there's sure to be one that suits your needs.

Overall Take

Lovely EmbellishmentsThese delicate earrings are small enough to be grouped together for unique, bohemian looks.

 We Also Like

CiNily 32-MM Rhodium-Plated Circle Opal Earrings For Women

CiNily

32-MM Rhodium-Plated Circle Opal Earrings For Women

CiNily brings shiny opal inlays to a classic 32-millimeter hoop-designed earring. These feature a high-grade rhodium finish to prevent tarnishing, stunning white fire opal interiors and a secure catch in the back. This accessory will bring your outfit to life.

Overall Take

For a Larger StatementYou'll love wearing these upgraded, well-made hoops when you are dressed up, dressed down and everywhere in between.

 Strong Contender

GEMSME Nickel-Free Rose-Plated Stud Opal Earrings For Women

GEMSME

Nickel-Free Rose-Plated Stud Opal Earrings For Women

These eye-catching opal stud earrings are on the larger side at 6 millimeters. They're backed with polished rose gold-framed posts for an unusual combination. You're sure to get compliments when you choose this jewelry.

Overall Take

A Substantial Post OptionBe sure to wear your hair behind your ears or in an updo so everyone can compliment you on your gorgeous new opal studs.

What to Look For

  • Synthetic opals are sold in a dazzling array of colors, from white to black, with flecks of color.
  • If you want a more traditional-looking opal, opt for a pearly-whitish color with flecks of light blue, green, yellow and pink.
  • Silver and gold pair well with opals, and if you are looking for something different, you can look for opals set in rose gold.
  • When shopping for earrings, look for ones that have surgical-grade stainless-steel posts, hooks or clips.
  • Opals (and tourmaline) are the October birthstone.

 

More to Explore

In ancient times, people thought that a gemstone’s changing colors signified certain powers. Arabic legends, Greek mythology and Aztec lore revered opals and associated them with hope, happiness, luck and joy. This idea extended into the Middle Ages.

These perceptions changed in 1829, when Sir Walter Scott published “Anne of Geierstein.” This book’s main character wore an opal that changed its colors according to her moods. Soon enough, a few drops of holy water put out the stone’s “magic” fire and Anne died. This changed public opinion of opals, and going forward they were thought to bring bad luck instead.

More to explore