Choosing the Perfect Gift
Opals are stunning gemstones that make unique and personalized gifts for special occasions such as weddings, holidays, birthdays, and graduations. Opals can be used as a remembrance of feeling or of a specific time if given to someone you have close ties with. Choosing the perfect opal for someone special requires some thought as there are many factors to look into when picking one out. When choosing an opal as a gift there are some meanings and properties associated with different types of opals that may interest the receiver and giver.
-
Color and Pattern - Opals come in all sorts of colors. Some opals have a single color, while others are multi-colored that flash and change as the gemstone is moved in all directions. When choosing an opal as a gift, consider the receiver's favorite colors or birthstone. That may be something that’s important and worth looking into.
-
Meanings and Properties - Different types of opals have their own unique meanings and properties. Black opals are associated with protectiveness and can help with stability and staying grounded. White opals are known to have a sense of hope and purity. Pink opals are believed to have calming and peaceful properties while fire opals are associated with passion, creativity, and courage.
-
Personalization - One way to make an opal gift even more special is to have it customized. Engraving the receiver's name, initials, or even having a special message can add to the meaning of the gift. Some jewelers like myself also offer custom-made opal jewelry that can be designed to suit the receiver's personal liking.
-
Choosing the Right Setting - When choosing an opal gift, it is important to consider the setting that the opal will sit in. Opals are soft and can be easily damaged or scratched if not taken care of. It is important to choose a setting that will protect the opal along with the right setting fitment for the person you’re purchasing the opal for. Some recommended settings for opals include bezel settings, where the opal is completely surrounded by metal, or tension settings, which use the tension of the metal to hold the opal in place.
Opals make unique and personalized gifts that can be altered to suit the receiver's preferences. When choosing an opal gift, consider the pattern, meaning, color, and properties of the crystal. Personalization and choosing the right setting will add more of a meaningful gift for the person you’re giving to. With careful consideration and attention to detail, an opal gift can be treasured for years down the road.