So You Want an Opal? Here’s How to Choose One Without Embarrassing Yourself
Ah, opals. Nature’s way of saying, “I don’t follow your rules, Sharon.” With colors that look like they were forged in a cosmic lava lamp and vibes that scream “forest enchantress meets luxury heiress,” opals are the most dramatic gems on the planet. And if you're thinking of buying one for yourself? Good. That’s called taste.
But here’s the deal: not all opals are created equal. Some are breathtakingly magical. Others look like they’ve been trapped in a souvenir keychain since 1992. So if you want to wear an opal and not get mistaken for someone who impulse-buys jewelry off late-night TV, read on.
1. Know Your Opal Types (Because You Deserve Better Than "Generic Rainbow Rock")
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Queensland Boulder Opal – Earthy, dramatic, and a little chaotic in the best way. These opals still cling to their original ironstone like a moody artist refusing to move out of their parents’ basement—but make it fashion. Their color play runs wild through natural veins of stone. They’re weird, wonderful, and deeply cool. Sheila Marie Opals has some of the dreamiest boulders on Earth, in case you like your jewelry with edge and attitude.
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Ethiopian Opal – This one lives for chaos. Volcanic in origin, they absorb water like they’re trying to make you nervous. Dry? Flashy and fabulous. Wet? Moody and mysterious. Basically, the diva of the gem world. High drama, unpredictable beauty.
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Mexican Fire Opal – The spicy one. These come in fiery reds and oranges, sometimes with play-of-color, sometimes just being hot for the sake of it. Transparent, bold, and slightly feral. This is the opal you wear when you're too much and proud of it.
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Peruvian Opal – Soft blues and pinks, no flash, just vibes. The introvert of the group. These stones don’t sparkle—they glow. If your aesthetic is “crystal shop witch who gives great advice and bakes gluten-free cookies,” this one’s for you. Sheila Marie Opals carries a few of these pastel beauties too, perfect for when you want your jewelry to whisper, not scream.
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Australian Opal – The OG. The Beyoncé. The globally recognized queen. Most of the world’s best opals hail from Down Under—think Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge, the works. They range from celestial storms to kaleidoscopic chaos. Basically, if you want your ring to start conversations and possibly traffic accidents, start here. And yes, Sheila Marie Opals has a curated collection of Australian stunners for when you want to go full main-character energy.
2. Color Play or Color Blah?
Play-of-color is the opal’s main party trick. If it doesn’t sparkle like a rainbow in witness protection, it’s a hard pass. Red is the rarest (and rudest, price-wise), but even a good green or electric blue will make your fingers look like they’ve been kissed by fairies.
Peruvian opals don’t play that color game, but that’s okay—they’re not trying to be flashy. They’re just here to keep your chakras aligned and your outfit ethereal.
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3. Shape Matters—But Not That Much
Round, oval, freeform—opals don’t really care. And neither should you, unless you’re buying it to impress someone who doesn’t deserve you. Choose the shape that speaks to you. Or yells at you. Or gently encourages you to text your therapist. Whatever works.
4. Set it Like You Mean It
With opals, the setting matters. If you’re the “bangs jewelry against everything while gesturing” type, don’t get a dainty claw setting. Get a bezel setting. Protect that beauty like it’s the last piece of pizza and your roommate’s drunk.
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5. Match Your Vibe, Not Your Outfit
Opal is a personality gem. You don’t match it to your wardrobe; you match it to your aura. Are you chaotic good with a hint of lunar goddess? Go for a flash-heavy, asymmetrical piece. Are you “I drink oat milk and read horoscopes unironically”? Peruvian opal is calling. Feeling a little spicy? Mexican fire opal’s got you. Want your jewelry to feel like a guided meditation in the Outback? Hello, Queensland boulder opal. Want to make an entrance like a fabulous peacock at fashion week? Australian opal. Full stop.
Bonus Vibe Rundown:
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Ethiopian opal: “Hot mess, but make it magical.”
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Mexican fire opal: “I’m not yelling, this is just how I sparkle.”
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Peruvian opal: “My plants have names and my tea has crystals in it.”
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Queensland boulder opal: “I camp, but with luxury skincare.”
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Australian opal: “I am the plot twist. Act accordingly.”
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Final Thoughts: Buy the Opal. Wear the Drama.
You’re not here for basic. You’re not here for quiet. You’re here to shine in a stone that looks like it was stolen from a cosmic vault guarded by dragons. So get the opal that makes your heart race.
And if you’re wondering where to start? Go straight to Sheila Marie Opals. My pieces are bold, weird, magical, and handcrafted for people who are 0% boring. Basically, if your vibe is “otherworldly with opinions,” you’ve found your jeweler.
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