An opal can look soft and milky in one photo and flash green or blue as it tilts. A listing image gives you a view of the design. To get a better sense of the color you will see while wearing the ring, look for a short video of the same stone moving slowly under a steady light.
Look at the base color and the flashes
Start with the opal’s body color, the background color visible between flashes. Then look at the play-of-color, the bright patches that move or change as the stone turns. You might like a pale base with fine scattered flashes, or prefer larger patches that stand out from across the hand.
See where the color shows up in the clip. Does it spread across the face of the stone or appear mostly along one edge? Watch from straight above and at a slight tilt. GIA’s opal quality factors guide explains how light and viewing angle can change the flashes you see.
Compare photos taken in similar light
Compare designs under the same kind of light and with a similar background. If a listing shows several views, check whether the photos show the specific ring or illustrate the style. Ask whether a video of the actual piece is available when a particular flash color or pattern matters to you. Stone appearance can vary from piece to piece.
The rings above illustrate two different ways to frame the gem. A marquise halo draws the eye to one elongated opal. A flower arrangement gives you several stones to look at together. For a multi-stone ring, look at how evenly the flashes appear across the group as it tilts.
Consider where you will wear it
Opal can scratch or chip, so look at how much of the edge is exposed and how high the stones sit. Take the ring off before activities where it might hit a hard surface. If you need to clean it, GIA’s opal care guide recommends warm, soapy water. Ask for care instructions for your specific piece if the opal is assembled or treated.
Pick a color and setting you would enjoy in the light where you spend most of your time.