The 3 Best Opal and Ruby Ring Combinations for Lasting Elegance
For over two decades in the jewelry industry, discerning clients have consistently sought rings that blend unique beauty with personal significance. The combination of opal and ruby is a particularly sophisticated choice, merging the opal’s captivating play-of-color with the ruby’s timeless passion. Selecting the right combination is paramount to creating a piece that is not only stunning but also durable for daily wear. Based on extensive professional experience with gemstone properties and market availability, here are the three best opal and ruby ring combinations.
1. The Classic Statement: Australian Crystal Opal with Burmese Ruby
This combination represents the pinnacle of traditional luxury, ideal for a centerpiece ring. The vibrant play-of-color in a high-quality Australian crystal opal is perfectly complemented by the deep, “pigeon’s blood” red of a Burmese ruby.
Ideal Setting: A vintage-inspired halo or three-stone setting in high-karat yellow gold.
Target Audience: Collectors and individuals seeking a significant, heirloom-quality piece.
| Specification | Australian Crystal Opal | Burmese Ruby |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Origin | Lightning Ridge, Australia | Mogok Valley, Myanmar |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 5.5 – 6.5 | 9 |
| Key Characteristic | Bright, multi-colored play-of-color on a translucent body. | Intense red color with strong fluorescence. |
| Care Level | High (avoid sudden temperature changes and harsh chemicals) | Low (durable and suitable for regular wear) |
2. The Modern Contrast: Ethiopian Welo Opal with Mozambican Ruby
For a contemporary and vibrant look, the combination of an Ethiopian Welo opal and a Mozambican ruby is unparalleled. Welo opals often exhibit a bright, watery body with broad flashes of color, which creates a stunning visual contrast against the vivid, slightly pinkish-red hue of a modern Mozambican ruby.
Ideal Setting: A sleek bezel or flush setting in rose gold or white gold to enhance the gemstones’ brightness.
Target Audience: Fashion-forward buyers looking for a unique and colorful statement piece.
| Specification | Ethiopian Welo Opal | Mozambican Ruby |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Origin | Welo Province, Ethiopia | Northern Mozambique |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 5.5 – 6.5 | 9 |
| Key Characteristic | Often has a transparent to semi-transparent body with a brilliant play-of-color. | Known for its clean, saturated red color with good clarity. |
| Care Level | Very High (can be prone to dehydration; avoid water and humidity) | Low (excellent durability for everyday use) |
3. The Subtle Harmony: Australian Boulder Opal with Thai Ruby
This pairing offers a uniquely organic and earthy elegance. Australian boulder opal forms naturally on an ironstone matrix, creating one-of-a-kind patterns. Combined with the often darker, garnet-like tones of a Thai ruby, this combination results in a ring that is both grounded and magnificent.
Ideal Setting: A custom freeform or nature-inspired setting in yellow or rose gold that follows the opal’s natural shape.
Target Audience: Those who appreciate rustic beauty, unique artisanal pieces, and nature-inspired designs.
| Specification | Australian Boulder Opal | Thai Ruby |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Origin | Queensland, Australia | Chanthaburi, Thailand |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 6 – 7 (due to the ironstone backing) | 9 |
| Key Characteristic | Color flashes on a dark natural ironstone background. | Typically exhibits a deep, dark red to reddish-brown color. |
| Care Level | Medium (more durable than crystal opal but still requires care) | Low (highly resistant to scratches and abrasion) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are opal and ruby combinations suitable for an engagement ring?
A: While visually stunning, opal’s relative softness requires careful consideration. For a daily-wear engagement ring, a boulder opal with a protective bezel setting is the most durable option. Alternatively, using opals as accent stones rather than the centerpiece can mitigate risk while retaining the beautiful color combination.
Q: How should I care for my opal and ruby ring to ensure its longevity?
A: Care is dictated by the opal type. For all opals, remove the ring during strenuous activities, cleaning, or swimming. Store it in a soft pouch to prevent scratches. Specifically, avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steamers, as they can damage the opal. Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth. Ruby, being a corundum, is very resilient and requires no special care beyond standard jewelry cleaning practices.
Q: What metal setting works best with these two gemstones?
A: The choice of metal can enhance the gemstones’ colors. Yellow gold amplifies the warmth of both rubies and the fiery flashes in opals, creating a classic look. White gold or platinum provides a modern backdrop that makes the ruby’s red and the opal’s colors pop with greater contrast. Rose gold offers a romantic feel that beautifully complements the pinkish undertones in some rubies and the varied colors of the opal.
