Jewelry comes in many shapes and forms. One of the classic favorites among jewelry makers is the opal stone. This staple of the jewelry-making world has become a must-have for every sophisticated jewelry wardrobe. There are a number of styles and designs that have emerged out of the opal stone. These have transpired out of four types of the gem.

Opal gold ring. Silver or Gold Opale rings are a lovely alternative for an engagement ring.

The black opal is known for its rich, dark hue that emanates brighter tones than ones found in lighter versions of the gem. The jewel is not actually black, as one would obviously assume from its name. The general tone of the gem is darker than the other opal stones in comparison. This is the most valuable of the lot and demand for this most popular opal stone has made it the most sought after of the group.

The next jewel is quite different from the first. The white opal stone is commonly referred to as milky in tone. This gem is not quite as valuable as the black version because it is more abundant and its general lack of sheen that its dark cousin boasts. Quality of the white jewel varies greatly. A white opal stone of very good quality will have nearly as many tones and colors as the black.

Like the popular black opal stone, the boulder opal is dark in tone. This gem forms in crevices found in boulders, hence the name. This gem varies greatly in shape and in size. Some boulders are quite small while others can be as large as a sedan. The beauty of this opal stone lies in its shiny finish that occurs naturally within the gem.

The most unusual of the four types of opal stone listed here is the crystal version. This gem resembles glass in that it is transparent. The gem may also have a misty, semi-transparent form as well. What is interesting about this version of the jewel is that it can appear either dark or light in color. Basically, the crystal gem is either a black or white opal that you can see through.

I personally like the white opal stone even though the colors are more difficult to see. I like the fact that someone has to come close to the gem to see the various hues nestled within. It is almost like wearing perfume. You don’t necessarily want your perfume to enter the room before you do. It should be worn for those who are closest to you.