Showroom open Tues-Sat 10-6, walk-ins & appointments welcome, click here to schedule  253-839-7389

fwcj 70 logo

Opal October Birthstone

Birthstones, Jewelry Articles

Art Deco Filigree Ring with Lightning Ridge Peacock Color Black Opal 3

Opal is the birthstone for the month of October. An Opal can be white, black or crystalline in base tone, with a captivating play of color over the top. Since Opals contain many colors, they match most items in a clothing wardrobe and become popular everyday items. Thus Opal jewelry items are some of our best sellers and can be found in a wide range of varieties and qualities. Whether you are looking for an Opal Birthstone Ring, Opal Pendant, or Opal Earrings, we have you covered with your own personal rainbow.

Ethiopian Opal Cocktail Ring Rose Gold

When dealing in Australian Black & White Opals, we often set them in rings. These are the rarest Opal variety, frequently smaller, and the most durable, so they hold up well to wear and look great in rings. For pendants and earrings, we sometimes use Australian material, but we also love to use Mexican and Ethiopian crystal Opal. These varieties occur in larger sizes with more play of color that make a larger impact on the neck and ear. Opals look great in any color of metal, dressed up with Diamond accents or worn casually- you let us know how you want your Opal set and we will help create the perfect item.

lightningridgeopalcarvedring2

So which Opal is right for you? Size and body color (white vs black) are a large component, but far from the only factors in choosing an Opal. The most important factor is the play of color: a gem with every color of the rainbow in full display across the surface of the gem is the most valued, but some clients may not want yellow in their gem, for example. Among the component colors, those with red are the most desirable in Opals, followed by orange, blue, green, etc. but color is a personal choice. The other significant factor is patterns: how the color is arranged on the gem. Opals have a wide variety of patterns, from broadflash to pinfire to checkerboard to harlequin, and these have a wide appeal and are priced based on rarity.

Reversible Ethiopian Crystal Opal Pendant Harlequin pattern gem 2

Opals are a specialty of Federal Way Jewelers. We have a wide selection of beautiful finished pieces and loose stones to create your own wonderful, unique pieces sure to become future heirlooms. Every image you see in the post are examples of Opals we either currently have for sale or have sold in the past. You can view all our Opal jewelry for sale on our website by visiting our on-line store.

We hope you have enjoyed reading this article about Opal the October Birthstone. This would be a good time to check out our prices and Opal products in our online store.

Visit Our Online Store

Make an Inquiry

Return to Engagement Ring Menu

Buying an engagement ring is a big deal — especially if it’s your first time and you’re planning a surprise proposal. You want the moment to be unforgettable, the ring to be perfect, and the reaction to be joyful.

But if you’re not careful, even small missteps during ring shopping can tip your partner off or result in a ring that misses the mark entirely.

To help you make the right choice without spoiling the surprise, here are five of the most common engagement ring shopping mistakes — and how to avoid them.

1. Not Doing Enough Research Before You Shop

Jumping into ring shopping without understanding the basics is one of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make. If you don’t know the difference between a round cut and a princess cut — or you assume bigger always means better — you risk buying a ring that doesn’t match your partner’s style or values.

What to Do Instead:

  • Learn the 5 C’s: Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, and Certification

  • Pay attention to the styles they admire (on friends, social media, etc.)

  • Browse ring types online before visiting a jeweler

Being informed gives you confidence, and it helps you spot quality and value when you see it.

2. Guessing Their Ring Size Without a Plan B

Getting the ring size wrong can turn a magical moment into a fumble — especially if the ring won’t go on, or worse, gets stuck. Asking them directly spoils the surprise, but guessing with no backup plan is risky.

What to Do Instead:

  • Secretly borrow one of their rings and have it sized

  • Ask a trusted friend or family member who might know

  • Use a ring sizing guide or tool while they’re sleeping (if you dare)

Pro Tip: If you have to guess, go slightly larger. It’s easier to resize down than up — and most jewelers, like FWCJ, offer complimentary resizing.

3. Talking Too Much or Being Obvious About Your Plans

If you start bringing up marriage or jewelry more than usual, your partner may suspect something’s up. Even casual mentions can start to unravel your surprise — especially if your partner is observant.

What to Do Instead:

  • Keep your research private (use incognito browsing!)

  • Enlist a trusted friend for feedback instead of asking them directly

  • Space out any ring-related conversations so they feel organic

The less you say, the more powerful your surprise will be.

4. Letting a Salesperson Talk You Into the Wrong Ring

When you walk into a jewelry store unprepared, it’s easy to get overwhelmed — and even easier to be upsold. A persuasive salesperson might convince you to buy something that looks impressive in-store, but doesn’t align with your partner’s taste or your budget.

What to Do Instead:

  • Set a clear budget before you go

  • Look for jewelers (like FWCJ) who focus on education, not upselling

  • Prioritize style and quality over size alone

Remember, your goal isn’t just to impress — it’s to choose a ring that feels like them.

5. Waiting Too Long to Start Shopping

This is a huge one — especially for surprise proposals. Many rings require adjustments, resizing, or customizations. Waiting until the last minute can mean shipping delays, limited inventory, or not enough time to make it perfect.

What to Do Instead:

  • Start shopping at least 6–8 weeks before your planned proposal date

  • Communicate with your jeweler about timelines and turnaround

  • Consider proposing with a temporary setting and finalizing the design together later

Planning ahead gives you room to breathe and keeps your proposal stress-free.

Final Thoughts: Get the Ring, Keep the Surprise

Buying an engagement ring doesn’t have to be stressful — even if you’re doing it all in secret. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make confident decisions and deliver a magical moment your partner will never forget.

At FWCJ, we help first-time buyers every day — guiding you through the process, answering questions, and making sure your ring is as perfect as the proposal. Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to make a move, our team is here to help.

Start your journey today — Schedule an appointment or stop by our store to speak with a jeweler who understands the importance of your moment.

FAQs: Engagement Ring Shopping for First-Time Buyers

K
L
What are the biggest mistakes on engagement rings?
Common mistakes include guessing ring size, shopping too late, buying without research, overspending, and choosing a ring based on trends instead of personal style.
K
L
What should I know before going engagement ring shopping?
You should understand the 5 C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, Certification), know your budget, have a sense of your partner’s style, and leave time for resizing or custom work.
K
L
What are the 5 C’s of buying a ring?

  • Cut – Determines sparkle

  • Color – Measures colorlessness of the diamond

  • Clarity – Refers to internal flaws or inclusions

  • Carat – The weight (and size) of the diamond

  • Certification – Confirms the diamond’s quality and grading

K
L
Can I buy a ring without my partner knowing?
Yes! With the right strategy, you can choose a ring that fits their style and size without giving away the surprise. This blog covers exactly how to do it.