12 Opal Engagement Rings You’ll Fall in Love With

Nov 12, 2015

Move over, diamonds. There’s a new precious stone growing in popularity in the engagement ring market: It’s opal and it’s here to stay. You definitely don’t need to be an October baby to don one of these iridescent stunners. And while opals are more precious due to the high water content, with proper care and the right setting, this stone will hold your heart for years to come. Get ready to be blown away by these 12 absolutely gorgeous opal engagement rings.

1. Minimal VS Pear Opal Ring ($1,200): A diamond pavé halo and a selection of 18k gold metals make this opal ring a beauty to behold. (via Etsy user MinimalVS)

2. Trumpet and Horn Roseville Ring ($3,300): This mesmerizing ring features a large opal surrounded by diamonds. Fit for a princess, we’d say.

3. Anna Sheffield Wheat Engagement Ring ($3,350): Australian opal and white diamonds are an effortless mix of glam and gorg.

4. Charlie and Marcelle Past Present Future Ring ($295): Celebrate your one-of-a-kind love with this timeless and delicate design, complete with dainty opals. (via Etsy user charlieandmarcelle)

5. Lara Mogensen Rustic Organic Boho Opal Ring ($125): This handmade custom ring features a natural 6mm opal cabochon. Not to mention its band comes in an array of metals, including sterling silver, 14k gold, yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. Hooray for variety! (via Etsy user LaraMogensen)

6. S. Kind & Co. Opal Hexagon Ring ($5,815): Elegant. Simple. Chic. Beautiful. Don’t you wish we were all engaged? Vintage diamonds and Pinfire opal come together to create this wedding winner. (via Etsy user SKindCo)

7. Anna Sheffield Butterfly Wrap Suite No.01($6,215): You’ll have bystanders stopping you in awe of this captivating ring butterfly-wrapped in diamonds.

8. Ausgemsco Rose Gold Opal Ring ($770): This rose gold and opal combo gives off serious boho vibes, and we bet you dig it. (via Etsy user AUSGEMSCo)

9. Luna Skye Opal Stack Ring ($850): Five dreamy opals in a row equals the ideal ring for a very special someone.

10. Catbird Luna Ring ($3,000): You’ll probably fall just as in love with this magical ring as you are with your significant other.

11. Gemologies Uncut Opal Lotus Flower Ring ($375): Looking for a ring that’s as pure as your love for one another? This naturally gorgeous uncut opal ring is one of a kind. (via Etsy user Gemologies)

12. Catbird Rainbow Wandering Star Ring ($1,440): With its opal center, gold moons, and diamond stars, this ring looks like it was plucked from the sparkling galaxy.

Engagement shopping? Tag us in your ring pics on Instagram!

9 Gorgeous Gold Rings That Won't Turn Your Fingers Green

Like us, you may be on the hunt for the perfect gold ring rotation that won't break the bank — but also won't turn your fingers green. It can be hard sometimes to find quality jewelry at an affordable price point, but we've done all the research so you don't have to. These are the best and trendiest gold rings on the internet, and they're made with high quality materials that won't disappoint. We've found simple stacking pieces and even some statement dome rings! No matter what you're in the market for, we've got something for everyone. Take a look — this is one jewelry trend that's not going anywhere.

These Gold Rings Are Worth Their Weight In Gold ;)

Jenny Bird Supernova Gold Ring

We love Jenny Bird because they're known for their unique and quality pieces, and this ring is no different! With its artistic dome shape, it's trendy and looks luxurious while being under $120! This is made with a gold ion-plated brass known for its longevity and durability, and it's sure to score you some compliments. So 100 percent there will be no green fingers here!

Mejuri Figure Ring

This Mejuri gold ring is a fun little twist (get it?) on our favorite gold band. Not only does it have a unique shape, but it's got a great price point. Mejuri is known for their quality, and all their gold pieces are sterling silver with a thick and durable layer of 18k solid gold. This ring is meant to show longevity, which we love! Plus, it comes with a two-year warranty!! Definitely add this one to cart.

Anthropologie Ribbed Fanned Stacking Ring

If you're looking for something that stacks nicely, then we'd highly recommend this gold ring from Anthropologie! We love how it was styled in the above picture — lots of gold jewelry looks great with a simple white button down. And as an added bonus, its shape was inspired by a croissant! So it can also serve as your daily dessert reminder. We love pieces with dual purpose. This ring is listed at $38 so it's a great price-point. We would definitely recommend this fun piece!

Nordstrom Rack Winding Snake Ring

Are you also waiting in anticipation for Taylor Swift's Reputation (Taylor's Version) announcement? Then this snake ring is perfect for you! The crystals make for a fun touch alongside the winding shape and crystal detail at the head of the snake. And with its amazing reviews, and the fact it's currently 91 percent off (meaning it's $19 instead of $225), it's definitely a must-have statement accessory! Grab it while it's still on sale, and in preparation for Reputation (TV), because this one will definitely sell out quickly.

Anthropologie Crystal Fanned Stacking Gold Ring

This ring is one of our favorites to use as a stacked ring, and since it has the crystal in the middle, it makes for the perfect statement. The thick dome shape is super trendy right now so you'll definitely be up-to-date on the latest jewelry trends. It also has gold-plated brass to ensure its longevity. For under $45, it's also at a super affordable price point!

Brook and York Custom Signet Ring

This gold ring is our favorite because you can customize the surface with your name for only only $84! Signet rings are actually trending right now, so definitely add this to your current ring rotation. We even think it could even make a great gift to someone you love since it's personalized. How sweet would it be to have matching name signet rings with your bestie?! We say it's a must.

Jenny Bird Daphne Imitation Pearl Ring

Who doesn't love a vintage touch with pearls? This ring is so reminiscent of vintage styles and it would be perfect stacked with a simple gold band. It has a timeless, classic look that could also be paired with simple, dainty rings or just on its own like in the above picture! Jenny Bird uses a high polish, 18k gold to plate all of their items, so not only is it stylish but it'll last you a long time.

Monica Vinader Siren Ring

If you're wanting to invest in a good quality, classic band, we'd highly recommend this hammered, 18k gold-plated ring from Monica Vinader. We'd prefer to style it with some of our aforementioned statement rings for a fun and accessorized look, but you can also wear it by itself for a dainty and petite look. With its great quality, it'll definitely stand the test of time while making for a classic stacking piece you won't ever want to take off.

Mejuri Boa Gemstone Coil Gold Ring

Looking for something with a little flair? We're seriously obsessed with this coil ring with the pop of red in it! You can get it with a beautiful garnet or simple white topaz! Both are sure to make a statement. This one is at a higher price-point, but with the quality we've seen from Mejuri, it will be sure to last a long time. But as an added security measure, just remember that you also have a 2-year warranty with this one as well. It's a great policy we'd definitely recommend taking advantage of when you need it!

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Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

All images via retailers, lead image via Jenny Bird.

Move Over "Gossip Girl" — "Friday Night Lights" Season 1 Is Peak TV

There are a number of TV shows in the running for best teen drama. I'm ready to press play on The Summer I Turned Pretty, One Tree Hill, and The Vampire Diaries at any given moment, but there is nothing like watching Friday Night Lights season 1. It might not be as glamorous as Gossip Girl, but that's exactly why it resonates so deeply when you watch it — FNL both highlights and honors viewers' real-world experiences because the characters are SO relatable. Instead of leaving you envious of a fictional life, Friday Night Lights welcomes you into a community you feel like you already know.

Image via NBC

Everyone in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas lives and breathes football, and Friday Night Lights season 1 opens just before the first game of the season. Right off the bat, we're introduced to characters that both evoke emotion and spark our curiosity, and we're told exactly where they are in their lives: new head coach Eric Taylor is struggling to win the town's confidence. Fullback Tim Riggins struggles both with motivation and against confident running back Smash Williams. All-American quarterback Jason Street has dreams of playing in the NFL while timid Matt Saracen takes care of his grandmother during the afternoon and serves as second-string quarterback at night.

Not to mention the fact that when I watched Friday Night Lights for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how compelling and multi-dimensional the women are. Tami Taylor has the perfect blend of motherly love and the kind of Southern sass that puts you in your place. Minka Kelly's Lyla Garrity is one of my favorite TV characters of all time because she might be wealthy and popular, but she evades "The Curse of the Brunette" that seems to plague early 2000s leading ladies. Instead of turning into a manipulative mean girl like the high school versions of Blair Waldorf and Brooke Davis, Lyla is just kind. Does she still make insanely bad decisions (like kissing her boyfriend's best friend)? Yes, but aren't bad decisions a right of passage when you're 17?

The show's initial plots and character arcs revolve heavily around football, but the sport really just serves as a funnel for all the off-field drama. The tension between the characters makes their gameplay even more passionate — and when Street gets seriously injured during that first game of the season, the town rallies together in a way that highlights how strong a community can bond in the face of tragedy.

Image via NBC

Life in middle-class America can be tough, but it can also be really, really sweet. While I'm neither from Texas nor have attended the kind of football school Dillon High is, the contrast between the characters' responsibilities and the fun that comes with parties and joining your friends at the local burger joint resonates with me every time I rewatch.

Even the fact the show is named Friday Night Lights emphasizes that contrast because it shows just how much of a spotlight is on these kids, and how much weight is on their shoulders when they're truly just trying to survive their teenage years.

Rather than providing an escape from viewers' realities like Outer Banks does, Friday Night Lights season 1 emphasizes the realities of juggling multiple jobs, school, and family responsibility that a lot of viewers experience too. It allows you to understand the characters in a really personal way — and feel like you're a part of the community too. The world can seem so big and scary (now more than ever), which is why the simplicity of Friday Night Lights totally redefines comfort TV.

What's your standout moment from Friday Night Lights season 1? Check out why Gilmore Girls Season 7 Wasn't Supposed To Be The Final Chapter for even more TV show musings!

Lead image via NBC

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These Chocolate Ring Pops Are The Sweetest Valentine’s Day Gift

Rumor has it that diamonds are facing some major challenges to their status as a girl’s best friend these days, but whoever thought diamonds were going out of style definitely didn’t know about chocolate ring pops! With Valentine’s Day, and the now-popular Galentine’s Day, coming up quick, you might need a quick DIY to let your gal pals know that you’re ready to bring on the bling.

Not only are we showing you how to make some edible bling, but we’ve also got some fun phrases as inspiration for what to attach to your ring pops. Now all you need are some fun party games and a DIY Conversation Heart Piñata, and you’re covered for the best Valentine’s Day party around!

Materials:

Candy melts in various colors
Ring pop rings
Edible glitter

Tools:

Gemstone silicone mold
Microwave

Instructions:

Melt the candy melts in the microwave per the instructions on the package. Set aside.
Dump a small amount of edible glitter into your gemstone mold and move it around to coat all sides of the mold.
Pour the chocolate into the mold until the mold is filled to the top and tap the mold on the table to remove any bubbles.
Put the ring pop ring into the mold and place in freezer to harden.
Once hardened, remove the rings from the mold and attach a fun tag to give to your BFF!

Make sure to dump out any excess glitter after you’ve coated the mold so there’s an equal amount of glitter on all sides.

Don’t worry if you can’t get all of the bubbles out! You can use a toothpick in the chocolate to pop any hard-to-get bubbles.

When you’re removing the rings from the mold, don’t pull by the ring pop ring. If you pull too hard on the ring, it might break out of the chocolate and crack.

If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it, right?! (wink)

Who says you can't have more than one?

Almost too cute to eat (almost)!

Feel free to add funny quotes or stickers to your rings.

Enough chocolate ring pops for everyone!

Who would you give your chocolate rings to? Let us know in the comments and check out our email newsletter for more one-of-a-kind Valentine's Day content.

This post has been updated.

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15 Graduation Gifts Perfect For The Class Of 2024

College and high school graduations are just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to get your favorite Gen Z grads. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of 15 fabulous graduation gifts for every price range that are guaranteed to put a smile on your graduate’s face!

Set of 4 Meal Prep Containers

Who doesn’t love pretty Tupperware? Whether your 2024 grad is a gym rat or a library lover, they will definitely find a good use for these air-tight, leak-proof containers.

Benevolence LA New Beginnings Scented Soy Candle

Send them off with this sweet-scented candle that celebrates their achievements, as well as the next steps ahead of them!

A Hundred Other Girlsby Iman Hariri-Kia

This book is like a modern day Devil Wears Prada, and would make the perfect gift for any grad going into journalism, media, or PR — especially if they’re moving to a big city.

Stanley Quencher H2.0

Hydration is key for anyone, especially a new college student that's running between classes, club meetings, and friend hangs! This tumbler will also keep their liquids cold overnight so they don't have to go down the dorm hall in the middle of the night for a fresh refill.

Dagne Dover Mila Repreve® Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag

If you're sending off a high school grad to communal dorms, they'll definitely benefit from having a compact toiletry bag like this one. This style is particularly nice since it's made from recycled polyester that resists water and debris.

2024 Daily Planner

Using a planner is such an underrated way to stay organized, whether it's prepping for college coursework or adulting stuff like work events, grocery shopping, and plans with friends. This all-in-one daily planner will help your grad keep their ducks in a row with fields for all of life's details.

Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

This humidifier, made especially for small rooms and personal spaces (ahem, dorm rooms!) helps maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, which can help relieve congestion and keep the throat and nasal passages hydrated to prevent sickness. This is crucial for soon-to-be college students who may hang around a lot of different people.

Fresh Sends Flower Bouquet

Flowers are a staple for any major life event, especially a graduation! Fresh Sends is perfect for sending beautiful bouquets for those who live far away, since they ship directly to the recipient's door.

The Beast Mini Blender

This super-effective, high-power portable blender is the perfect size for a dorm room or small apartment, plus it's very aesthetically-pleasing even if it's just sitting on the shelf. It comes equipped with a screw-on lid and straw, too, so your grad can take it on walks and in the car.

Béis The Sport Backpack

Perfect for grads on the go, this bag can hold their water bottle, phone, wallet and so much more when they're trekking across campus.

Loop Quiet Equinox Earplugs

These design-forward earplugs are multipurpose – they block out extra noise for study sessions and sleep time, or even loud parties and concerts! Your grad will appreciate that they come with an easy-to-carry case for keeping them on-hand in unforeseen, noisy situations.

Crush Your Goals Inner Truth Affirmations Deck

For an extra dose of motivation, this 40-count deck of cards will keep them going when times get tough!

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Coffee will always be a part of any new grad's life. Keep 'em caffeinated with this convenient coffee maker that's compatible with K-Cups for everyday ease.

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

Hokas are undoubtedly the cool girl of running shoes, and they will definitely make your grad hit the pavement smiling, no matter if they're stepping foot on their college campus for the first time or making big moves in a new city.

Great Jones The Starting Lineup

This trio of cookware is such a stylish way to give your recipient's post-grad kitchen an upgrade. All three pieces are oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to make cleanup a breeze.

Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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Avoiding Your Next Haircut? Don’t Make The Same Mistakes As Me

I have such a love/hate relationship with haircuts. While I love the feeling of a fresh look as much as the next girl, I hate having to spend $100+ for a simple cut and blow dry session. During my recent trim, I talked with my hairdresser, Jack Rehak of Jack’s Hair Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, about ways to keep a haircut looking new and best practices for keeping hair healthy. Here's what he had to say!

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Photo by RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.

If you need some more hair inspo and advice, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS

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