Understanding Opal & Base Colours

What Is A Base Colour?

The base colour sits beneath the opal within the inlay channel and influences the way the opal appears once set into the ring.

Think of it as the background behind a stained-glass window. The same opal can appear richer, brighter, softer or more dramatic depending on the colour beneath it.

Matching base colours often create a harmonious appearance and allow the dominant colours within the opal to shine through naturally. Contrasting base colours can create striking effects and increase visual contrast, sometimes making certain flashes of colour appear more prominent.

There is no right or wrong choice. The best option depends entirely on the look you would like to achieve.

  • WHITE BASE WHITE OPAL

  • WHITE BASE BLUE OPALS

  • WHITE BASE WITH PINK OPAL

Our Opal Colours

Each opal displays its own unique blend of colours, flashes and patterns. While photographs provide a useful guide, every inlay is individually crafted and natural variations in appearance should be expected.

  • BLUE BASE BLUE OPALS

  • PURPLE BASE PURPLE OPALS

  • GREEN BASE WITH GREEN OPALS

Popular Combinations


Some combinations are chosen time and time again because they consistently produce beautiful results.

  • Titanium memorial ring with single resin-filled channel for cremation ashes

    TEAL BASE WITH TEAL OPALS

  • BLACK BASE BLACK OPALS

  • Small Heart Memorial Ashes Necklace – 9ct Gold Heart Cremation Pendant, Handmade Keepsake Jewellery in the UK

    PINK BASE PINK OPALS

Choosing The Right Combination

If You Want The Richest Colour

Choosing a base colour that closely matches your opal will usually produce the richest and most natural appearance. This is the most popular option and often allows the dominant colours within the opal to stand out most clearly.

If You Want Maximum Contrast

Black is one of the most popular contrasting base colours. It can make many opals appear brighter and more dramatic, particularly lighter opals with strong flashes of colour.

If You Prefer A Softer Look

White and lighter base colours can create a gentler, more understated appearance and work particularly well with lighter opal colours.

If You Want Something Unique

Don't be afraid to experiment. Some of our most distinctive rings have featured unusual colour combinations chosen specifically because they break the traditional rules. The most important thing is creating a ring that feels right to you.

If You're Unsure

A matching base colour is usually the safest choice. If you'd like guidance, we're always happy to recommend combinations based on the colours and style you're drawn to.

  • WHITE BASE WHITE OPALS WITH HAIR

  • YELLOW BASE, YELLOW/GOLD OPALS

  • Titanium double channel memorial ring with cremation ashes inlay

    DARK BLUE BASE NO OPALS, WHITE BASE NO OPALS

  • RED BASE NO OPALS, BLUE BASE NO OPALS

  • PURPLE BASE PURPLE OPALS, RED BASE RED OPALS

  • GREEN BASE NO OPALS, PURPLE BASE NO OPALS

Combinations That May Not Always Work As Expected

One of the joys of designing your own ring is the freedom to create something completely unique. There are no right or wrong choices, and the final decision is entirely yours.

However, it is worth remembering that base colours do more than simply sit beneath the opal. They can influence the way colours are perceived, sometimes enhancing them and sometimes altering them in unexpected ways.

In many cases, colours that sit close together on the colour wheel complement each other naturally and help bring out the strongest qualities of the opal. Colours that sit opposite each other can create stronger contrast, but may also reduce colour clarity or create a muddier overall appearance.

For example:

  • A Blue Opal paired with an Orange base may create stronger contrast, but can reduce some of the cool blue tones that make the opal appealing.
  • A Green Opal paired with a Red base can produce a bold effect, but the opposing colours may compete with one another rather than work together.
  • A Purple Opal paired with an Orange base may create a greyer, muddier appearance than many customers expect, reducing some of the richness found in a matching Purple base.
  • A Red Opal paired with a Green base can appear dramatically different to a traditional matching combination, with neither colour fully dominating the finished look.
  • A Blue Opal paired with a Red base can shift the appearance away from the cooler, ocean-inspired tones often associated with blue opals.
  • A Green Opal paired with a Purple base can create an unusual effect, though the colours may compete rather than blend harmoniously.

This does not mean these combinations should be avoided. Some customers specifically choose contrasting colours because they want something bold, unconventional and completely unique.

We simply recommend being aware that highly contrasting colours may produce a very different result from a matching or complementary base colour. If you're unsure, a matching base colour is usually the safest option and will often produce the richest and most natural-looking appearance.

Need Help Deciding?

Every ring we create is made to order, and we understand that choosing from so many beautiful options can sometimes feel overwhelming.

While this guide should help you understand how opals and base colours work together, we're always happy to offer advice if you're still unsure.

Whether you're trying to decide between two opal colours, wondering which base colour would work best, or simply looking for a second opinion, feel free to get in touch.

We'll be happy to help you create a combination that feels right for you.

CONTACT US