When it comes to engagement rings, diamonds may be the most popular choice, but they are far from the only one. Most ring designers will offer potential brides and grooms-to-be a number of choices of stones to decorate their band with, allowing people on a budget and those wanting a more original ring to walk away happy.

There is, however, a type of stone that many engagement ring designers will vehemently warn their customers against, and that is opal. This is not because opal does not make for a stunning ring stone, because it does, but simply because, as gemstones go, it is near the top of the list of 'most difficult to care for', making it less suitable for use as an engagement ring stone.

Most engagement ring designers know, for example, that opal is extremely fragile and breakable, which is in stark contrast to even a standard diamond. This makes this type of gemstone definitely not recommended for people with an active lifestyle. Neglecting to remove