Opal is a finish, not a single color. An opal rhinestone is clouded rather than tinted, which gives it a soft, semi-opaque glow instead of the hard flash of a transparent stone. The name comes from the gemstone it resembles, and it applies across a small range of muted shades.

White Opal is the anchor of the range and accounts for most of what we stock here. It is a milky white with a faint warm glow, and it comes in three versions: plain White Opal, White Opal AB, and White Opal Shimmer AB, the last two adding an iridescent shift over the milky base. If you searched for white rhinestones, White Opal is what you are looking for.

The colored opals are each a muted version of their color family. Rose Opal is a soft blush rather than a bright pink. Amethyst Opal is a clouded lilac rather than a clear purple. Chrysolite Opal is a pale sage green, and Light Sapphire Opal is a soft powder blue. All four are stocked in small quantities compared to White Opal.

Opals hold their color under stage lighting in a way transparent stones do not. A clear or lightly tinted stone borrows color from the fabric behind it, so on pale mesh it can vanish. An opal stone stays the color it is. That is why opals show up in lyrical and contemporary dance, bridal, and figure skating, where the goal is a lit-from-within look rather than maximum sparkle. They also pair well with pearls and matte fabric, since neither competes with the other for shine.

Frequently asked questions

What is an opal rhinestone?

An opal rhinestone is a crystal with a semi-opaque, clouded finish rather than a transparent one. It glows softly instead of flashing. Opal describes how the stone handles light, so it is available in several colors rather than being a color itself.

What opal colors are available?

White Opal, Rose Opal, Amethyst Opal, Chrysolite Opal, and Light Sapphire Opal. White Opal is the most widely stocked by a wide margin and comes in the broadest size range, including two AB versions. The colored opals are carried in smaller quantities. Use the color filter above to narrow to a single shade.

What is the difference between opal and AB rhinestones?

Opal is a property of the glass itself, produced when the crystal is made. AB is an iridescent coating applied to the surface. They are not alternatives, and some stones have both: White Opal AB is a milky white stone with an iridescent coating over it.

Are opal rhinestones less sparkly than clear ones?

They return less light, which is the point. A clear stone throws sharp white flashes. An opal stone diffuses light across the whole face of the stone, producing a steady glow. Choose opal when you want the color to read from a distance and clear when you want maximum flash.

Are opal rhinestones the same as mother of pearl?

No. Mother of pearl is a natural material from the inner layer of a shell. Opal rhinestones are glass crystal with a clouded finish. The two can look similar in a photograph, but an opal stone is faceted and returns light the way a crystal does, while mother of pearl has a flat pearlescent surface.

How do I choose between opal shades?
Order a rhinestone color chart and lay the stones directly on your fabric. Opals are the hardest finish to judge from a screen, because the glow that separates Rose Opal from a light pink stone does not photograph.