Opal Drop Earrings

Your Guide to Opal Drop and Dangle Earrings

Drop earrings are made for showing off opal. Opal's colour depends on the angle of the light, and drops always move, so the colours shift and flash. Here's how to choose the right pair.

Opal Drop Earrings at a Glance

How to Choose Opal Drop Earrings

Length. Short drops sit just below the earlobe and are easy to wear every day. Longer dangle styles make more of a statement and suit evenings and special occasions. Check the drop length on each listing, since photos are enlarged to show the opal's pattern.

Weight. Most opal drops are light. Larger stones, solid gold and detailed metalwork add weight, so if she finds heavier earrings uncomfortable, choose a smaller drop or ask us before you buy.

Fastening. Hooks let the earring swing freely and show the most movement. Check each listing for the fastening type, and add a clear earring back to a hook for extra security.

Shape. Teardrop and pear-shaped opals follow the line of a drop earring beautifully. Ovals feel classic, while freeform opals show off each stone's natural pattern.

Opal type. Triplet drops give bright colour at an accessible price, and their clear cap adds protection. Solid white, crystal and black opal drops are entirely natural and one of a kind. Learn more in our guide to the types of Australian opal.

Did you know?

Matching opals for drop earrings is harder than for studs. Because drops swing and turn, we check each pair from several angles, not just face-on, so both opals show similar colour as they move.

Drops or Studs?

Drops show more colour, frame the face and dress up easily. Studs are simpler, sit close to the ear and suit all-day wear. If she already owns a pair of studs, drops make a lovely next step. Compare both in our Australian opal earrings guide.

How Much Do Opal Drop Earrings Cost?

• Triplet drops in gold-plated silver or silver: from about $140
• Solid white and crystal opal drops in silver: from about $170
• Solid opal drops in solid gold: from about $800
• Black opal drops in solid gold: from about $3,500

Price depends on the opal's brightness, pattern, size and type, then on the metal. We'd always suggest choosing the best opal your budget allows over the biggest.

Caring for Opal Drop Earrings

• Take them off before swimming, showering, exercise or sleep.
• Store each pair flat and separately, so hooks don't tangle or bend.
• Wipe the opals with a soft, damp cloth. Don't soak doublets or triplets, because water can affect the layers.
• See our full opal care guide.

Opal Drop Earrings FAQs

What's the difference between drop and dangle earrings?

The terms are often used interchangeably. Drop earrings usually hang a little below the earlobe with gentle movement. Dangle earrings are generally longer and swing more freely.

Do drop earrings show more colour than studs?

Usually, yes. Opal's play-of-colour changes with the angle of the light, and drops move with every turn of the head, so you see more of the stone's colours.

Are opal drop earrings heavy?

Most are light enough to wear all day. Larger stones and solid gold settings feel heavier, so check the listing or ask us if weight matters.

Can I wear opal drop earrings every day?

Yes, shorter and lighter drops are comfortable for daily wear. Save longer styles for special occasions, and take them off before exercise or sleep.

Are drop earrings a good gift?

Yes. There's no size to guess, and a pair of opal drops suits birthdays, Christmas and anniversaries. For a first opal gift, a short drop in silver or gold-plated silver is a safe, pretty choice. If it's not quite right, our 30-day change-of-mind policy covers eligible, unworn earrings. See our returns policy.

Can I see the earrings before I buy?

Yes. Photos show colour from one angle, so we're happy to send a video of any pair. Just contact us and tell us which earrings you're looking at.

Written by Olivia Deskoski, gemmologist (Gemmological Association of Australia) and founder of Black Star Opal, part of her family's Australian opal business since 1969. Last updated: October 2026