Oval Opal Criss Cross Ring Review 2026: Romantic Spark

First impressions

The Solitaire Oval Opal Criss Cross Ring with Diamonds makes a strong first impression because it does not look like a standard opal ring. The criss cross shoulders immediately give it a more expressive, romantic personality, and the XOXO inspiration adds a sweet layer of meaning without making the design feel overly literal. In 14K rose gold, the overall look leans warm, modern, and softly feminine.

The center oval opal is clearly the star. Opal already has a naturally eye-catching quality thanks to its play of colors, and here that shifting effect is paired with a setting that frames it in a more dynamic way than a plain solitaire band would. The small diamond accents on the X motifs provide a bit of brightness and contrast, helping the center stone stand out even more.

From a style perspective, this is the kind of ring that feels instantly giftable. It has symbolism, color, sparkle, and a silhouette that is memorable at a glance. Shoppers who are drawn to jewelry with a romantic message or who want something beyond a traditional birthstone ring will likely notice this one right away.

Design & craftsmanship

What makes this ring appealing is the balance between sentiment and wearability. The retailer describes it as a contemporary design and that feels accurate. The X motifs on the shoulders create visual movement, while the oval opal softens the overall look with its organic glow. Because the design references the XOXO sign, it carries a built-in romantic theme, but the execution seems polished enough to avoid feeling novelty-driven.

The use of diamonds as accents rather than the main event is a smart choice here. They are not competing with the opal; instead, they add crisp flashes of light along the shoulders. That contrast matters because opal has a softer, more ethereal beauty than a faceted center stone. The diamonds bring some definition to the design and keep the ring from looking too diffuse.

Rose gold is also an important part of the ring's character. In this version, the 14K rose gold gives the piece a gentle blush tone that pairs naturally with the dreamy look of opal. It also reinforces the romantic angle of the XOXO-inspired design. If you are specifically shopping for a ring that feels warm rather than icy, this metal choice is a big advantage.

Another strength is that the ring has enough detail to feel special without becoming visually crowded. There is a center stone, symbolic shoulders, and diamond accents, yet the composition still sounds cohesive. That balance is important for a ring meant for frequent wear, since overly complicated designs can sometimes feel less timeless. This one appears to sit in a nice middle ground: decorative, recognizable, and still elegant.

Gemstone & metal options

One practical point with Angara is that buyers can typically customize aspects of the ring rather than buying only a single fixed version. For this design, the listed version is 14K rose gold, but Angara also allows shoppers to choose stone quality, metal, and carat options on many pieces. That means the listed price should be viewed as a starting point rather than the only configuration available.

If customization matters to you, that flexibility is a real plus. Some shoppers want the exact rosy tone shown here, while others may prefer a different metal look if available. The same goes for stone quality tiers. Angara offers options such as good, better, best, and heirloom, which lets buyers match the ring more closely to their budget and expectations.

The opal itself is central to the ring's appeal. Unlike more uniform gemstones, opal is loved for its changing color play and more individual personality. That means this ring is especially likely to attract shoppers who appreciate a gem that feels expressive and less predictable. The oval shape is also a flattering, versatile cut that helps the opal look elegant rather than overly casual.

• Listed version: 14K rose gold
• Center stone: oval opal
• Accent stones: diamonds on the X motifs
• Angara pricing starts at $1,169 for this ring
• Brand customization can include stone quality, metal, and carat options

Who it suits

This ring is best suited to someone who wants a romantic ring with a noticeable design identity. The XOXO-inspired criss cross shoulders make it a natural fit for gifting between partners, especially for anniversaries, birthdays, or other sentimental occasions. It has more emotional symbolism than a plain gemstone solitaire, which will be a selling point for some buyers.

It also suits shoppers who like colored gemstones and want their ring to feel more individual than a diamond-centered style. Opal has a very different mood from traditional clear stones. It looks softer, more artistic, and a bit more whimsical, so this ring is likely to appeal to people who enjoy jewelry with personality.

At the same time, it may not be the ideal choice for buyers seeking a minimal or ultra-classic look. The criss cross motif is a defining feature, so this is not a ring that fades quietly into the background. That is part of its charm, but it does mean the design is more distinctive than universal.

Value for money

With prices starting at $1,169, this ring sits in the fine-jewelry gift range rather than impulse-buy territory. The value case depends less on size-driven specifications and more on design, materials, and customization potential. You are paying for a 14K gold setting, a genuine opal focal point, diamond accents, and a more original shoulder design than many basic gemstone rings offer.

The strong customer rating also helps support the value argument. A 4.9 out of 5 score from 180 reviews suggests that buyers have responded very positively to the ring overall. While ratings never tell the entire story, that is an encouraging sign, especially for a style that is more design-led than conventional.

Still, this ring will make the most sense for shoppers who specifically want opal and appreciate the romantic symbolism. If your priority is maximum flash or a very traditional ring profile, there may be other options that feel more directly aligned with your taste. But if the blend of opal, diamonds, rose gold, and the X motif speaks to you, the starting price feels easier to justify.

How it compares

Compared with a standard opal solitaire, this ring has much more personality. The diamond-accented X shoulders give it a clearer design story and make it feel more occasion-worthy. If you find plain bands a little too safe, this style offers a more memorable alternative without going into overly dramatic territory.

Compared with more traditional diamond-accented gemstone rings, the main difference is mood. Opal brings a softer, more shifting beauty than faceted center stones, and rose gold adds even more warmth. Together, they create a look that feels romantic and slightly modern rather than formal and classic.

Its biggest competitive strength is that it combines symbolism with fine-jewelry materials. Plenty of rings have opal, and plenty have diamond accents, but fewer pair those elements with a recognizable XOXO-inspired structure that still looks refined. That makes this design feel personal, especially for gift-givers who want more than a generic gemstone ring.

Overall, the Solitaire Oval Opal Criss Cross Ring with Diamonds is a strong choice if you want an opal ring that has a built-in sense of sentiment and style. It is not trying to be the most minimalist or the most traditional option. Instead, it succeeds by being warm, expressive, and visually distinct, which is exactly why it is likely to resonate with the shoppers it is made for.