<p>I have an open back ring. “They” said it was better if you have “see through” stones (diamonds, rubies, aquamarines, etc.) because the light shines through. Whatever. It is easy to clean. I have a style that sounds similar to USNA_Reject’s, but mine is just diamonds (no opal). Have worn it almost daily for nearly 25 yrs w/o a problem. I DO, however, take it off when doing manual labor – just as I take off my other jewelry. </p>
<p>One thing about a guarantee/warrantee – READ THE FINE PRINT. You may be required to have it inspected/checked at certain intervals in order for the guarantee to be valid; this is often the case with jewelry warrantees. Not a problem, just be sure to do it or your warrantee may not be valid. Opal is a soft stone, and you want to be able to take advantage of your warrantee if anything unfortunate happens.</p>
<p>My son has an absolutely beautiful ring. He opted for the saphire with inset in the diamond cluster. It is open back and it really does reflect the light and looks quite honestly like a Super Bowl ring. He does not wear it all the time due to sports but wears it when he is going out. Word of caution…insure the ring!!! USAA has very reasonable prices on property insurance. We sent an appraisal form on the ring and insured it separately. If anything happens to it, you want to be able to replace it. It amounts to very little money per month and if you are having a precious stone placed in the ring it is definitely worth it.</p>
<p>usnamom, your son’s ring sounds very handsome. I really like the blue sapphire/diamond combination and my mid debated whether to get diamonds and sapphire or diamond+diamond cluster with an open back and 18k gold satin finish medium ring. She’s using a family stone so she decided that diamonds really are a girl’s best friend. We have USAA homeowners’ insurance, so will definitely get extra coverage on the ring. It sounds very similar to usna1985’s ring, a classic. A miniature ring that our friend, class of '49, bought for his wife influenced my mid’s choice.</p>
<p>How could I know anything about the karma of a thief that I never met? It’s okay, '09, should you and I ever agree on anything I would probably slit my wrists.</p>
<p>Sorry that the “edit” function expired before you realized how petty you were being.</p>
<p>usna69,
I am disgusted by theft and crime in general. My “karma” remark was directed at the thief, certainly not you. I’m sorry your ring was stolen, and I certainly don’t blame you. Glad you were able to replace it because you certainly earned it.</p>