Crossword Genius

Ring friends for gemstones (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

opals

'gemstones' is the definition.
(opal is a kind of gemstone)

'ring friends' is the wordplay.
'ring' becomes 'O' (O is the shape of a ring).
'friends' becomes 'pals' (pal is a kind of friend).
'o'+'pals'='OPALS'

'for' is the link.

(Other definitions for opals that I've seen before include "Translucent gemstones" , "Milky-white stones" , "Milky gemstones with delicate colours" , "Semi-precious stones of milky or bluish colour" , "Iridescent gems" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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