Crossword Genius

Stone in ring presented to mate (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

opal

'stone' is the definition.
(gemstone)

'ring presented to mate' is the wordplay.
'ring' becomes 'O' (letter resembling a ring).
'presented to' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'mate' becomes 'pal' (I've seen this before).
'o'+'pal'='OPAL'

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for opal that I've seen before include "Milk-coloured gemstone" , "National gemstone of Australia" , "One in a ring perhaps" , "Iridescent quartz-like stone" , "little jewel" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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