Looking after opal jewellery requires special attention to maintain its unique beauty and prevent damage, as opals are delicate gemstones. The key is gentle, consistent care to protect them from harsh conditions and maintain their natural luster.
Understanding Your Opal
Before diving into care, it's helpful to know that opals are hydrated amorphous forms of silica, meaning they contain water. This water content is crucial for their captivating play-of-colour, but it also makes them susceptible to drying out, cracking (known as "crazing"), and damage from sudden temperature changes or harsh chemicals. Opals are also relatively soft, ranking 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them prone to scratches.
Essential Cleaning Practices
Regular cleaning is vital for keeping your opal sparkling without causing damage.
- Gentle Monthly Cleaning: An excellent monthly habit for opal jewellery care is to use warm water and a soft cloth to remove surface dirt and oil. This gentle approach helps maintain the opal's brilliance without harsh abrasives.
- Polishing for Luster: To maintain their finish, opals should be polished with a soft toothbrush or a cloth. This helps buff away any light film and restores their natural sheen.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Never use chemical jewellery cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners on opals. These can strip the opal of its natural moisture, cause cracking, or damage the stone's integrity, especially with doublets or triplets where the adhesive layers can be compromised.
- No Soaking: While warm water is fine for cleaning, do not soak opals for extended periods, particularly composite opals (doublets and triplets), as water can seep between layers and cause cloudiness or separation.
Proper Storage for Opals
Correct storage is crucial to protect opals from physical damage and environmental stress.
- Individual Storage: Store opal jewellery separately from other pieces. Because opals are softer than many other gemstones, they can easily be scratched by harder jewels like diamonds or sapphires.
- Soft Pouch or Lined Box: Always keep your opal jewellery in a soft cloth pouch or a fabric-lined jewellery box.
- Humidity Control: To prevent opals from drying out and cracking, store them away from direct heat sources, extreme temperatures, or very dry environments. Some experts even recommend storing solid opals in a sealed plastic bag with a damp cotton ball (ensure it doesn't touch the opal directly) if you live in a very arid climate or are storing them for an extended period. This method should be used cautiously and is generally not recommended for doublets or triplets due to potential water damage to the adhesive.
- Avoid Sunlight: Keep opals out of direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as intense light and heat can cause them to dry out.
Wearing Your Opal Jewellery
When and how you wear your opal jewellery significantly impacts its longevity.
- Last On, First Off: Put on your opal jewellery after applying makeup, hairspray, and perfumes, and take it off first when getting undressed. Chemicals in these products can dull or damage the opal.
- Avoid Impact: Remove opal rings, bracelets, and pendants before engaging in activities that could lead to impacts or scratches, such as:
- Housework
- Gardening
- Sports
- Heavy lifting
- Mind the Temperature: Avoid sudden changes in temperature, such as leaving an opal in a hot car or exposing it to extreme cold, as this can lead to crazing.
- Daily Wear Caution: While beautiful, opals are not ideal for everyday, high-impact wear due to their softness. Consider them for special occasions or opt for jewellery where the opal is well-protected, such as in a bezel setting.
Professional Care
Even with diligent home care, occasional professional attention can be beneficial.
- Regular Check-ups: Have your opal jewellery professionally inspected every year or two by a reputable jeweller. They can check for loose settings, wear and tear, and provide a deeper clean if necessary, using methods safe for opals.
- Repairs: If your opal jewellery requires repair, always take it to a jeweller experienced with delicate gemstones. Heating during soldering or other repair processes can severely damage opals.
Opal Care At a Glance
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Use warm water & a soft cloth | Use harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners |
| Polish with a soft cloth or toothbrush | Soak opals for long periods (especially doublets/triplets) |
| Store separately in a soft pouch | Expose to sudden temperature changes |
| Keep away from direct heat and sunlight | Wear during vigorous activities |
| Consider humidity for long-term storage | Leave in direct sunlight for extended periods |
| Have professional check-ups | Use abrasive materials for cleaning |
By following these guidelines, your opal jewellery will retain its enchanting allure for many years to come. For more information on gemstone care, consult resources like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS).
