Top Tips For Australian Opal & Opal Jewellery Care
Taking care of an opal gemstone and opal jewellery is essential in order to maintain its beauty and lustre. Opals are a beautiful but somewhat delicate stone that can be susceptible to damage when exposed to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. In order for your opal and opal jewellery to stay looking beautiful for years to come, it’s important to know the best ways to clean them safely.
Tip 1 - Don't Use Harsh Cleansers On Opal
The most important thing you need to remember when dealing with opals is that they should not be cleaned with any kind of chemical cleansers including ultrasonic cleaners, which can cause irreparable damage to the surface of your opal. Instead, you should just use warm, clean water and a soft cloth or brush to gently remove any dirt and grime.
Tip 2 - Try To Clean Metal Separately From Your Opal
If you have an opal ring, opal necklace, or opal bracelet, it’s important that the metal parts are cleaned separately. Opals should never come into contact with any kind of harsh chemicals as this can discolour or damage the stone. To clean the metal parts of your jewellery, use a mild non-abrasive cleanser such as dish soap and warm water.
Tip 3 - Keep Your Opals Away From Extreme Heat and Cold
It’s also important to remember that opals need protection from extreme temperatures as they can risk cracking if exposed to any long-term direct exposure to extreme heat or cold.
Tip 4 - Store Your Opals In The Cool
Finally, it’s important to store your opal jewellery in a cool, dry place. Opals should be kept out of direct harsh sunlight and away from very humid areas. Opals should also never come into contact with perfume or lotion as these could smear the stone's surface.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your opal and opal jewellery remain beautiful for years to come. Keep in mind that it is always best to consult an opal specialist if you need assistance with cleaning or caring for your precious stones.
With the right knowledge and care, you can keep your precious opals looking beautiful for years to come! Happy Opal-care!
About the Author
Growing up on the opal fields of Lightning Ridge and working in her family’s opal business for much of her life, Black Star Opal founder Olivia Deskoski brings deep, first-hand knowledge and rare expertise to Australia’s opal industry. Her qualifications include gemmology and diamond technology studies with the Gemmological Association of Australia, a Master’s in Journalism, and extensive experience in e-commerce and marketing communications. In 2015, Olivia created the world’s first opal-themed light installation for Vivid Sydney and has helped raise $1 million for the new Australian Opal Centre at Lightning Ridge.
