How to Clean Opal Jewellery: Your Complete Guide
Opals are one of the most captivating gemstones, renowned for their vibrant play of colours that shimmer in the light. Whether it’s a classic white opal or a striking black opal, the allure of this gemstone is hard to ignore.
But like all precious stones, opals require regular care and maintenance to ensure their brilliance remains. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to clean opals safely and effectively.
Understanding Opals & Their Sensitivity
Before diving into cleaning methods, it’s crucial to understand that opals are delicate gemstones. With a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, they are softer compared to other popular gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. This means they are more prone to scratches, chips, and damage from harsh chemicals or improper cleaning.
Opals are also hydrophane, meaning they absorb water. Because of this, the cleaning process must be approached carefully, ensuring that the stone doesn’t dry out or become overly saturated.
Types of Opals & Cleaning Considerations
There are several types of opals, each with its own specific needs when it comes to cleaning. The main categories include:
Solid Opals: These are the most natural form of opals, cut and polished from a single piece of opal stone. They tend to be more resilient to cleaning than other types.
Doublets and Triplets: These are opals that have a thin slice of natural opal bonded to a backing (doublet) or sandwiched between layers of crystal or quartz (triplet). The cleaning methods for these opals are more limited due to the bonding adhesives used.
Boulder Opals: These opals are found in a natural ironstone matrix, making them more durable than other types of opals. However, they still require careful cleaning.
Best Methods to Clean Opals
Now that you’re aware of the sensitivity and various types of opals, let’s explore how to clean them effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you clean your opals without causing any damage:
1. Gentle Cleaning with a Soft Cloth
The safest way to clean your opals regularly is to use a soft, lint-free cloth. This method is perfect for removing dust, fingerprints, and light dirt. Simply wipe the surface of the opal with the cloth, paying special attention to the back of the stone if it’s in a setting, as dirt can accumulate there.
Tip: Use a microfiber cloth for an even gentler clean, as it’s less likely to leave fibres on the opal’s surface.
2. Warm Water & Mild Soap
For deeper cleaning, especially if the opal has accumulated grime or dirt, warm water combined with mild soap can do the trick.
Fill a bowl with lukewarm water (never hot).
Add a drop or two of mild, non-abrasive soap. Dishwashing soap is a good option.
Gently submerge your opal jewellery into the soapy water for a few minutes.
Use a soft toothbrush or cloth to gently clean the stone and the setting, taking care not to scratch the opal.
Rinse the opal under running lukewarm water to remove any soap residue.
Pat dry with a soft cloth and let the jewellery air dry completely before storing or wearing it.
Note: This method is ideal for solid opals. If your opal is a doublet or triplet, avoid submerging it in water, as water can seep into the layers and damage the stone over time.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals & Ultrasonic Cleaners
Opals are sensitive to chemicals and temperature changes. It’s important to avoid using any harsh chemical cleaners, such as bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners, which can strip the opal of its polish and damage its delicate structure.
Additionally, ultrasonic cleaners, often used to clean gemstones, are too harsh for opals. The vibrations can cause cracks or loosen the stone from its setting, especially in doublets or triplets.
Maintaining the Shine & Longevity of Your Opals
Cleaning opals is just one part of keeping them in their best condition. The following tips will help maintain their shine and preserve their natural beauty for years to come.
1. Proper Storage
When you’re not wearing your opals, store them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause some opals, particularly doublets and triplets, to become brittle and crack over time.
To prevent scratches, store each piece of opal jewellery separately in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box.
2. Regularly Hydrate Your Opals
Opals contain water within their structure, which helps to maintain their vibrant play of colour. However, in very dry environments, opals can lose moisture and may crack or become brittle.
To avoid this, you can periodically place your solid opals in a sealed container with a damp cloth for a few days to restore moisture. However, this is not recommended for doublets or triplets, as moisture can weaken the adhesive layers.
3. Wear with Care
Opals are relatively soft compared to other gemstones, so it’s important to wear them with care. Avoid wearing your opal jewellery during activities that could expose them to hard knocks, such as sports or gardening. Also, take off your opal rings or bracelets when doing household chores or using harsh cleaning chemicals.
4. Professional Cleaning and Inspection
While at-home cleaning is usually sufficient, it’s a good idea to have your opals professionally cleaned and inspected every 6 to 12 months, especially if they are set in a ring or bracelet that is exposed to more wear and tear. A jeweller can ensure that the setting is secure and that the stone is in good condition.
Conclusion
Opals are beautiful gemstones that deserve special care to maintain their sparkle and longevity. With the right cleaning techniques and maintenance habits, you can ensure that your opals remain stunning for years to come.
By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy your opals in their best condition, enhancing their natural beauty and protecting them from unnecessary damage. Happy cleaning!