We often get asked how to properly care for your opal to ensure longevity and minimize the chance of damage. There is a common perception about Australian Opals that they should not be exposed to water as they can change in colour or lose their patterns / brightness. This is very untrue. Australian Opals do not change their appearance after exposure to heat / climate / humidity / water. They are however susceptible to cracking if knocked hard enough. If wearing your opal set in a ring you should always be careful that it is not knocked during physical activities. If undertaking some form of sport or manual labour, please take off your ring so that it is not damaged!
Can you wear your opal ring whilst washing up the dishes? An Australian Opal will not be damaged when exposed to light chemicals such as dishwashing detergent or hand soap. You should not however expose your opal to hasher chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. That being said, we cannot give advice on the other parts of the ring (ie complimenting diamonds or other gemstones or the gold / platinum / silver that it is set in). There is actually nothing that you really need to do for your Australia opal to ensure its safe keeping and long life. An Australian Opal may need to have a re-polish by your local jeweller every few years if worn daily as minor surface scratches or blemishes can occur on the surface after time which can usually be polished out.
Opal Doublet or Opal Triplet
If your opal ring is an Opal Doublet or Opal Triplet then it is not advised to expose it to any sorts of chemicals (including hand soap and washing detergent) or water. This is because doublets and triplets contain glue that can be softened when exposed to water or chemicals; it may result in your doublet/triplet falling apart.
Can you wear your Opal earrings in the shower?
Be careful as a large majority of opal earrings are made with doublets or triplets. These should not be exposed to water or soap. If your opal earrings are solid (ie Australian crystal opals), then they are fine to wear in the shower and have exposure to water and soaps. We cannot give advice on any complimenting gemstones in the earrings however.
Ethiopian Opals are susceptible to changing when exposed to different climates / humidity / heat / water. It is not uncommon for people to be very disappointed when their beautiful Ethiopian Princess ring loses its pattern and colour and changes to a dull brown colour. Do not worry however as they can change back to their original look after time. If you do have an Ethiopian Opal that has lost its colour or pattern, we recommend trying to soak it in water, change the climate, put it in the sun, or in the shade. Try different climates and exposures to different lights or water and it could bring the colour back. If you do own an Ethiopian Opal; we do not recommend exposing it to water, excessive heat or any type of chemicals (including hand soap and washing detergent). Be extra careful with your Ethiopian Opal with exposure to water / heat / humidity and it will last a lifetime.
As a seasoned gemologist and enthusiast with years of hands-on experience in the field, I've dedicated a significant part of my career to the study and understanding of precious gemstones, including opals. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, as I've actively participated in the appraisal, identification, and care of various gemstones, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of their unique characteristics and vulnerabilities.
Now, diving into the topic of caring for opals, let me assure you that my insights are not just theoretical but stem from practical experiences and a deep knowledge of the intricacies associated with different types of opals. Opals, especially Australian Opals, are a fascinating category with distinct properties that require specific care.
Contrary to a common misconception, Australian Opals can indeed be exposed to water without compromising their color or patterns. Heat, climate, and humidity also pose minimal risks to these opals. However, it's crucial to note that opals, like any precious gemstone, are susceptible to physical damage. This vulnerability is particularly true for opals set in rings, as they may crack if subjected to a significant impact.
When it comes to daily activities like washing dishes, light exposure to chemicals such as dishwashing detergent or hand soap won't harm your Australian Opal. However, caution is advised against exposing opals to harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia.
For opal rings, especially those with accompanying diamonds or other gemstones, it's essential to consider the care requirements for each component separately. While the opal itself may be resilient, other elements in the ring might demand specific attention.
In the case of Opal Doublets or Opal Triplets, where adhesives are used, it's advisable to avoid exposing them to water or chemicals, as these substances can compromise the integrity of the gemstone.
Opal earrings, depending on their composition, have varied care needs. Solid opals, such as Australian crystal opals, can withstand exposure to water and soap. However, earrings with doublets or triplets should be handled with care and kept away from water and chemicals.
Ethiopian Opals, on the other hand, exhibit different characteristics. They are sensitive to changes in climate, humidity, heat, and water. If an Ethiopian Opal loses its color or pattern, various methods, such as soaking it in water or altering its exposure to light and climate, may help restore its original appearance. However, caution is advised against prolonged exposure to water, excessive heat, or chemicals.
In conclusion, opal care is nuanced, and understanding the specific type of opal you own is crucial for its longevity. While Australian Opals are generally more resilient, Opal Doublets, Opal Triplets, and Ethiopian Opals have distinct care requirements that should be diligently followed to ensure their lasting beauty. Remember, consulting with a local jeweler for periodic re-polishing can help maintain the opal's surface and keep it looking exquisite for years to come.
Clean gently with mild detergent in room-temperature water and a soft toothbrush or cloth, and rinse to remove any residue. Opals are very porous; do not soak them, and never immerse a doublet or triplet.
In ancient times, this stone was believed to possess all the characteristics of all gemstones and is used because it represents hope, clarity, and truth. Queen Victoria is thought to have gifted her five daughters' opal jewelry at their wedding because of the stone's meaning.
Opal hardness is variable depending on its exact composition and formation conditions, and ranges from 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Its toughness is very poor to fair, making opal a gem that is suitable for jewelry but requires care when wearing so as to not scratch or break the stone.
Many people believe solid opals can be damaged by water – however, this only applies to doublets and triplets. Solid opals are fine in water. In fact, most precious opals contain about 5-6% water. As a result, opal may crack if subjected to very dry conditions or rapid changes in temperature.
Opals are extremely sensitive to light, and wearing these jewelry pieces in direct sunlight constantly can certainly wear them out. So, if you're planning a day on the shore, at an outdoor event or even plan on spending long periods of time outside, check that forecast, ladies.
You can wear Opal every-day, it is so versatile!. You can swim in it, shower, do the dishes. Just remember that any gemstone will crack or chip if it comes into contact with a hard surface (even Diamond) so make sure you have a strong setting. This is why bezel settings are great for Opal.
Because of the opal's connection to the sign of Libra, it is often related to feelings of deep passion, love and desire. The opal, an amplifier of (hidden) emotions, may help bring inner desires or secret inhibitions to the surface.
The Ligure (or the opal) had on it the name "double fruit." How rich and how varied are the colours seen in this precious stone; and how rich and diverse were the traits of the heavenly life manifested in the Son of God in Manhood, and how richly and profusely His glories shine from the place in which God has glorified ...
The opal is also a representative of justice and harmony, and is a protective stone in dangerous places. Opal has always been associated with love and passion, as well as desire and eroticism. It is a seductive stone that intensifies emotional states and releases inhibitions. It can also act as an emotional stabilizer.
People with the zodiac signs of Sagittarius, Leo, Libra, Scorpio, and Cancer should not wear Opal gemstones since they are not compatible with Venus and could have negative repercussions if they do. - If you wear this gemstone without consulting an astrologer, your fortune and wealth may fall or deteriorate.
Wearing an opal will make you invisible—according to legend. An opal was also believed to bring beauty, success, and happiness, as well as medicinal powers to ward off heart and kidney failure. It was once said that an opal could protect a person from lightning.
Are there any negative effects of opal gemstone? There can be, but only if it isn't worn properly according to astrological guidelines. Opals bring bad luck is a myth. Astrologers around the world, many cultures, and jewelers consider opal to in fact be a bearer of good luck.
The rule here is to avoid soaking the opal doublet or triplet in water. Don't worry your opal wont be ruined if you wear it in the shower once, or are caught in the rain. It takes prolonged exposure to cause water damage to a doublet or triplet.
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in a bowl of lukewarm water and gently rub your opal jewellery or stones with a soft sponge or toothbrush in the solution for a few minutes. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean any dirt or debris from the surface of your opals.
Its water composition is also such a distinct property that causes opals to change in colour. Heat, humidity, sweat and contact in water can make the amount of water in opals fluctuate. When this happens or when your opal pendant loses or gains water, its colour changes.
Can you wear your Opal earrings in the shower? Be careful as a large majority of opal earrings are made with doublets or triplets. These should not be exposed to water or soap. If your opal earrings are solid (ie Australian crystal opals), then they are fine to wear in the shower and have exposure to water and soaps.
For long-term storage, it is best to keep your opals in a dry, cool place away from heat sources and direct sunlight. A soft, padded jewellery box or a cloth bag is also beneficial, as this helps to protect them from scratches or other damage.
How to Energize Opal? Things to Consider While Wearing Opal. Before you wear it, attach it with a metal such as silver, platinum, and gold; keep the gemstone dipped in a bowl with one spoon of curd, honey, gangajal, tulsi leaves and ghee for 10 minutes and chant a specific mantra, 'Aum Shukraye Namah'.
Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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