Australian Opal Jewelry Care

Guide to Caring for Your Australian Boulder Opal Jewelry

Opals are stunning and unique gemstones that deserve proper care to maintain their beauty for years to come. In this guide, I’ll walk you through essential tips for preserving the integrity of your opal jewelry, whether you have a solid opal, doublet, or triplet. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Understanding Opal Types: Doublets, Triplets, and Solid Opals

Before diving into care instructions, it’s important to identify what type of opal you own:

          - Solid Opals: (what I mainly use) These are natural opals that have only been cut and polished. They are one solid piece of opal. The opal may have some dark brown Ironstone on the back - this is part of the host rock the opal forms on.

• Triplets: Similar to doublets, triplets have three layers: a slice of opal, a black backing, and a transparent top layer (usually quartz or glass) that provides additional protection and gives the opal a rounded shape.

• Doublets: These opals consist of two layers: a thin slice of opal attached to a black backing. The combination enhances the gemstone’s color and appearance.

How to Care for Your Opal Jewelry

Solid Australian Boulder Opals

Opals are relatively soft gemstones, ranking about 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, similar to the hardness of glass. To prevent scratching or damage, it’s essential to handle your solid opal jewelry with care. Remove your jewelry before engaging in activities like gardening, sleeping, or moving heavy objects where it could be exposed to rough treatment.

Water Exposure: Unlike doublets and triplets, solid opals can safely come into contact with water. In fact, most opals naturally contain 5-6% water. However, avoid exposing your opal to extreme temperature changes or environments with very low humidity, as these conditions can cause cracking or damage. I also don't recommend showering with them due to repeated exposure of shampoos and other products.

Doublets & Triplets

Since doublets and triplets are constructed with multiple layers, prolonged exposure to water can weaken the glue that holds them together, causing the layers to separate. This can lead to a cloudy or foggy appearance. While getting caught in the rain or wearing your jewelry in the shower once won’t ruin it, avoid prolonged water exposure to prevent damage.

Cleaning Your Opal Jewelry

Solid Australian Boulder Opals

To clean solid opals, gently wash them in warm, mildly soapy water and use a soft toothbrush or cloth to wipe them down. Always avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the opal.

Doublets & Triplets

For doublets and triplets, use a soft, damp cloth with mild detergent to clean the surface. Never soak these opals or immerse them in water, as this can cause the layers to separate.

Important: Never use an ultrasonic cleaner on your opal jewelry. The intense vibrations can cause cracking in solid opals or water infiltration in doublets and triplets.

If your opal loses its shine or develops scratches over time, take it to a professional opal cutter for polishing. A good polish can restore the gem’s shine and smooth out any minor damage.

Storing Your Opal Jewelry

If you need to store your opal jewelry for an extended period, protect it by placing it in a padded cloth bag. For long-term storage, place your opal in cotton wool with a few drops of water, then sealing it in a plastic bag. This prevents the opal from losing moisture and ensures it stays protected in low-humidity environments.

Final Tips

• Be Gentle: Opals are delicate, so avoid exposing them to rough conditions.

• Protect from Harsh Environments: Keep your opal away from extreme temperatures, low humidity, and chemicals.

• Regular Care: Clean your opal gently and check for any signs of wear to maintain its beauty.