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Opals are a rarity within nature and, due to their formation, should be treated with the utmost care. Precautions must be taken to prevent the various breaks and damage that can occur during daily wear. There are many myths and rumours circulating online about treating opal in different ways. This article will list care methods that are based on years of knowledge and personal experience. 

Cleaning Your Jewellery 

There are various ways to clean and maintain your jewellery, both at home and through professional jewellers. A DIY solution to cleaning your jewellery is jewellery cloths. These are a specific material made especially for gold and silver (with each cloth designed for a different metal), which can help maintain the brightness of your opal and the clarity of the metal. 

It's important to note that opals should not be polished or treated with commercial jewellery cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners. These methods can potentially damage the opal's delicate surface and alter its play of colour. If your opal requires professional polishing or restoration, consult a skilled lapidary who specialises in working with opals.

Soft Brush - Use a soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush or a dedicated jewellery cleaning brush, to gently scrub the opal. Be sure to reach all the crevices and surfaces of the stone. Avoid excessive pressure or scrubbing, as this can cause scratches or damage.

Gentle Cleaning - It's essential to clean your opal with care. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the opal's surface. Instead, use a mild soap or detergent mixed with warm water.

Rinse and Dry - After cleaning, rinse the black opal thoroughly with clean water to remove any soapy residue. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using tissue or paper towels, as they can leave fibres or lint on the stone.

Avoid Chemicals - Black opals are sensitive to chemicals, including household cleaners, perfumes, and hairsprays. Keep your opal away from these substances to prevent potential damage or discolouration.

If possible, avoid sudden changes in temperature. 

It is possible to damage your opal without knowing. If the stone is set permanently into jewellery, if it is exposed to rapid changes in hot and cold temperatures. This is because the water content held within the opal is also being affected. Rapid changes in temperature can cause minor fractures within the stone itself, weakening the overall structure. The reason this is so damaging is because these fractures can take a long time to become visible, and when this has happened, it can be near impossible to fix.

Avoid dropping your jewellery

Dropping your opal jewellery on any hard surface can have a massive impact on the stone’s integrity. Even small taps that occur during daily wear can cause a strain. By avoiding this unnecessary pressure, you can maintain the structural integrity of your jewellery, allowing it to last much longer. 

Storing Your Opal 

If you need to store your opal for a long period of time, it is important that you do so correctly. Ensure that the area you have picked is safe from harsh temperature changes (like under a hot light), as this will minimise heat damage. 

Simply placing your opal in a cloth bag should be enough. But for a long storage period, some recommend placing your opal with some form of moisture (such as cotton wool with drops of water, or a damp cloth) into a sealed bag, so the gemstone is stored securely with adequate moisture. 

How do I Fix Damaged Jewellery?

To put it simply: ask your jeweller. There is no ‘clear-cut’ way to fix jewellery, as each opal and circumstance is unique. If your opal has become scratched, it is recommended that you go to your jeweller and ask for them to re-polish the stone. This fix is quite simple and is arguably the most common. Other problems, such as claw damage or a loose stone, can be fixed by a visit to your local jeweller. Cracks within the opal's structure can be a lot harder to fix, but it's not impossible. 

By following these care tips, you can ensure that your opals remain radiant and lustrous for generations to come. Proper cleaning, storage, and maintenance will help preserve their natural beauty and protect them from unnecessary damage. Treat your opals with the care and respect they deserve, and they will continue to captivate and delight you for a lifetime.