Opal Glow-Up: Tips to Keep your Jewellery Sparkling
There’s nothing quite like the mesmerizing play of colour that dances across a beautiful opal. Whether it’s a dainty ring or an elegant pendant, opal jewellery captures the light (and attention) like no other gemstone. But there often is the question of longevity; can my opal keep its brilliance? The answer is yes. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a new enthusiast, understanding how to clean, polish, and store your opals is essential to keeping them bright and dazzling for years to come.
What Makes Opal Unique?
Opals are unlike most gemstones. Made of tiny silica spheres that trap water, they create that signature rainbow-like glow known as “play-of-colour.” However, this same structure makes opals softer and more porous than diamonds or sapphires, meaning they can scratch or dull more easily if not handled with care. On the Mohs scale, opals rank between 5 and 6.5, giving them a similar hardness to jade or onyx.
While they’re more delicate than harder stones, opals are still durable when worn thoughtfully, especially in pieces like earrings, pendants, and brooches that face less abrasion.
All jewellery should be designed with longevity in mind. Although stunning, the size of a piece may make it prone to snags or abrasions. An example we see quite often is rings that feature exposed prongs (rather than a protective bezel setting), leaving the piece to a much higher risk of chipping.
Cleaning Opal Jewellery the Right Way
Keeping your opals radiant doesn’t require harsh chemicals, just gentle, consistent care.
Use Mild Soap and Water: Mix a few drops of mild, fragrance-free soap in lukewarm water. Dip a soft cloth or brush into the solution and gently clean your opal jewellery. Rinse thoroughly in clean water to remove any soap residue. Avoid soaking doublets or triplets, as prolonged exposure can weaken the adhesive layers.
Dry Gently: Pat your jewellery dry with a soft, lint-free cloth and allow it to air-dry completely before storing. Never use heat or direct sunlight to speed the process, as extreme temperatures can dehydrate and crack the stone.
Routine Maintenance: Wipe your opal with a soft polishing cloth after each wear to remove oils and dirt. This quick habit keeps your gemstone glowing and prevents buildup over time.
How to Polish Opal at Home?
Once clean and dry, use a jewellery-grade polishing cloth or chamois to buff your opal gently. Apply light pressure and avoid abrasive materials. If deeper cleaning is needed, use a small amount of a mild polishing compound designed for opals and buff in a circular motion before rinsing and drying. Avoid over-polishing, which can thin the stone or dull its surface.
What Liquids Dull an Opal?
Opals are sensitive to certain substances that can cloud or damage their surface. Avoid exposing your jewellery to:
- Perfumes, hairspray, and lotions – Alcohol and chemicals can dull or stain the stone.
- Harsh cleaners or bleach – These strip away natural oils and polish.
- Extreme temperatures or hot water – Rapid changes can cause internal cracks due to moisture loss.
When in doubt, remove your opal jewellery before cleaning, swimming, or applying beauty products.
Storing and Protecting Your Opals
Proper storage helps preserve both the beauty and moisture content of your opals.
- Keep away from heat and sunlight – Excess heat can dry out the stone.
- Store separately – Use a soft pouch or padded jewellery box to prevent scratches.
- Maintain gentle humidity – In dry climates, store opals with a damp cotton ball or even in a sealed bag with a few drops of water to help prevent dehydration.
If storing your opals for extended periods, some jewellers even recommend placing them in a small container of water to preserve their natural hydration. However, avoid this with doublets and triplets, as prolonged soaking may loosen the adhesive between layers.
The Glow-Up Your Opal Deserves
Caring for opal jewellery is all about consistency and gentleness. Avoid harsh chemicals, polish softly, clean regularly, and store your gemstones with care. With the right approach, your opals will maintain their captivating shimmer for generations.
Your opal isn’t just a gemstone, it’s a living light show! Treat it with love, and it will continue to glow with timeless brilliance.