Opals Are Special — and Worth Looking After
Opal is unlike any other gemstone. Its play of colour — those shifting flashes of red, green, blue, and gold — comes from the way light interacts with tiny silica spheres inside the stone. This same delicate structure means opals benefit from a little extra care compared to harder gems like diamonds or sapphires.
The good news? Looking after your opal jewellery is simple. Follow these guidelines and your piece will stay beautiful for years to come.
Cleaning Your Opal
The safest way to clean opal jewellery is with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Use a soft cloth or a very soft brush to gently wipe the surface, then rinse with clean water and pat dry.
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, and harsh chemical jewellery solutions — these can damage the stone or, in the case of doublet opals, weaken the bond between layers.
Storing Your Opal
Store your opal jewellery in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box, away from other pieces that could scratch it. Opals sit at around 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means harder gemstones can leave marks if they come into contact.
If you live in a very dry climate, you can place a small damp cloth in the storage container to maintain a little moisture around the stone. Australian opals are naturally accustomed to varying conditions, but extreme dryness over long periods can occasionally cause crazing (fine surface cracks) in some stones.
Wearing Your Opal
Opals love to be worn — the natural oils from your skin can actually help keep them looking their best. That said, it's wise to remove opal jewellery before swimming (especially in chlorinated pools), applying perfume or hairspray, or doing heavy physical work.
One of the most enchanting things about opals is that they change appearance in different lighting. You may notice your opal looks different in sunlight versus indoor light — this is completely normal and part of what makes each stone so unique.
A Note on Doublet Opals
Doublet opals have a thin layer of opal bonded to a dark backing. While they're just as beautiful as solid opals, they should be kept away from prolonged soaking in water, as moisture can eventually affect the adhesive bond. A quick clean with a damp cloth is all they need.
When in Doubt, Ask Us
If you ever have questions about caring for a specific piece, we're always happy to help. Each opal in our collection is chosen with care, and we want yours to bring you joy for a long time.