Be very careful with opals.

[pebbles]

I have a beautiful opal and garnet bracelet. I have replaced cracked opals in it twice. Now I am afraid to wear it. After that experience I would never put opals in a bracelet or a ring. I do have a Mexican Fire Opal ring, though, and it seems like a much sturdier stone, maybe because it's a cabochon.

[beekeeper]

I agree with you Pebbles. I don't understand why they would put opals in a "tennis like" bracelet, when it's gonna get banged around.

My grandmother had an opal diamond and ruby ring that I always loved ... but if I remember right, it cracked too. Don't you have to keep them conditioned in some way?

[Garnet333]

Opal is a unique and beautiful gemstone which will last indefinitely if properly cared for. Generally speaking you should treat your precious opal with the same care and respect as you would with any fine jewellery.

While there are some special requirements, caring for opal is really very simple providing that you keep in mind two basic facts about opal.

Firstly, most precious opal contains about 6 - 10% water. Therefore opal can craze or crack when subjected to harsh, dry conditions which "dry out " the stone.

Secondly, opal has a hardness of about 5.5 to 6.5 measured on the Mohs' scale of hardness. Compared to this diamonds are harder at about 10, garnets about 6.5 and gold is much softer at about 2.5 - 3. Therefore, opal like any other gemstone can be broken, chipped, scratched, or lose its shine with heavy wear and tear.


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FAQ
Can I put opals in water?

Yes, solid opal can be wet or soaked in water without any problem. This is not advised if the stone is a doublet or triplet as the water may affect the cement or adhesive bonding the opal layer to the crystal cap or backing layer.

How do I clean opal?

Solid opal can be cleaned with a soft detergent in warm water using a soft cloth or brush. Once cleaned the opal should be rinsed in clean water to remove any residue. Doublets and triplets can be wiped with a damp soft cloth but should not be soaked.

What about oils?

It is not recommended to store opal in oil or glycerin - though oil will generally not soak into the stone. Oily face and hand creams should not cause a problem except that they may build up in or on the jewellery and look unsightly. This is easily cleaned off with a soft brush and warm water.


Can I wear my opal when washing the dishes and gardening?

Prolonged exposure to harsh detergents and other chemicals can damage or "dry out" the stone. Be particularly careful about exposing opals and sterling silver to chlorine or chlorine bleach which will affect it.

Sand and soil are abrasive and ultimately will scratch the surface of the finely polished stone and any gold or silver with it. An accidental hit or knock could crack the stone or damage the metal claws holding it into the setting.

Treat all jewellery with respect and take it off before engaging in any of these activities.

What do I do if my stone loses its shine or becomes scratched?

You should take your opal to a reputable jeweler who knows about opal. If the stone needs re-polishing this can generally be done for a very reasonable price. He can also check for claw damage and make sure that the setting is still sound.

What about doublets and triplets?

Both are layered opals which do need a little more care than a solid stone. Doublets consist of a slice of precious opal which has been cemented to base of common opal potch or more commonly ironstone. Triplets are similar except that they also have a clear crystal cap cemented to the top of the precious opal slice in order to protect and enhance it.

While both can be cleaned with lukewarm water and mild detergent it is not a good idea to wash or immerse them in water as this may affect the cement bonding them together. For the same reason it is not recommended to use an ultrasonic cleaner for cleaning jewellery containing doublets or triplets.

How do I store my opals?

Generally storing your opals wrapped in a soft cloth is all that you will ever need to do.

If you keep you opals in a de-humidified atmosphere such as a safety deposit box or bank vault for long periods then it is advisable to put them in a sealed plastic bag with a little water or damp sponge to prevent them drying out.

[beekeeper]

GREAT info Garnet! Where did you get it?

[Garnet333]

SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMwww.ausopaldirect.com.au/guide.htm

[pebbles]

Garnet, I still don't understand what they mean by proper care for an opal. They say not to immerse it in water or oil but that it can dry out and crack. So what are you supposed to do prevent that? Mine actually broke. It says not to engage in rough activities while wearing opals. I don't but just having them on seems to be too much for them. I keep them carefully stored but I want to wear them and they seem to be too fragile to wear.

[Garnet333]

That's a very good question Pebbles and I have no idea how to answer that. I dont own any Opals myself. Maybe a jeweler can help you. It's like you said, they are too fragile to wear, which is a shame. What good are they if you cant wear them and enjoy them?

[pebbles]

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Garnet333:
That's a very good question Pebbles and I have no idea how to answer that. I dont own any Opals myself. Maybe a jeweler can help you. It's like you said, they are too fragile to wear, which is a shame. What good are they if you cant wear them and enjoy them?
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I have one that is deep set in a ring and it has never cracked. I think that the setting protects it. But if I were to buy anything with opals now, I would stick to pendants or earrings. It's not too likely they would hit against something. Believe me, it's awful to look down at your bracelet and see part of an opal .. or two.

[beekeeper]

I'm sure ... I know that I would be heart broken!

[mystylady]

I have to say that I've never seen an opal that I liked... It's my birthstone too :( I think most of the opals I've seen in person were lab created or just not good quality. I love my birthstone alternative, Pink Tourmaline! Maybe I would feel differently if I saw a genuine, gemmy opal?

[Garnet333]

I agree mystylady I am not fond of Opals at all. I find nothing pretty about them. Actually, I am not crazy about the whole opaque stone thing. I know Opals are difficult to wear because of the tendency to crack. I don't know anyone who owns an Opal that is able to wear it everyday. Look what happened to poor Pebbles :(

NOW, Pink Tourmaline, that is a gorgeous stone!!!

[pebbles]

The Australian opals are gorgeous. They are deep blue and green with other colors flickering in them like fires when you look at them in different lights and angles. There is a hefty price tag attached to them, too. The milky white stones we usually see are not worth anything. I would love to have a big Australian opal pendant.

[Garnet333]

I agree Pebbles, the white opals are not very appealing at all. I am not sure if I ever remember seeing an Australian Opal but if I did, from your description, I am sure it would something I would like.

[pebbles]

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Garnet333:
I agree Pebbles, the white opals are not very appealing at all. I am not sure if I ever remember seeing an Australian Opal but if I did, from your description, I am sure it would something I would like.
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Garnet, if you go to ebay and search for a black Australian opal, you will see some good examples. I have seen them set into the shank and setting of rings with dark tanzanites in the center. It is an awesome combination.

[Garnet333]

Pebbles, I took your advice and went over to Ebay to check out the Australian Opals. Very pretty. I like the doublets and triplets. They are NOTHING like those bland white opals we are used to seeing everywhere.

[Valentina]

This is great information. Thanks so much for posting.

[mystylady]

Oh you mean the Lightning Ridge Opals? Now you're talkin'! I forgot all about them, actually. They're so rare that you hardly ever see them. I still would have to choose pink Tourmaline over opal, though. I'm with you, Garnet & Pebbles! I just don't like opaque stones as much either. Sorry if my spelling is off... opaque??? lol it just doesn't look right

[mystylady]

Valentina, that is an adorable baby!

[beekeeper]

Garnet, JTV does have the doublets and triplets on occasion. They may have them on the web-site too.

[Valentina]

Thank you, Mystylady. I think so, too. :)

[Linda Lou]

MMMMM, don't like Opals. No offense to those that do, but they tell me at the Q BB I'm a sparkle whore. :)

I know you can't steam clean opals, and they have to be treated very carefully b/c of the high water content in the stone.

[123456]

Oh WoW I just saw this thread...I am too lazy to read the whole thread sot here is my question... maybe someone can help. :) I have a tanzanite and black opal ring. I don't know how to clean it. I know I can't use regular jewlery cleaner on the black opal. Since this thread IS about opals ....... Anyone have any suggestions?? :)

[pebbles]

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123456:
Oh WoW I just saw this thread...I am too lazy to read the whole thread sot here is my question... maybe someone can help. :) I have a tanzanite and black opal ring. I don't know how to clean it. I know I can't use regular jewlery cleaner on the black opal. Since this thread IS about opals ....... Anyone have any suggestions?? :)
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LOL, 123, this thread is about how fragile they are and no one knows how to clean them. I'd treat it like a pearl and just wipe it with a damp cloth. If it's really dirty, maybe you can swish it around in some warm soapy water and dry it right away. You have a black opal? Lucky you.

[123456]

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pebbles:
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123456:
Oh WoW I just saw this thread...I am too lazy to read the whole thread sot here is my question... maybe someone can help. :) I have a tanzanite and black opal ring. I don't know how to clean it. I know I can't use regular jewlery cleaner on the black opal. Since this thread IS about opals ....... Anyone have any suggestions?? :)
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LOL, 123, this thread is about how fragile they are and no one knows how to clean them. I'd treat it like a pearl and just wipe it with a damp cloth. If it's really dirty, maybe you can swish it around in some warm soapy water and dry it right away. You have a black opal? Lucky you.
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Darn it!!!! I was looking for some answers here. lol But I also have diamonds and tanzinite in the ring...... you just can't polish those. :) The look so sad these days. lol

[pebbles]

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123456:
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pebbles:
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123456:
Oh WoW I just saw this thread...I am too lazy to read the whole thread sot here is my question... maybe someone can help. :) I have a tanzanite and black opal ring. I don't know how to clean it. I know I can't use regular jewlery cleaner on the black opal. Since this thread IS about opals ....... Anyone have any suggestions?? :)
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LOL, 123, this thread is about how fragile they are and no one knows how to clean them. I'd treat it like a pearl and just wipe it with a damp cloth. If it's really dirty, maybe you can swish it around in some warm soapy water and dry it right away. You have a black opal? Lucky you.
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Darn it!!!! I was looking for some answers here. lol But I also have diamonds and tanzinite in the ring...... you just can't polish those. :) The look so sad these days. lol
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Wow, that must be some gorgeous ring. I'd take to a good jeweler and see what he suggests. Please come back and tell us because we need some answers.

[123456]

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pebbles:
Darn it!!!! I was looking for some answers here. lol But I also have diamonds and tanzinite in the ring...... you just can't polish those. :) The look so sad these days. lol
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Wow, that must be some gorgeous ring. I'd take to a good jeweler and see what he suggests. Please come back and tell us because we need some answers.
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It really is a pretty ring..... I got in the Cayman Islands. I swear you get the best deals on jewlery outside of the country... AND you don't have to pay taxes.

Ok guess I will have to do the dirty work. lol I come here for answers... and All I get is questions. LOL :)

[beekeeper]

I would just use soapy water on the opals and tanzanite. Those jewelry cleaners have ingredients in them that can damage tanzanite, so beware.

[123456]

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beekeeper:
I would just use soapy water on the opals and tanzanite. Those jewelry cleaners have ingredients in them that can damage tanzanite, so beware.
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Thanks for the info.... I didn't know that about tazanite, I have cleaning it with jewlery cleaner. Yikes!! I hope I have not damaged it. Well now I know not to. :)

[pebbles]

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123456:
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beekeeper:
I would just use soapy water on the opals and tanzanite. Those jewelry cleaners have ingredients in them that can damage tanzanite, so beware.
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Thanks for the info.... I didn't know that about tazanite, I have cleaning it with jewlery cleaner. Yikes!! I hope I have not damaged it. Well now I know not to. :)
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Yes, someone mentioned that tanzanite is a very soft stone. Even dust can damage it.
ITA about buying jewelry out of the country. As long as you deal with a reputable co. like Diamonds International, you can get great deals. I bought my emerald ring and my tanzanite ring in the Carib. and my bezel set gold coins in Mexico. The jewelers here were stunned when I told them how little I had paid.

[123456]

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pebbles:
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123456:
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beekeeper:
I would just use soapy water on the opals and tanzanite. Those jewelry cleaners have ingredients in them that can damage tanzanite, so beware.
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Thanks for the info.... I didn't know that about tazanite, I have cleaning it with jewlery cleaner. Yikes!! I hope I have not damaged it. Well now I know not to. :)
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Yes, someone mentioned that tanzanite is a very soft stone. Even dust can damage it.
ITA about buying jewelry out of the country. As long as you deal with a reputable co. like Diamonds International, you can get great deals. I bought my emerald ring and my tanzanite ring in the Carib. and my bezel set gold coins in Mexico. The jewelers here were stunned when I told them how little I had paid.
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That is exactly who I bought it from. I have also bought some from Tanzanite International. It is all guaranteed for a year through the cruise line as well. Oh and Goodmark Jewlers is another good company with great prices.

[mystylady]

Oh my gosh you guys! I'm watching JTV right now and Cheryl is showing Opals that are on some kind of card... they're Beautiful! Like kalidoscopes! I don't know WHY they're on a card, like in shrink wrap, it's very odd. But they are like miniature rainbows and only $65 for 15 stones... good sized too: 7x5! Of course they're ovals... I don't think they even MAKE Opals in any other shape. I wonder if they're as pretty "in person"? Do they use special lighting to make them look better I wonder? I've never seen an Opal in the store that looked like these do. Wowza! Seriously makes you want to get into buying and reselling gems! You could easily sell just one of them for more than $65. Ka-CHING!