Requests for opal jewelry have increased recently, why is that so? You may ask. Well, this distinctively iridescent, opalescent stone produces a holographic look that is both highly desired and beguilingly surreal. Guess that’s a good reason.
Today we’ll have a good look at the various ways to take care of an Opal Jewelry; so as to avoid any scratches or damages in future. But before that, let’s have a look at the origin of opals itself.
Origins of Opals
Since ancient times, people have treasured this alluring stone for a variety of reasons, including its luck and good vibes. Opals have been created by thousands of years of water flowing through rock. They have been around for millennia. The water deposits silica spheres, which gradually layer to form opal. In gemological jargon, this holographic appearance is known as “play-of-color.”
The contemporary name “Opal” derives from the Sanskrit word “upala,” which means precious stone, and also the Greek word “opallios,” which means change in color. Throughout Mexico and South America to Africa and Australia, opals can be found anywhere. Opal’s fragility of 5.5 on the Mohs scale allowed it to be carved rather easily in ancient times, as seen by some of the first opal jewelry dating back to 4000 BC.
According to legend, in ancient Rome, Caesars would present opal to their spouses as a lucky charm. It was regarded as a priceless stone with great strength.
Opal jewelry today represents the blessing of prophecy, love, and creativity. Over time, the stone retained its romantic and supernatural connotations.
Caring for an Opal Jewelry
To clean your opal, use a gentle brush and warm, mild soap
Add a few drops of dish soap to a small bowl of warm water. Water should be stirred until suds forms. To remove any dirt or grime, carefully scrub your opal rings or any form after dipping a delicate brush in water. Clean the opal with water, then pat it dry with a clean cloth.
Avoid using a hard-bristled brush since it could irritate the opal’s delicate surface.
Once every two to three months, clean your opals to prevent oil buildup.
To get rid of skin oils, polish your opal once a week with a jeweler’s cloth
A jeweler’s cloth is available for purchase online or at your nearby jewelry store. Once a week, use the towel to carefully rub the whole pearl and its setting until it shines. This will keep the opal from accumulating oil over time and keep it looking gorgeous. [6]
In the absence of a jeweler’s wipe, a slipcover will suffice.
To extend the life of your opal, avoid getting it wet for extended periods of time
When taking a shower, going to the pool, doing the dishes, and doing something that can involve prolonged exposure to water, remove your opal. This is particularly significant for layered stone doublet and triplet opals.
Opals are incredibly porous, therefore any liquid they come in contact with will be absorbed by them. Your opal’s color will be altered by a residue that too much liquid will leave behind.
When storing your opal, cover it with soft, wet cotton
Although you do not want your pearl to get too damp while it’s in storage, you also don’t wish for it to get too dry. Wrap your opal in a dry, breathable piece of breathable cotton when you’re prepared to store it for a longer amount of time. Place the cotton in a plastic bag that can be resealed, add a few beads of liquid, and then close the bag.
A moist environment will be created by the few drops in the closed plastic bag, which is perfect for your opal.
