We often get asked how to properly care for your opal to ensure longevity and minimize the chance of damage. When exposed to water, many commonly perceive Australian Opals as vulnerable to color changes or pattern/brightness loss. This is very untrue. Australian Opals do not change their appearance after exposure to heat/climate/humidity/water. They are, however, susceptible to cracking if knocked hard enough. If wearing your opal set in a ring, you should always be careful that it is not knocked during physical activities. If undertaking some form of sport or manual labour, please remove your ring so it is not damaged!
Opal Ring
Can you wear your opal ring while washing up the dishes? Exposing an Australian Opal to light chemicals such as dishwashing detergent or hand soap will not cause damage. It would help if you did not, however, expose your opal to harsher chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. That said, we cannot offer advice on the other components of the ring. It would help if you did nothing for your Australia opal to ensure its safekeeping and long life. An Australian Opal may need to be re-polished by your local jeweler every few years if worn daily, as minor surface scratches or blemishes can occur on the surface after time, which can usually be polished out.
Opal Doublet or Opal Triplet
If your opal ring is an Opal Doublet or Opal Triplet, expose it to any other sort (including hand soap and washing detergent) or water. The glue within doublets and triplets can soften when exposed to water or chemicals, potentially causing them to fall apart.
Can you wear your Opal earrings in the shower?
Be careful, as most opal earrings are made with doublets or triplets. These should not be exposed to water or soap. If your opal earrings are solid (i.e., Australian crystal opals), they are acceptable to wear in the shower and exposed to water and soap. However, we cannot advise on any complimenting gemstones in the earrings.
Ethiopian Opals
Ethiopian Opals are susceptible to change when exposed to different climates/humidity/heat/water. People often feel disappointed when their beautiful Ethiopian Princess ring loses its pattern and color, changing to a dull brown hue. Stay calm, however, as they can change back to their original look after time. If you have an Ethiopian Opal that has lost its color or pattern, we recommend trying to soak it in water, change the climate, or put it in the sun or shade. Try different climates and exposures to different lights or water; the color could be returned. If you own an Ethiopian Opal, we do not recommend exposing it to water, excessive heat, or any chemicals (including hand soap and washing detergent). Be extra careful with your Ethiopian Opal, as eater/heat/humidity exposure lasts a lifetime.
