How Do You Clean Opals

Opals make for stunning pieces of jewellery, adding a sense of class and sophistication to any outfit or occasion. Like all jewellery, however, there are a number of maintenance steps involved in keeping your opals looking like new. Below, we outline how to clean an opal, regardless of whether it is a solid, doublet or triplet.

Cleaning Solid Opals

Cleaning solid opals is a relatively simple process. Use a mild detergent mixed with warm water, and apply it to the piece using a soft cloth. This process will remove much of the dirt and oil that builds up on the opal and its setting when it is worn. These steps can also be used to periodically clean loose opals or opal pendants you may have in your collection.

Cleaning Doublets & Triplets

Doublet and triplet opals can be cleaned using the same process as any solid opal. However, you should be especially careful not to immerse doublets or triplets in water. It is also important to keep doublets and triplets away from hot water, as the heat can dissolve the glue within the setting.

Tips to Clean Your Opal Setting

While the above steps outline how to clean an opal, maintaining the setting is just as important. Soft cloths are strongly recommended when cleaning opal settings, as they help remove dirt from the surface of your jewellery safely. A gentle side to side motion is all that is needed to clean your settings and return each piece to a sparkling shine. Specific gold or silver jewellery cleaning cloths can be purchased for this purpose.

How Do You Clean Opal Jewellery Professionally?

Professional cleaning of opal jewellery helps ensure the piece continues to shine for years to come. It is recommended to have your opal jewellery checked and cleaned professionally once a year.

A common saying in the jewellery world is that opals love to be worn. While that is true, they do require care and maintenance from time to time, in order to maintain their lustre. The simple steps outlined above will help you to keep your opal jewellery in excellent condition, and store it correctly for the next time you want to wear it. Regardless of whether you own solid, doublet or triplet opal jewellery, the process of maintaining your jewellery helps to lock in a mesmerising lustre.

Volle Jewellery is a leading retailer of opals, pearls and pink diamond jewellery in Sydney’s CBD. To find out more about the pieces in our collection, please visit us at our York Street jewellery store.