Opals are the height of luxury and elegance in the jewellery world. No matter what sort of opal jewellery you have, proper storage of each piece will ensure its appearance is maintained for many years to come. When storing opal jewellery, there are a number of factors you should consider, including the stone’s natural moisture content and sensitivity to fluctuations in both temperature and humidity.
In this article, we will discuss some of the top tips for taking care of opal jewellery, including general best practices and more specialised storage tips.
Tips for storing opals
Storing opal jewellery safely is just as much about preserving the beauty of the stone as it is protecting your investment. Below, we’ve included some of our top tips when it comes to caring for your opal jewellery, ensuring it retains its stunning beauty and vivid colour changes over time.
Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity levels
When choosing a location to store your jewellery in, choose a controlled environment that is not exposed to excessive fluctuations in temperature or humidity. While opals are precious stones, storing them in an airtight container or other artificial environment can dehydrate the stone and impact its appearance.
Use soft, cushioned, separated storage methods
There are a number of different ways you can store opal jewellery. Purchasing a dedicated jewellery pouch, wrapping each piece in a soft cloth or keeping it in its original presentation box are all effective ways of protecting your gemstones. Whichever solution you choose, ensure you keep each piece separate from each other.
Keep jewellery away from direct sunlight
As with all gemstone jewellery, it is important to limit the amount of sunlight your opals are exposed to during storage. This will create a more stable environment for your opal jewellery, preserving the natural moisture content of the stone and protecting the piece while it is not being worn.
Handle opals with care
While opals are a stunning and relatively durable gemstone, they are still susceptible to impacts like all other jewellery. When handling your opal jewellery, be careful not to let the pieces come into contact with hard surfaces such as tables or cabinets or other jewellery. Opals also absorb chemicals in their environment, so it is best to store them away from perfumes or hairsprays.
Can you get opals wet?
It is a common misconception that opals cannot be exposed to moisture. In fact, because solid opals are one concealed unit, they can be introduced to water for cleaning or even storage without adverse effects. Doublet and triplet opals, on the other hand, should not be submerged in water as the glue that binds them together can separate if it is exposed to excessive moisture.
Why do opals need to be stored carefully?
Unless you wear it every day, your jewellery will spend most of its time not being worn. Optimal storage conditions for your opal jewellery help protect the natural beauty of the stone and preserve your investment.
Like most other gemstone jewellery, opals are susceptible to impact from a range of external factors, including dehydration, changes in ambient temperature and humidity, and exposure to chemicals. It is important to keep these factors in mind when deciding how you will store your opals, and any other jewellery you may have in your collection.
How do you store opal doublets and triplets?
Doublet and triplet opals layer two or three layers together using an adhesive. The tips for storing opal jewellery listed above apply to all examples of the gemstone, including doublets and triplets. Over-exposing composite opals to water can impact the adhesion between each layer, and is strongly discouraged.
Can you travel with opals?
If your outfit for an overseas or interstate event just wouldn’t be complete without your favourite opal pieces, it is recommended that you wear your jewellery instead of packing it in your luggage. Remember to pack your storage pouch or padded jewellery box to store your opal and setting in while they are not being worn.
Have more questions?
Knowing how to store opal jewellery correctly not only protects your investment, but ensures the stones continue to dazzle onlookers for years to come. Our tips for storing opals cover everything from optimal storage conditions to recommendations for travelling with your jewellery and specialised care processes for doublet and triplet opals.
If you are looking to expand your collection of opals, Volle is the perfect place to do so. We offer an extensive selection of opal jewellery, including earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets made using Australia’s finest white, boulder and black opals. Our collection also includes stunning loose opals, specimens and carvings that make for perfect display items. Visit our Sydney jewellery store to browse the collection for yourself.