Precious stone rich in legends and history, the opal encompasses the beauty of all gemstones and fascinates with its intermingled colors.
Opal earring by 9Avril ¨Paris
The Australian Aboriginals believe that their ancestral being Dream-time descended to earth on a rainbow and that the stones surrounding it transformed into the first opals. It is said that the flashes of color on the opals reflect the changing moods and emotions of the wearer. The play of colors in opals is undoubtedly a unique and breathtaking phenomenon, which is why they are coveted by the wealthy, kings, gemstone collectors, mystics, and healers. Opals have gained a reputation as a "symbol of hope" and "the stone of lovers and artists." They have a luxurious appearance when used in fine jewelry and can be cherished for years. However, they must be cared for to keep the vibrant colors and luster intact. Here’s how you can show your love for your jewelry in opal and cherish them forever:
The hardness of opals ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a soft gemstone. You can store them when working in harsh conditions or when handling aggressive chemicals. This way, you will prevent scratches and cracks from developing on these colorful beauties.
Les opals are delicate gemstones and contain about 20 to 30% water trapped within them. Intense heat and light can cause cracks or fracture lines on these stones. They are sensitive to extreme and sudden temperature changes. Therefore, when storing your opals, keep them wrapped in a damp cloth or with a piece of damp cotton to prevent dehydration.
It is better to wear your opals more often if you want them to stay beautiful for years. By exposing the opals to the moisture in the air and that of your body, you will keep them hydrated and preserve the stunning colors they contain.
You can choose from earrings and opal pendants to wear daily and keep the opal rings for special occasions. An opal ring will be more suitable for a prong setting if you plan to wear it every day.
It is recommended to clean the bijoux Every four to five months, and you can do it at home. You can use a mild detergent and warm water to remove accumulated dirt and clean the jewelry with a soft brush or cloth. However, avoid using the brush on the surface of the gemstone.
Avoid using bleach, harsh cleaning solutions, and chemicals on opals. They cannot withstand caustic alkaline solutions and hydrofluoric acid. Similarly, you will end up damaging the opals if you clean them in an ultrasonic device. From time to time, you can take your opal jewelry to a professional jeweler to have it polished to preserve its shine.
Thanks to these simple cleaning and maintenance tips, you can extend the lifespan of your opal jewelry. Opal accessories are unique pieces in your collection and, with a little attention and care, they can look newer than ever.