Caring for Your Opal Jewellery: Tips to Keep It Gleaming
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Opals are like no other gemstone—with their mesmerising play-of-colour and organic origins, they deserve a little know-how to keep them looking their best.
At Iona Opal Australia, we work exclusively with solid Australian opals, which are far more stable than many imported varieties. In fact, the amount of water trapped in an opal is minor, and once it’s been out of the ground for a while, the stone settles into its natural state and remains strong.
Cleaning Your Opals
Soft cloth only: A gentle wipe with a clean, dry or slightly damp soft cloth is all most opals need.
Mild soap sparingly: If there’s stubborn dirt, use a drop of mild soap in warm water. Gently rub with your fingers or a soft cloth, then pat dry immediately—don’t soak.
Avoid harsh chemicals & ultrasounds: Never use jewellery cleaners, ultrasonic or steam cleaners; they’re designed for harder gemstones and could damage settings or any treated stones.
Storing for Longevity
Keep away from extreme heat or cold: While Australian opals are hardy, rapid temperature changes can stress metal settings.
Separate storage: Store each piece in its own soft pouch or lined box to prevent scratches—opals are softer than many gems.
No moisture paranoia: You don’t need a humidifier or wet cotton wool; solid Australian opals aren’t prone to dehydration after their initial curing once mined.
Wearing Your Opals
Last on, first off: Let your perfume, hairspray or moisturiser dry before putting on jewellery.
Mind your activities: Remove opal rings and bracelets for gardening, cleaning, swimming or heavy exercise to protect both stone and setting.
Regular enjoyment helps: Wearing your opals occasionally lets natural oils from your skin keep the setting polished.
With these simple steps, your solid Australian opal jewellery from Iona Opal Australia will remain as brilliant and vibrant as the day you first saw it. If you’ve got any questions about caring for a particular piece, Iona is always here to help!
