Opal is one of the softer gemstones and should be treated gently. Danger areas for your opal jewelry are bathrooms and kitchens with tiled floors where it can drop onto the floor and damage the opal.

Another one is your jewelry box where the opal is left in contact with harder gemstones like diamonds and sapphires which can easily scratch your opal. When not wearing your opal jewelry or traveling with it, always carry it in a soft cloth! A tissue can be used, but remember tissues usually end up in the trash can and could be the tragic end to your fine opal.

Opal has a water content of 6 - 10% so if you are not wearing your opals for a prolonged period leave it in water. Opals absorb water very easily. Your opal jewelry will need occasional cleaning. Use a soft toothbrush and a little toothpaste and lightly scrub it in lukewarm water.

At Australian Opal Cutters, we offer FREE cleaning on all opals we sell