


Lapidary experts recommend cleaning with warm soapy water and a jewelry cloth.īegin by mixing a mild unscented detergent or soap in a glass of lukewarm water. Generally, whatever the type of opal, avoid using any abrasives, chemicals, or toothpaste while cleaning. However, the focus has nowadays shifted from glass to plastic outer layers. The doublet comprises a thin wafer of opal set on a black background using a special adhesive.Ī triplet comprises a thin slice of opal on a black backing topped with a glass cover for extra protection and enhances the shine. Two layers mean a doublet, three indicate a triplet, and one layer means a solid opal. If you don’t know what you’ve got, place the opal on its side and judge whether you can see layers. The first two need lots of care compared to the solid or all-opal jewel. There are three types of opals depending on the make the doublet, the triplet, and the solid opal. The method of cleaning the opal gems will be dictated by the type of jewelry you own. Maybe they can revive, but dirt and grime need a little cleaning followed by polishing. In the first case, you will have to hire a lapidary expert. The opal is cloudy because water is wedged in between the layers and the accumulation of dirt and grime. If you are planning to buy some opal pendants or already own an opal ring, be prepared to take good care of them.Ī well-looked after opal jewel can last over ten years, while a neglected one will hardly last two years. Opals are fussy compared to other rock gemstones and need as much care as fragile eggs. One of the main reasons is water, especially if you own a Duplet or Triplet Opal with conjoined pieces.Īccumulation of dirt over the years or gardening with the jewels on can rub off the shine.
After opal how to#
Is your opal jewelry turned yellow, cloudy, or will not shine anymore?ĭon’t worry because we will guide you on how to clean and polish those opals to restore them to their former glory with these tips for care and polishing.
