We have a minor opal obsession at Betami and, as jewelry lovers, we want to do our best to protect the pieces made with them to ensure they become treasured heirlooms down the line.
Before these opals found their way into our jewelry, they underwent a journey of meticulous selection. Our team combs through hundreds of opals in Ethiopia in search of the best and brightest gems– gems that have the ability to spark a conversation and create a connection. Once in Virginia, our master goldsmiths create a custom setting for each opal. This labor of love ensures that each piece in our collection not only meets but exceeds expectations.
Here are the essential tips to properly care for Ethiopian Opals.
Cleaning
To clean opals, wipe them with a soft microfiber cloth. If they are heavily soiled you may clean them with a damp cloth. Never soak opals in water or other liquids. Jewelers should avoid ultrasonic cleaners as they may cause cracking.
Storing
Store all jewelry pieces separately to ensure that harder faceted stones like diamonds and sapphires cannot directly scratch softer ones. This advice is also important for stones like pearls and moonstones. Sudden temperature changes should also be avoided in addition to extreme heat and cold as they may cause cracking.
The Science Behind the Rules
Opals are often referred to as living stones, a nod to their water content. While this characteristic adds to their allure, a bit of extra attention is needed when it comes to cleaning and storing these treasures.
Almost all Ethiopian Opals are of the hydrophane variety, which means their structure is porous and can absorb water. While submerged, many will become temporarily transparent and appear crystal clear. The play of color will also diminish while wet, though, a small percentage will show their play of color stronger. Water only affects them for a limited time but other liquids can cause permanent staining. Oils, teas, or fruit juices may change their body tone even if play of color returns after drying.
At 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, opals are a soft stone, so activities like gardening or sports should be avoided when wearing opal jewelry. Especially if the opal is set in a ring or bracelet as any jewelry worn on the hands is more prone to damage. Due to their non-crystalline structure, it is hard to foresee how resistant your gem really is, so the best thing is to keep the usual precautions and protect your stone from knocks.
While opals may require more care than the average gemstone, they are anything but average. No two opals will ever be exactly alike! That's part of their charm.
