How To Care For Opals

Few gemstones capture light the way opal does. Its shifting hues seem almost alive — flashes of green, violet, and orange dancing beneath the surface. But that luminous beauty also comes with delicacy.

At Plateau Jewelers in Sammamish, WA, we’ve cared for opals for decades. From custom jewelry design to restoration, our artisans understand that preserving this gem’s radiance requires both knowledge and a gentle touch.

What Makes Opal Unique

Opal is a gemstone of light and water. Its structure contains tiny silica spheres that diffract light, creating the rainbow-like play of color known as opalescence. Up to 20% of an opal’s structure can be water — a detail that gives it life but also makes it sensitive to its environment.

Why this matters:

  • Opals can lose moisture and develop small surface cracks (called crazing) if kept too dry.

  • Sudden temperature changes may cause internal stress.

  • Harsh chemicals and cleaners can damage its surface polish.

Plateau Jeweler’s Insight: We often describe opal as a living gem. It responds to light, air, and touch — and it rewards gentle care with unmatched color.

How to Clean Opal Jewelry Properly

Cleaning opal jewelry is all about restraint. Unlike diamonds or sapphires, opals should never be cleaned with ultrasonic or steam devices.

The Right Way to Clean

  • Mix lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.

  • Gently wipe the gem with a soft, lint-free cloth.

  • Rinse lightly and pat dry — avoid soaking or scrubbing.

If your piece includes other stones, clean it according to what’s safest for the opal. Its needs come first.

How to Store Opals Safely

Proper storage is key to preserving an opal’s brilliance. The goal is to maintain a stable environment — one that mimics the stone’s natural balance of air and moisture.

When storing opal jewelry:

  • Keep it in a soft fabric pouch or lined jewelry box.

  • Avoid sealed containers or direct sunlight.

  • In dry climates, place a slightly damp cotton ball nearby to prevent dehydration.

From the Plateau Jewelers bench: Opals prefer calm — soft surroundings, gentle air, and steady humidity.

When and How to Wear Opal Jewelry

Opals are meant to be worn and enjoyed, but with intention. Ranking between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, they can be scratched by harder materials.

Our expert advice:

  • Put on your opal jewelry after applying perfume, lotion, or makeup.

  • Remove it before cleaning, exercising, or cooking.

  • For daily wear, choose opal earrings or pendants instead of rings, as they’re less exposed to impact.

Design Insight: At Plateau Jewelers, we often use protective bezel settings that shield the opal while showcasing its luminous color play.

When Your Opal Appears Dull or Cloudy

Over time, opals can lose some of their natural sheen due to dryness or residue buildup. This is a normal sign that your gem needs professional attention.

At Plateau Jewelers, we offer specialized opal restoration services that include:

  • Gentle surface repolishing to restore clarity and gloss.

  • Rehydration under controlled conditions.

  • Custom resetting for added protection and renewed elegance.

Avoid using oils or chemical polishes at home — they can permanently affect the gem’s light refraction.

Key Things to Avoid

To preserve your opal’s timeless glow, remember:

  • Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.

  • Avoid harsh chemicals, lotions, or perfumes.

  • Do not expose the gem to excessive heat or direct sunlight.

  • Avoid storing in airtight boxes or plastic bags.

These small precautions can extend the life and beauty of your opal for decades.

The Expertise Behind Every Gem

Behind each opal that passes through our workshop lies the same philosophy — that fine jewelry is both art and science. Our bench jewelers study how each opal interacts with light before setting it, ensuring that its color is protected and enhanced.

Keep Your Opal Radiant

Caring for an opal is less about routine and more about respect — for the artistry of nature and the craftsmanship of the jeweler. With mindful wear and proper maintenance, your opal will continue to shimmer with the same quiet fire that first caught your eye.

Visit Plateau Jewelers in Sammamish, WA

Let our team of experts inspect, clean, or restore your opal jewelry with the same precision and care that define every Plateau creation.

1111 228th Ave SE, Sammamish, WA

(425) 313-0657

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