|
All
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Caring for OpalsOpals are among the most delicate gemstones that are commonly worn, and require some special care. With a little knowledge and some common sense, you can keep your opal in beautiful condition for many years to come.  Solid Opal Cabochon from Ethiopia
There are two main reasons why opals are regarded as delicate. One reason is that they are relatively soft gemstones (between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale), so they can be easily scratched, even by common household dust, which often contains quartz. Another reason is that they have significant water content - from 3 to 30 percent. If an opal is kept in an environment with very low humidity, it can dry out and crack. Due to their water content, opals are also sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. Some opals have an additional vulnerability. Opal doublets and triplets consist of a layer of precious opal glued to a black backing. Since the layers are glued together, prolonged exposure to water can weaken the glue and allow water to penetrate the space between the layers. The opal may then take on a gray or foggy appearance. Solid opals are not vulnerable to this problem. Solid opal should be cleaned gently with mild detergent in warm water using a soft brush or cloth. Bleach, chemicals and cleaning fluid should always be avoided. Doublets and triplets may be wiped with a damp soft cloth and mild detergent, but should never be soaked or immersed.  Australian Opal Doublet
Opals should never be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. The intense vibrations created may cause cracking in a solid opal, and water penetration in a doublet or triplet. If you need to store your opal for a long period, it is a good idea to keep it in a sealed plastic bag with a damp piece of cotton to prevent dehydration. The best way to avoid damage to an opal is preventative care. Opals are best suited for earrings, brooches and pendants, since these types of jewelry are less exposed to wear and tear. If you absolutely must have an opal ring, choose a protective setting like a bezel. If you wear an opal ring on a daily basis, it will need to be repolished from time to time to maintain its luster.
About Us
Overall Rating -> 10 I love the variety of stones available, and especially that I'm not buying from a stock image -- the stone I see online is the actual one I'm getting. Posted By Kel in January, 2023 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 8 purchased birthstones to be mounted into stud earrings as a gift for a friend's gift Posted By MI photo in May, 2023 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 Selection ability was straightforward and easy. Posted By Dave in May, 2023 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 9 Would love to be able to purchase mixed gem lots. Posted By Meep in September, 2022 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 I recently bought some stones for Christmas gifts for my family from GemSelect and was thrilled at the speed they arrived to me. The descriptions were accurate and could be verified by myself upon receiving the stones, though the only issue i had was finding exact stones i wanted. The sorting system is fanastically detailed, but often seems to trim more results than expected when i was selecting things to look by. They arrived safely and all together, as described per my purchase order and i could not be more satisfied. There aren't many that are looking to buy loose stones like this, but it really gets the job done. Posted By Lev in December, 2022 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 9 A filter by price range would be nice. Posted By Cindy O in September, 2022 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 I enjoy the fact that I can decide the clarity cut and colour choice and that I am told everything about gem in the packaging as well ordering was very easy! Posted By Moopie in September, 2022 Source: Bizrate Related Articles Opal Information Opal Information - More to it than a dazzling play of colors ... Moss Opal Info Moss Opal Gemstones - Intriguing branch-like inclusions ... Caring for Gemstones Gemstone Care - Gemstone Information - GemSelect ... Gemstone Type List Gemstone Type List: A Complete List of Colored Gemstones ... Gem Hardness and Durability Gemstone Hardness and Durability ... Mexican Fire Opal Mexican Fire Opals - Evoking sunsets in deserts and mountains ... Opal: Fire of the Desert Opal: Fire of the Desert - Vivid splashes of fiery color ... Prong Vs. Bezel Settings Prong Vs. Bezel Settings ... Gemstone Doublets Gemstone Doublets ... Australian Boulder Opal Australian Boulder Opal - Unique colors in a unique form ... |
| STAY IN TOUCH |
| *You're signing up to receive GemSelect promotional email. |
Privacy Notice © 2005-2023 GemSelect.com all rights reserved.
Reproduction (text or graphics) without the express written consent of GemSelect.com (SETT Company Ltd.) is strictly prohibited.
999
|
More Shapes
|
English speaking customer support only
|
|
Toll Free - USA & Canada only: |
Save Money
No shipping Fees for Additional Items!
$8.90 Worldwide Shipping
|
Update Translation
|
||||
|
||||
|
Size and Weight
|
|
Gems are always measured in Millimeter (mm) Dimensions are given as; Select gems by size, not by weight! Note: 1ct = 0.2g  |
