All about Opal Jewellery

 For thousands of years, opal has been used in jewelry as a distinctive and intriguing gemstone. Opal jewelry is stunning and striking due to its unique iridescence and colour play. What do you actually know about opals? They certainly deserve a spot in your jewelry collection.

How Do Opals Get Made?
The process starts when water that is rich in silica penetrates into the Earth's crust's fissures and cracks. The water eventually evaporates, leaving a silica deposit in its place. Layer after layer of silica accumulates as this process is repeated, ultimately creating a solid mineral deposit that is known as opal.
Depending on the particular circumstances and variables involved, the process could take anywhere from 5 million to 20 million years. The way light refracts through the silica layers produces a distinctive and exquisite gemstone with a striking color play.
In contrast to Australian opals, which are known for their iridescence and color play, other opals have more solid coloring, which can include white, yellow, pink, orange, red, and even black.

The Background of Opal Jewelry

Ancient Greece and Rome are home to some of the oldest examples of opal jewelry, which has been worn for thousands of years. Opals were highly valued by royalty and the wealthy during the Middle Ages because it was thought that gems had magical properties.

As opal jewelry became more accessible by the 19th century, it gained popularity as a material for engagement rings and other jewelry for special occasions.
Opal jewelry gained even more popularity in the 20th century and is still a favorite choice for jewelry enthusiasts today. Opal jewelry is a fantastic way to add some color and individuality to your jewelry collection because of its distinctive color play and iridescence.

Concerning Opals from Australia

 White Cliffs, New South Wales, saw the opening of the first commercial opal mine in 1890. Shortly thereafter, further deposits were discovered in areas including Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge, and Andamooka.
In Australia, the majority of opal mines are still family-run businesses, and the sector is still mostly small-scale. But there are also bigger mining enterprises that produce vast amounts of opal annually and employ hundreds of people.

Australian opals are now in great demand among jewelry designers, collectors, and jewelry enthusiasts worldwide. Australian opals are still a very popular choice for anyone searching for a unique and stunning gemstone because of its intriguing and distinctive color play.

How to Take Care of Jewelry Made of Opal

Because of their relative fragility, opals need a little more attention to maintain their best appearance. The following advice may help you maintain your opal jewelry:

Since opal is a rather fragile gemstone, keep your opal jewelry apart from other jewelry to prevent scratches and other damage. Precious jewelry is best stored in jewelry boxes or soft cotton purses.

To get rid of filth and grease accumulation, clean your opal jewelry on a regular basis. Opal jewelry can be cleaned by simply washing it in warm, soapy water, then rinsing and drying it completely. For additional advice, see our thorough jewelry cleaning guide.
Avoid getting your opal jewelry wet frequently or for long periods of time, especially if the opals are artificially backed doublets or triplets. When swimming or having a shower, we advise removing it. To avoid damage, you should promptly and completely dry any wet opal jewelry.
We advise getting your expensive opal jewelry professionally inspected and cleaned on a regular basis to keep it in excellent shape.
Opal jewelry can be harmed by harsh chemicals like bleach and cleaning solutions, so keep it away from them. When using chemical cleaners on precious metal that has opals set into it, exercise caution. Rinse and dry completely after cleaning the area surrounding the stones.
Extreme temperature fluctuations should never be used to opal jewelry as this may cause the gemstone to break or discolor. Specifically, avoid using a steam cleaner on opals.

 Opal Gemstone

Opal is a precious gemstone known for its vibrant play-of-color, which makes it highly sought after in jewelry. It's a hydrated form of silica with unique optical properties, making each stone distinct.

Play-of-Color

This phenomenon refers to the way opals diffract light, creating a rainbow-like effect. The intensity and range of colors can vary, with high-quality opals displaying a vivid spectrum.

Birthstone (October)

Opal is the traditional birthstone for October, symbolizing hope, purity, and truth. It's often gifted to those born in October as a meaningful and personalized gemstone.

Opal Varieties (Black, White, Fire, Boulder)

Black Opal: The rarest and most valuable, featuring a dark background that enhances the play-of-color.

White Opal: Has a light or white body color, offering a softer play-of-color.

Fire Opal: Bright orange to red opals, often without play-of-color, prized for their vibrant hue.

Boulder Opal: Found with its host rock, often highlighting a mix of natural patterns and colors.

Ethiopian Opal

A type of opal mined in Ethiopia, known for its vivid play-of-color and hydrophane nature, meaning it absorbs water. It has gained popularity for its affordability and unique properties.

Ethiopian Opal is a vibrant and versatile type of opal primarily mined in Ethiopia, known for its striking play-of-color and unique physical properties. Discovered in the 1990s and gaining prominence in 2008 with the discovery of the Welo opal fields, Ethiopian opals quickly became popular due to their affordability and exceptional quality. These opals often feature a translucent to transparent body, allowing their colors to appear more vivid and dynamic, ranging from fiery reds and oranges to cool greens and blues.

A distinguishing characteristic of Ethiopian opals is their hydrophane nature, meaning they can absorb water and temporarily change appearance, becoming more transparent or enhancing their play-of-color when wet. While this adds to their uniqueness, it also means they require careful handling to avoid prolonged exposure to water and chemicals. Despite being less durable than Australian opals, Ethiopian opals are celebrated for their affordability, diverse colors, and the mystique they bring to jewelry pieces, making them a favorite among collectors and designers.

 Hydrophane Opal

A porous type of opal that can absorb water, temporarily changing its appearance and transparency. Found mostly in Ethiopian opals, this property requires special care to avoid damage.

Hydrophane Opal is a unique type of opal known for its ability to absorb water, which can temporarily alter its appearance. This property is most commonly associated with Ethiopian opals. When exposed to water, hydrophane opals may become more transparent or show enhanced play-of-color as they absorb moisture. Conversely, when they dry out, they return to their original state. This absorbent nature distinguishes them from other opals but also requires special care.

Hydrophane opals should not be exposed to prolonged contact with water or other liquids, as this could weaken their structure or lead to changes in their optical qualities. Additionally, they should be protected from oils, perfumes, and other chemicals that might be absorbed and affect their appearance. Despite their delicate nature, hydrophane opals are prized for their vivid colors, affordability, and fascinating ability to interact with their environment, making them a favorite among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

 Opal Jewelry Care

Opals are delicate gemstones with a low hardness (5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale). They should be kept away from harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and abrasive materials to prevent cracking or scratching.

Caring for opal jewelry is essential to maintain its beauty and longevity, as opals are delicate gemstones with unique properties. With a hardness of 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale, opals are more prone to scratching and chipping than harder gemstones, so they should be handled with care. Avoid exposing opals to extreme temperatures, as sudden changes can cause cracks due to their water content. Chemicals such as perfumes, cleaning agents, and harsh soaps can dull their luster, so it's best to put on opal jewelry after applying cosmetics and remove it before household chores. Hydrophane opals, particularly Ethiopian opals, should be kept away from water, as they can absorb moisture and temporarily change appearance. To clean opal jewelry, use a soft cloth and warm, soapy water, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners or steamers. Proper storage in a soft pouch or jewelry box can prevent scratches, ensuring your opal jewelry stays radiant for years to come.

 Sterling Silver and Gold Settings

Opals are commonly set in sterling silver or gold jewelry, as these metals complement the stone’s colors and enhance its beauty. The setting choice depends on the opal type and personal style.

Opals are often set in sterling silver and gold to create stunning and durable jewelry pieces that highlight the stone’s natural beauty. Sterling silver provides a modern and elegant look, complementing the cooler tones of white and Ethiopian opals, while also being an affordable and versatile option. Gold settings, available in yellow, white, and rose gold, add a luxurious touch that enhances the vibrant colors of black, fire, and boulder opals. The choice of metal often depends on the opal’s variety, as well as personal style and budget. Both silver and gold protect the opal while framing its play-of-color, ensuring the gemstone remains secure and prominent. Careful craftsmanship in the setting not only showcases the opal’s brilliance but also adds to its longevity, making these precious materials a preferred choice for opal jewelry.

 Symbolism (Creativity, Love, Luck)

Opals are believed to inspire creativity, enhance love, and bring good fortune. They are associated with emotional healing and are often considered a stone of protection and fidelity.

Opals are rich in symbolism and have been cherished for centuries as a gemstone of profound significance. Known as a stone of creativity, opals are believed to spark inspiration and imagination, making them a favorite among artists and innovators. Their mesmerizing play-of-color is thought to stimulate originality and encourage self-expression. Opals are also associated with love and passion, often regarded as a symbol of fidelity and deep emotional connection. In folklore, they are said to amplify feelings of love, strengthen relationships, and bring harmony. Additionally, opals are considered a talisman of luck and protection, with many cultures believing they ward off negativity and attract positive energy. Whether worn for their aesthetic beauty or their symbolic meanings, opals carry an aura of mystique and charm that resonates with many.