So this is my new opal. How on earth do I clean it?

[mrs-b]

Obviously, I can't submerge it, but the idea of gunky diamonds is revolting! I know nothing of opal care - especially when diamonds are involved; can anyone shove me in the right direction?

Thank you!

 

[Bron357]

Very beautiful.
Basically all you should use is a soft toothbrush and water. That’s all I ever use. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner. You can use liquid soap and water on the rest of the setting avoiding the opal (a bit won’t kill it) and use a silver cleaning cloth on the metal. Because the cloth is impregnated with an abrasive, don’t use it over the top of the opal (hardness only 5 to 6 so soft!).
Storage, not somewhere too hot. While Aussie opals are the most stable, white opal has a higher water content than black so it is possible to craze / crack if it dries out due to too much heat.
Opals don’t get dirty as such.

 

[jordyonbass]

I use a dry, clean cloth to clean all my loose opals. A couple quick wipes and they go from covered in fingerprints to glossy clean.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Pretty ring!

 

[peacechick]

According to this site, most commercial silver/gold cleaning cloths will not hurt the opal. Detergent doesn’t hurt it either if you don’t do it too often.

https://www.opalauctions.com/learn/how-to039s/how-to-care-for-opal-jewelry

Also congrats, it’s such a pretty opal ring. How many diamonds on the side? Take a few more photos for us!

 

[mrs-b]

Thanks ladies - and jordyonbass! - i appreciate the expert help. I figured I'd wipe the opal, so it wasn't a problem, but I wasn't sure if I could get it wet or get even a little detergent on it if I was cleaning the metal - so thanks for the encouragement.

@peacechick - I have a thread on all my recent purchases here. The opal photos are right at the end; click on them to blow them up, as it shows a lot more detail:

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...-new-projects-watch-this-space.240623/page-15

 

[Marsha Ayers]

I have no expertise to add but I did want to say that I love that ring!

 

[mrs-b]

I have no expertise to add but I did want to say that I love that ring!

Thank you, Marsha!

 

[Catmom]

I use a baby toothbrush and water on mine and a little detergent on the rest of the ring. Works fine.

 

[Babyblue033]

This thread was in perfect timing as I just got my very first opal ring myself and I know ZERO about opals

@mrs-b your ring looks beautiful!