How to Clean Opal Rings

Co-authored by Alisa Thorp

Last Updated: March 16, 2023

Even though opals are more delicate than some gemstones, cleaning your opal ring is a simple process. Your ring's stone is either a pure, uncut opal or a doublet or triplet opal that has been sliced and layered to fit the setting. No matter which type you have, stick to using warm, soapy water to clean your ring and avoid the use of chemical or mechanical cleaners. If you have a doublet or triplet opal that is glued, you will also want to avoid submerging it in water.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning a Pure Opal

1
Place ¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml) of warm water in a small bowl. Add 2 or 3 drops of a mild, unscented dish soap and swish to create a lather. Because opals can crack in extreme temperatures, make sure the water is somewhere in the range of 68 to 72 °F (20 to 22 °C).
2
Submerge the ring into the soapy solution. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes, swishing it around every few minutes to help loosen any dirt. Avoid rubbing the gemstone with your fingers while it's soaking.
- Never use your nails to scrap at the opal. This will lead to scratches on the surface of the stone.
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3
Wet a soft cloth with the solution and gently wipe down the ring. Use a microfiber jewelry cloth or a similarly gentle material. Rinse the ring under running water when you are finished cleaning it.
- Do not use a toothbrush. The bristles are harder than the opal and can permanently scratch the surface of the gemstone.^{[1]
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4
Dry your ring with a soft, dry cloth. Gently rub the entire surface of the ring. Try to avoid leaving any water standing on your ring after cleaning.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Wiping Down a Doublet or Triplet Opal

1
Fill a small bowl with ¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml) of warm water. Add 2 or 3 drops of a mild, unscented dish soap and stir to create a lather. Because opals are sensitive to extreme temperatures, make sure the water is in the neighborhood of 68 to 72 °F (20 to 22 °C).
- Do not place your doublet or triplet in the bowl of soapy water!
2
Wet a soft cloth with the solution and gently wipe down the ring. It is important to use a microfiber jewelry cloth or something just as soft. Go slowly and try to reach all of the nooks and crannies of the ring with your cloth.
- Never use a brush of any kind to clean your opal ring. The bristles are harder than the opal and can permanently scratch the surface of the gemstone.^{[2]
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- Avoid using your finger or fingernails to scrap at the gemstone.
3
Rinse your cloth and wipe the ring down again. To avoid loosening the glue in between the layers of your stone, do not put your doublet or triplet under running water. Instead, use a rinsed cloth to remove the soap.
4
Dry your ring with a soft, dry cloth. Gently rub the entire surface of the ring. Try to avoid leaving any water standing on your ring after cleaning.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Opal Ring

1
Clean your opal ring every few months to prevent buildup of dirt and oils. Since you can't rely on heavy hitting chemical cleaning agents, it is best to clean your opal often. You will find that regular cleaning makes soapy water more effective.^{[3]
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2
Avoid all chemical and mechanical cleansing methods. If your opal still appears dirty or scratched after cleansing with soapy water or the metal setting has become tarnished, consider taking it to a jeweler to have it professionally cleaned and polished.^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
Gemological Institute of America
Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards
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- If you decide to polish the metal setting at home, avoid toothpaste or silver polish. Both methods are messy and can damage the gemstone. Instead, try polishing wipes. They give you more control which will help you protect your opal.
3
Store your opal ring somewhere safe. Keep your opal ring separate from other jewelry to prevent scratching. Store it in a place that does not experience extreme temperature change or direct sunlight. Don’t wear your opal ring while doing the dishes or performing outdoor chores.^{[5]
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Warnings

Opals are hard enough to be suitable for jewelry, but they are vulnerable to scratching, cracking, and breaking under duress. Avoid using brushes, fingernails, or fingertips to clean your opal.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
Gemological Institute of America
Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards
Go to source}

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If you are unable to tell which kind of opal you have in your ring, follow the instructions for the doublet and triplet stones to avoid causing damage.

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Remember that Ethiopian opal does not like water, so try not to get it wet.

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