Opal Gems And Moisture

Kaisilver gem experts explain that, the play-of-color in opals is caused by tiny, orderly arranged silica spheres that diffract light, creating the stunning flashes of color. Meanwhile, the moisture content in opals helps maintain their structural integrity. If an opal loses too much moisture due to exposure to extreme dryness or heat, it can develop cracks or a crazed surface, which affects its beauty and durability. Proper care, such as avoiding prolonged exposure to dry environments, helps preserve the gemstone’s condition. You can email the experts at Kaisilver to discuss any issues related to gemstones and jewelry. You can email the team at sales@kaisilver.com and we will be glad to help. 

Opals are gemstones that require proper care to maintain their beauty and durability. Here are a few suggestions to help keep opal gems in good condition:

• Avoid heat and dryness – Excessive heat or dry conditions can cause the opal to lose moisture, leading to cracking or crazing. This is true of many gems and not just opal gems, so keep this advice in mind.
• Protect from sudden temperature changes – Rapid shifts in temperature can stress the gem’s structure and lead to damage. A classic example is to wear an opal jewel in a heated room and then, walk into the freezing winter outside!
• Keep away from strong detergents and chemicals – Harsh cleaning agents can dull the surface or weaken the gemstone over time. Kaisilver explains that, it is best for jewelry lovers to keep all jewelry away from strong detergents and chemicals. Should your opal gems or opal gemstone jewelry, ever require a high degree of cleaning - take the jewels to a professional jeweler, 

For safekeeping, it's best to store opals in a soft cloth or a padded jewelry box and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or dry air. If needed, occasional gentle cleaning with a damp cloth is the safest way to maintain their luster.

Sharing some interesting and useful information about opal gemstones, keep them in mind as opal jewelry with good gems are not cheap and knowing how to maintain the gemstone, will ensure that the jewels give you many years of wearing pleasure. 

ETHIOPIAN AND AUSTRALIAN OPALS

While Ethiopian opals are known for their vibrant play-of-color and are more affordable, many knowledgeable jewelry lovers tend to prefer Australian opals. This preference is largely due to stability and durability - Australian opals, especially those from Lightning Ridge (black opals), Coober Pedy (white opals), and Andamooka (crystal opals), are naturally stable and less prone to cracking or crazing. Having said that, Kaisilver suggests that you continue to follow the advice that we have mentioned above - relating to caring for opal gems. 

Ethiopian opals, particularly hydrophane opals, are highly porous and can absorb water, which can temporarily alter their appearance and sometimes lead to long-term instability. This characteristic makes them more delicate and requires extra care. Talking about hydrophane opals like opal gems from Ethiopia, here is a very interesting fact. Soak Ethiopian opals in water and the gem loses most of its color, making it quite transparent and not really attractive! Fortunately the opal will get back its original color and beauty, as it dries. It is important that you do not use blowers or heat to hasten the drying process as this, could ruin the gemstone and could even cause it to crack. 

For collectors and high-end jewelry, Australian opals are often seen as the superior choice due to their historical prestige, rarity, and long-term stability. However, Ethiopian opals still offer incredible beauty at a more accessible price point.

SUMMARY

Frankly speaking, few jewelers care to fully explain the properties of gems and jewelry that they offer. 

Each natural gemstone has unique properties, such as hardness, toughness, and sensitivity to heat or chemicals. Understanding these characteristics helps ensure proper care and longevity.

For example:

• Opals need to be kept away from heat, dryness, and strong chemicals.
• Emeralds are often included (with internal fractures) and should not be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners.
• Pearls are delicate and can be damaged by acids, perfumes, and even sweat.
• Diamonds are the hardest gemstone but can still chip if struck at the wrong angle.

By knowing how to care for each gemstone properly, you can enjoy your jewelry for many years without unnecessary damage or wear. Just keep in mind that all natural gemstones, have limitations and features that require consideration. 

WHO IS KAISILVER

Leading the high end custom made jewelry sector for over 2 decades, Kaisilver custom crafts all types of jewelry in gold or silver. A team of highly skilled artisans in Thailand, expertly handcrafts all types of jewelry - your choice of gemstones and your design or ours. Over 12,000 gem and lovers across 15 nations wear a piece of finely crafted Kaisilver jewelry. Being closely networked to all major gem mining locations worldwide, we have preferential access to over 200 million carats of gemstones. This is why we place absolutely no restriction on your choice of gemstones. Email us at sales@kaisilver.com if you have any questions related to gems and jewelry, we will be glad to help. 

HOW TO ORDER

Whether it is an opal gemstone jewel or any piece that you wish to order, do not be in a hurry to confirm your order. Discuss all your requirements with the team at at sales@kaisilver.com and make sure that you have all the required information, before making a decision. Just remember that, you could choose any jewel from our websites and request for it, to be crafted in gold or silver with gems of your choice. Since each piece is intricately handcrafted, we can accommodate all requests for design changes. You can even send us your own images to be custom made. 

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

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I just wanted to tell you how thrilled I was with the ring I ordered from you. The anxiety I felt due to the delay in receiving it it due to the flooding in your country last fall was immediately relieved when I saw it. I burst into tears in joy. It is absolutely beautiful and I could not ask for more. All the custom aspects I requested were completed with perfection. It was more fabulous than I had dreamed. Thank you so very much! Sincerely, Laura Kennedy

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