Is opal jewellery good for everyday wear_ Discover

Discover: Is Opal Jewellery Good for Everyday Wear?

 

 

If you’ve ever been mesmerised by the flashes of colour dancing inside an opal, you’re not alone. Opal jewellery is as Australian as kangaroos or a good flat white, and it plays a significant role in fashion, often chosen for its unique patterns and vibrant rainbow hues. But when you’re thinking of adding opal rings, necklaces, or earrings to your daily rotation, you might wonder—are these brilliant gemstones up for the task? Will they handle the everyday?

The short answer is: absolutely, with a gentle touch and a bit of know-how.

What Makes Opals So Captivating?

Before jumping into the nitty-gritty, let’s have a closer look at why people adore opals. Australian opals, especially, are lauded globally for their incredible range of colours and the mesmerising play-of-color—from firey reds and deep blues to greens that rival the rainforest. No two stones are alike, which makes each piece of jewellery something truly your own.

Here’s a snippet of why opal jewellery stands out:

● A kaleidoscope of colour: The ‘play-of-colour’ in opals is genuinely unmatched. This natural light show means your jewellery looks different in every setting.

● A dash of Aussie heritage: Over 95% of the world’s precious opal comes from Australia. Wearing these gems feels like wearing a slice of home.

● Birthstone and tradition: Opal is October’s birthstone, making it meaningful for gift-giving.

● Endless variety: From the electric greens of Lightning Ridge to the earthy reds of Coober Pedy, there’s an opal for everyone.

Everyday Wear: What You Need to Know

Let’s chat about how these luminous gemstones fare in the real world. Unlike diamonds or sapphires, opals sit a bit lower on the durability scale. While this doesn’t mean they’re too fragile for daily enjoyment, it does mean you need to treat them with care.

Opal has a hardness rating of 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs Scale. Diamonds, for comparison, are a robust 10, while pearls score around a 2.5-4.5. Another thing to consider is that opals are made up of tiny spheres of silica stacked together, holding a small amount of water inside. This structure gives them their signature play-of-colour but also means they react differently to environmental stress.

Here’s a simple table for context:

Gemstone	Mohs Hardness	Everyday Suitability	Care Level
Diamond	10	Excellent	Low
Sapphire	9	Excellent	Low
Opal	5.5–6.5	Good with care	Moderate-High
Pearl	2.5–4.5	Delicate	High
Amethyst	7	Good	Moderate

As you can see, opals are a mid-range gem when it comes to everyday toughness. They’re tougher than pearls but not as sturdy as sapphires or diamonds. That means your opal ring isn’t a great companion for washing the car or a session at the gym, as it could lead to potential damage. But as an engagement ring, necklace, pair of earrings, or a pendant that doesn’t get much direct impact? Top choice.

How to Make Opals Last

The good news is, opal jewellery can stick by your side day-in, day-out, with a few easy tweaks to your routine. Here’s what’ll help keep your stones radiant:

● Avoid heavy knocks: Opals don’t like surprise impacts or the risk of damage. Go easy on the gardening and sports when wearing your ring.

● Steer clear of harsh chemicals: Take them off before cleaning, swimming, or applying lotions.

● Keep out of extreme temperatures: Sudden hot or cold can make opals unhappy—leave your rings behind for saunas and chilly dips.

● Regular cleaning: Wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth (no ultrasonic machines).

● Safe storage: Store opals in a padded box or soft pouch, separate from harder gemstones.

Older opals, or those set in antique jewellery, deserve some extra TLC. But modern Australian jewellers, like PurpleMay, often set their opals thoughtfully—with protective claws, bezels, or even doublets and triplets (opal sandwiches with protective layers) to boost durability.

Why Opal Suits Everyday Style

Aside from practical stuff, opals are a fashion chameleon, celebrated for their mesmerizing play-of-color. Their shifting colours mean they play well with almost any outfit. Here’s why Aussies increasingly pick opal pieces for their daytime look:

● Instant statement: Even a dainty opal engagement ring or subtle pendant will get noticed.

● Match with anything: That shifting spectrum means your opal earrings or necklace can blend in or stand out, your choice.

● Symbol of uniqueness: No two opals are the same, so you won’t bump into someone with identical jewelry.

Imagine wearing an opal ring to work. In the morning sunlight, it might flash with hints of blue and green. By lunch, under the office lights, you could catch flecks of orange or red. Heading for drinks after work? Expect compliments.

The Variety on Offer

Australian opals come in a bunch of types, and this influences not just the look but also how they hold up.

Solid Opals These are one piece of opal, cut and polished. Best for those wanting the “real deal”, they’re perfect for special jewellery. They’re more durable than many expect, as long as you’re considerate with wear.

Doublets & Triplets Doublets are made by glueing a thin slice of opal to a backing (usually dark), bringing out stronger colours. Triplets add a clear protective cap on top, which boosts durability even more. Both are more affordable and great for everyday wear, especially earrings and pendants.

Boulder Opals Cut with the ironstone backing still attached, these are some of the sturdiest Australian opals. The natural backing protects the opal slice, making them a smart pick if you want toughness without sacrificing aesthetics.

Opal Jewellery for Special Roles

The myth that opal is 'too delicate' for anything but special events is fading fast. Even engagement rings are getting the opal treatment nowadays. If you like tradition with a twist, an Australian opal set in gold or platinum might be exactly what you want to wear daily as a symbol of your love (just keep up with ring care).

Here are some daily wear options where opals shine:

● Necklaces: Less likely to take a hit, perfect for daily splendour.

● Earrings: Unless you’re planning a rugby match, these are rarely in the firing line.

● Brooches & pins: Understated but secure.

● Bracelets & rings: Higher risk of knocks, but modern designs keep your stone snug and safe.

Custom Designs for Personal Flair

One of the best things about buying from a jeweller like PurpleMay is the ability to craft a piece that suits both your style and your lifestyle. Prefer a bezel setting to protect your opal? After a pendant that nestles securely above your heart? Whether you love a massive, rainbow-hued opal with mesmerizing play-of-color for your cocktail ring or a subtle, milky-white stone for daily earrings, there’s a style for everyone. Custom options mean you can choose the setting, size, and even the metal to match your day-to-day look and routine.

The Sustainable Side of Splendour

Buying Aussie opals isn’t just about style, though. Supporting local miners and studios (like PurpleMay, who work with expert setters and artisans) has a ripple effect—strengthening local communities and championing ethical gemstone practices. Australian opal mining is carefully regulated with strong attention to environmental and social responsibility, especially when compared to some other gemstones.

Plus, many businesses keep tradition alive by involving women in the artistry, training a new generation of craftspeople and giving back to the community.

Tips to Tell if Your Opal Jewellery Is Ready for Daily Duty

Here are a few signs that can help prevent damage:

● The setting holds the stone snugly, covering the edges.

● The opal itself is free of big cracks or “crazing”.

● There’s a bit of thickness to the opal slice (very thin stones are at higher risk of breaking).

● You have easy access to professional care if your piece ever needs it.

If in doubt, bring your opal ring, pendant, or bracelet into a trusted jeweller for a quick once-over. A good jeweller won’t just sell you a beautiful piece—they’ll help it last for years to come.

A Treasure That Lasts

With the right care and a mindful setting, opal jewelry really can be a timeless part of your everyday fashion style. Australian opals, whether subtle or bold, are a way to wear a piece of natural wonder, celebrate your individuality, and brighten up even the most routine Monday. And if you choose quality from a reputable maker, you’re not just wearing a gem—you’re carrying a bit of Aussie spirit with you wherever you go.