How to Shine Opals

Opals are some of the most vibrant and colorful gemstones available, but dirt and grime can detract from their opulence. Keeping an opal clean and maintaining its natural shine is the key to keeping your opal in tip-top shape, and looking as shiny as the day it was first polished. Shining an opal is a relatively simple task that can easily be completed using common household items. Learning to care for opals yourself can save a costly trip to the jeweler.

Instructions

1

Create a solution using 3 cups of water and 4 small drops of dish detergent in a bowl. Stir the solution with a spoon until it is thoroughly mixed and has developed suds. Allow the solution to sit until it reaches room temperature.

2

Submerge the opal into the solution and gently rub the sides with a cloth to remove any dirt or oils that may be on the surface.

3

Remove the opal from the solution and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently polish the opal's surface, using a circular motion, while it is still wet. Continue to polish the opal using the toothbrush for up to 5 minutes.

4

Re-submerge the opal back into the solution for several seconds. Remove the opal and gently pat it with a dry cloth until it is completely dry.

5

Study the opal, comparing its appearance under a variety of lighting. If it does not look polished enough, repeat the process.