How to Care for Your Handcrafted Opal Jewelry

Opals are nature’s most ethereal gemstones, known for their "play-of-color." Because Opals are amorphous silica containing 3% to 21% water, they require specific care to prevent dehydration and damage.

At The Chubby Paw, we source high-quality natural Opals and set them in handcrafted 925 Sterling Silver or Thick K-Gold Plating. To ensure your "miniature artwork" lasts a lifetime, follow this structural care guide.

1. Temperature & Hydration Management

Opals are sensitive to extreme environmental changes.

• Avoid Heat: Never leave your Opal jewelry near heaters, under hot lamps, or in a car on a sunny day. Extreme heat can evaporate the water content, leading to "crazing" (fine cracks).

• The Humidity Balance: If you live in an extremely dry climate, placing a small glass of water near your jewelry storage box can help maintain the ambient humidity your Opal needs.

2. Chemical Protection: The "Last On" Rule

Like the AAAA-grade pearls we use at The Chubby Paw, Opals are porous and easily damaged by chemicals.

• Avoid Corrosives: Remove Opal rings before using hand sanitizer, household cleaners, or swimming in chlorinated pools.

• Beauty Products: Apply perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays before putting on your jewelry. Chemicals can seep into the stone and dull its internal "fire" permanently.

3. Cleaning Your Handcrafted Settings

Our designs often feature intricate botanical details—leaves, vines, and floral clusters—that require careful cleaning.

• The Gentle Method: Use only lukewarm water and a drop of mild, pH-neutral soap.

• Tools: Use a very soft microfiber cloth. For the detailed engravings found in The Chubby Paw designs, a soft-bristled baby toothbrush can be used only on the metal, avoiding direct scrubbing of the Opal.

• Absolute Warning: Never use ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners. The vibrations and heat can cause natural Opals to shatter.

4. Proper Storage for Artisan Pieces

Since Opals are relatively soft (5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale), they can be scratched by harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires.

• Individual Housing: Store your piece in the soft pouch provided by The Chubby Paw.

• Separation: Ensure the metal settings of other jewelry cannot rub against the Opal’s surface.

Why Choose Opal Jewelry from The Chubby Paw?

In a market saturated with mass-produced factory goods and overpriced luxury labels, The Chubby Paw offers a unique "Boutique Handmade" experience.

• Premium Materials: We use natural Opals with exceptional color flash, paired with hypoallergenic 925 silver or solid gold options.

• Original Design: Our jewelry is inspired by nature—marine life, vines, and Japanese aesthetics—crafted by artisans, not machines.

• Emotional Connection: Beyond our ready-to-wear collections, we specialize in Deep Customization. From pet portraits to handwriting engravings, we turn your emotions into wearable art.

• Value Without the Markup: You receive the weight, detail, and texture of a luxury brand without the luxury price tag.

Artisan Tip: Your skin’s natural oils can actually help keep an Opal hydrated. The more you wear your The Chubby Paw piece, the more it stays connected to you—both emotionally and physically!