Are you a fashionista with bold, dramatic tastes? If so, then the fire opal is one gemstone that you should definitely bring home.
Whether you pick an opulent fire opal pendant necklace or minimalistic fire opal studs earrings, heads are bound to turn wherever you go.
Join us today as we discuss the wearability of this jewel and the best ways to style it.
A Quick History
Available in red, orange, and yellow hues, this enigmatic semi-precious gemstone is one of the rarest variations of opal available today. Believe it or not, the stone’s history can be traced back to 1345 AD. During this time, the jewel was used by the ancient Aztecs for rituals and healing purposes.
Needless to say, these beliefs have long since been disproved, however, they do add to the intrigue that surrounds the gemstone.
The Main Question Is, Are They Durable?
Fire opals have a rating of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which means that they are quite delicate and susceptible to damage. And even though they do not have the gemstone cleavage property, they’re still not sturdy enough for frequent wear. So we recommend reserving your fire opal jewellery only for special occasions.
Care Tips
To ensure the longevity of your fire opal rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, we recommend following the dos and don’ts mentioned below…
Dos
- To avoid scratches and entanglement, place your fire opal jewellery in a velvet-lined case and store it in a cool, dry area away from your other gemstones.
- Wear the piece only after you finish getting ready for an event and remove it immediately once it’s done. This will limit the gem’s exposure to the harmful chemicals that may be present in your perfume, makeup, lotion, etc.
- Wipe this jewel after every use with a piece of soft, damp cloth. And whenever it begins to look very dull, we suggest you visit a professional jeweller for a thorough clean-up.
Don’ts
- Avoid leaving your fire opals in heated or bright areas as that could cause this gem to crack or lose its colour.
- As mentioned before, the fire opal is a relatively soft gem. So remember to remove it before conducting any strenuous physical activities like exercising, cleaning, cooking gardening, etc., to avoid any unwanted damage.
- Believe it or not, the chlorine present in swimming pools can actually reduce the durability of this jewel and also damage the metal’s polish. To prevent this, keep your fire opal earrings and other pieces aside before you take a dip.
- Do not use steam/ultrasonic cleaners, or any abrasive materials for the cleaning of this jewel as that can do more harm than good.
Styling Tips
Tip #1: Monochrome
Black and white, teamed up with the bold shade of fire opal are a match made in heaven.
When presented together in an outfit, the simple monochromatic hues will greatly contrast with the dramatic beauty of this jewel, thereby making the entire look extremely eye-catching.
Also read: History of Fire opal
Tip #2: Avoid Patterns
Patterned clothing, while beautiful, can clash with the drama that the fire opal exudes, and this may result in an extremely cluttered look.
Had bought the dress, especially for the occasion? Don’t fret, you still have the luxury of wearing an opal on your hand. Get dolled up in a white opal ring instead. Its milky surface won’t contrast with the bold hues you intend to don.
To avoid this, opt for colour-blocked outfits that’ll make this jewel stand out.
We hope this article gave you all the information you needed!
Also read: Which is the Rarest Opal colour?
