The wedding band is one of the most important accessories for an engaged couple. It not only symbolizes their commitment, but it also signifies a couple’s tastes in stones and precious metals. Traditionally, marrying couples choose gold or silver bands with diamond insets as their special signifying jewelry. Those who choose to be more bold in their selection might consider an opal wedding band .
Depending on its water content and the way an opal stone is made by a jeweler, it can appear to be many different colors. White and opaque greens are the most common kind of opal stone, and the kind most people are accustomed to seeing in jewelry. However, opal can appear blue, pink, yellow, gray or bright orange. Those that are black are rare and considered precious stones.
How to Take Care Of Your Opal Band
It is easy for couples to maintain their opal bands. First, you should know the hardness of the stone. Solid opals are considered to be soft, but are similar in hardness to glass. Although these varieties tend to be fine in water, they may scratch or crack like glass when they are in conditions that are too dry or that subject them to rapid temperature changes.
Doublets and triplets have multiple layers of opals glued together, so they are not safe in water. If exposed to moisture, the layers could begin separating and the stone itself could change color because it has more water content. The stone tends to turn more grayish or cloudy when this happens. Although experts do not believe a well-made stone will begin to show signs of water exposure if worn during a routine shower, they do warn that constantly exposing the gem to water will begin to change the stone’s appearance. It is probably not a good idea, for example, to wash dishes repeatedly with doublet and triplet stones.
Of course, bleach and other chemical cleaners are not ideal for cleaning solid opal bands. It is best to use mild soap, warm water and a cloth. For tough residue between the stone prongs, a soft head toothbrush will do. Doublets and triplets should never be completely immersed in water. A damp cloth is usually enough to clean them.
Choosing opal as a wedding stone is sure to be a conversation starter. Onlookers will wonder what made a couple choose this stone. It signifies that a couple chose to break tradition and is not afraid to take risks.