Featured My Mother's Opal Pendant

What on earth do they mean by "soapy water"? Many modern soaps and detergents are not safe for porous stones like opal and pearls.

 

It stays around her neck on a gold chain unless she goes to the hospital and I keep it safe until she comes home. She's been battling Crohn's disease since she was a teenager so she's constantly in and out. This time its her gallbladder and she has surgery today in New Orleans to remove it.

Thanks for all the replies. Its funny how this tiny piece of the Earth is in my top 5 most important possessions, and I happen to be a packrat that is far too sentimental with things

 

I certainly wouldn't use it, and they don't say how long it should be in soapy water for. Don't do it, that's all I can say.
I bought my first opals in the 70s, and I have my mother's opals which are older. Never used any water, soapy or not, on them. They look fine, as you can see in other threads.

 

I hope she will be ok, please wish her well. And tell her she has a beautiful opal.

 

Thanks. I thought it looked fine besides a little dust in the crevices. The diamonds and gold are a lot better looking in person as well. Its hard to get a decent shot with this old Galaxy S6 phone.

Would a silica gel packet be necessary to keep in the box with it? To keep it dry? I've always collected rocks, mostly agates and I find it all very interesting. As far as I know this is the only rock I have that's very significant. However I've been wanting to show them to an expert and get a little advice on polishing some. I can't even lift my bag of agates anymore. Most of them found by the rig on my lunch break

 

And is it true they should occasionally soak in distilled water?

 

I've cut and polished opals for many years,mild soap and warm water will do nothing to a solid opal. Expert opinions..... http://www.opalsdownunder.com.au/learn-about-opals/introductory/how-care-opals

https://blackopaldirect.com/learn-about-opal-cutting/care-of-opal/

 

Opals take some moisture from the air, so silica isn't necessary. Just keep it in the box when your mother can't wear it, and let her wear and enjoy it as much as she can.

 

Best wishes to your mother. Tell her she has a whole column of people thinking of her right now.

 

Don't leave that rock out where this lot can drool on it! (LOL)

 

Jewelry Maker Clyde Duneier CID

 

December 20, 2016 New York--Clyde Duneier, founder of family-owned jewelry company Clyde Duneier Inc., died Sunday. He was 88.

Duneier was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1928. Drafted for the Korean War, he served in Germany for several years in the Medical Service Corps unit.

When he returned home, he started working at his father’s jewelry company, Haven Ring Company, before starting Clyde Duneier Inc. in 1969.

He retired from his active executive position at the company in 1983 in order to dedicate his time to philanthropic efforts on behalf of Clyde Duneier Inc.

Today, it is under the leadership of his sons, Marc and Dana, and grandchildren, Jake and Danielle.




Clyde Duneier 925 Silver Oval Opal Triplet Tsavorite Accents

 

I can't find any other opals......

 

I have mmm..something ? by CID . I thought it said OLD so the post was kinda like serendipity

 

Speedy recovery & good wishes for your Mom !!!

Sentimental Pack Rat.......no recovery from that....but yer in good company here !

 

Opals are like pearls. If you wear them and handle them, it preserves them. Skin oil - but not perfume! - is good.