What is opal?

What is opal? In short: Opal is an amorphous silica that stands out for its spectacular play-of-color, a shimmering rainbow of colors that no other gemstone can replicate. No other gemstone looks like it. The details of how it is made tell you more about its durability than the price tag. What matters is how often the piece is worn; everything else follows from that.

Last updated: September 2026. By Phil, Corelune Jewellery, Düsseldorf.

Opal Types and Value

• Black opal (Lightning Ridge, Australia): The most intense play-of-color and the most expensive opal
• White opal: Light background, the most common type, affordable
• Boulder opal: Opal set in ironstone, full of character
• Fire opal: Bright orange, from Mexico, without a typical play-of-color

Opal Care: What to Keep in Mind

• Opal contains water (3–21%); drying out can cause it to crack
• No ultrasonic cleaning, steam, or acids
• Wearing it occasionally helps, as body moisture helps preserve the stone

Opal jewellery at Corelune Jewellery.

To match: Opal Jewellery: Fire, Colour and Everything In Between.

What is ordered most often

Which material holds up best in everyday wear?

How to choose jewellery consciously

First, consider how often the piece will be worn. Then you can decide how durable it needs to be.

Stick to one metal colour when building a foundation. Gold and silver tones can be mixed, but only after you have established a base.

It is better to have a few pieces that suit you than many that do not. Five pieces in your own style will get worn, while twenty mismatched ones will just be decoration in a box.

If you assume that nothing wears out, you will be disappointed. Coatings wear away at contact points. Uncoated, solid pieces are more durable, but offer fewer colour options.

How much care do jewellery pieces really need?

Jewellery usually loses its shine due to deposits rather than wear. Drying is important: moisture in clasps and crevices is the real problem. That is all that is needed; anything more is more likely to do harm than good.

What goes well with jewellery pieces?

Combining pieces works based on two rules: a matching metal colour and a clear difference in size. Fine chains look better in pairs than on their own, while wider pieces almost always look better alone. The result should look like it was carefully chosen, not haphazardly thrown together.

How can you tell if jewellery pieces will last?

Anyone who picks up a piece of jewellery can tell within seconds whether it has been made with precision. The goal is smooth movement without wobbling: parts should move easily but without any play. If you are unsure, returning it within 14 days is the easiest option.

Is the extra cost of jewellery pieces worth it?

Fashion jewellery made of stainless steel typically costs between fifteen and forty-five euros. For jewellery pieces under ten euros, the workmanship is usually where corners have been cut. For everyday wear, what matters is that you do not have to baby the piece, and you can find that here at an affordable price.

When can wearing jewellery damage the pieces?

It is worth distinguishing between chemical and mechanical stress, as only one of them is truly critical. For stones that are glued in, hot water and ultrasonic cleaning are the two real risks. The point is not to be overly cautious, but to avoid the three moments of highest risk.

What mistakes are commonly made when buying jewellery pieces?

If you ask yourself one question before buying jewellery pieces, you will rule out half of the mistakes: How often will I really wear this? Size specifications are overlooked, material details are skimmed, and the clasp is not considered at all. If you stick to what you actually wear, you will be right much more often.

How durable are jewellery pieces really?

If you want to know how long jewellery pieces will last, you should first ask whether they have a coating. Uncoated pieces retain their appearance much longer, but offer fewer colour options. Knowing this will help you make a more suitable choice of material from the outset.

What size jewellery pieces are right for you?

The dimensions of jewellery pieces change throughout the day, which many people overlook when measuring. For chains, 45 cm is the standard; for bracelets, a finger’s width of play; for rings, the inner circumference in millimetres. If you are unsure, returning the piece within 14 days is easier than trying to adjust it later.

Materials, dimensions and prices at a glance

Showering, swimming and sports will not affect stainless steel; it does not tarnish. See the values from the Corelune range below for reference.

Frequently asked questions

How do I clean stainless steel jewellery?

Mild soap, warm water, soft cloth. Anything else is risky with coated pieces.

Does stainless steel jewellery become dull or dark?

Stainless steel does not tarnish like silver and loses its coating more slowly than gold-plated brass.

Does fashion jewellery have a resale value?

No. What you are getting is a piece for everyday wear, not an investment.

Specific examples from our range: Gold-plated stainless steel multi-strand heart necklace and Gold-plated stainless steel shell hoop earrings. You can find more bestsellers in the category the most-bought pieces.

How do I protect jewellery from tarnishing when storing it?

The right place is dry and dark; the wrong place is the bathroom.

How can I check the quality of jewellery without expert knowledge?

Look for three details: solder joints without burrs, loops without gaps, and a clasp that clicks audibly into place.

About the author

Phil runs Corelune Jewellery in Düsseldorf and has worked daily with stainless steel jewellery since 2024: inspecting samples, handling complaints, and testing how they wear in everyday life. The information in this article comes from our own range and from feedback from customers. Where Corelune does not offer something, this is also stated here.

Which categories are relevant to this topic?

Matching pieces:

• Tarnish-resistant jewellery

Two pieces cost 20% less, three 25%, four 30%, and five 35%. Shipping is free from fifty-nine euros. A combination of two pieces covers more occasions than a single piece.

View tarnish-resistant jewellery at Corelune

At Corelune: Free shipping from €59, 14-day returns, shipping from the Netherlands.

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