Opal and cubic zirconia (CZ) tops are some of the most popular ways to add sparkle to a piercing. A few simple habits keep them bright for years, and they also stop stones from loosening or getting scratched. Here is how to care for each.
Know your stones
| Cubic Zirconia (CZ) | Opal | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Clear, diamond-like sparkle; many colours | Milky with a colour “fire”; white, aurora, jelly and more |
| Hardness (Mohs) | About 8–8.5, very scratch-resistant | Softer, around 5.5–6.5 |
| Main risk | Dull film from oils and products | Scratches, knocks and harsh chemicals |
Most opals used in body jewelry are lab-created. They are more stable and consistent than natural opal, but they still need gentle handling.
Everyday care for both
- Put jewelry on last: apply lotion, hairspray, perfume and makeup before your jewelry goes on.
- Rinse after swimming in chlorine or salt water, then pat dry with a clean paper towel.
- Check the ends weekly: make sure threaded tops are finger-tight and threadless tops feel snug.
- Avoid snagging: be careful with towels, hair brushes and sweaters, especially on cartilage piercings.
How to clean CZ jewelry
- Soak the jewelry for a few minutes in warm water with a drop of mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Gently brush behind the stone with a soft, clean toothbrush, where oils collect and dull the sparkle.
- Rinse well and dry with a lint-free cloth.
CZ is hard, but the setting holds the stone in place. Avoid prying at prongs or bezels, and do not use metal tools on the stone.
How to clean opal jewelry
- Wipe with a soft cloth dampened with warm water or sterile saline.
- For build-up, use a drop of mild soap, then rinse quickly. Do not leave opal soaking for a long time.
- Pat dry gently.
Avoid alcohol, bleach, acetone, ultrasonic cleaners, steam and very high heat on opal tops. These can dull the surface or affect the setting.
If you have a fresh piercing
Clean the piercing as your piercer instructs, usually with sterile saline. Do not twist or remove decorative tops while it heals. Swapping tops is easiest once your piercing is fully healed.
Storage
- Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or a lined box. CZ is harder than opal and can scratch it.
- Keep tops screwed or pressed onto a spare post so small parts do not get lost.
Shop opal and CZ tops
All of our tops are set on ASTM F136 titanium.
