Pearl Care
Pearl jewelries are so precious that it’s important to take proper care of them. Regardless of how much you paid for your pearls, taking care of them should be a priority because it would be a shame to neglect such a beautiful piece of jewelry. Undoubtedly the most beautiful and feminine of all precious stones, pearls are also the most delicate. Despite their hard exterior, pearls are porous and you should take great care when wearing them. Pearls are susceptible to scratching and they can discolor when they come in prolonged contact with perspiration, oil secretion from skin, and soapy water.
When wearing your pearl necklace or bracelet, be careful not to put too much cologne or perfume in areas of the skin they will come in contact with. In fact, it is best not to have any foreign substance on the skin that will come in contact with your pearls. Remember that pearls are delicate pieces of jewelry and an encounter with a sharp or rough textured object can scratch them. Do not sleep with your pearl earrings on because oil secretions from your skin might discolor their precious hue. Always gently wipe your pearl jewelry after wearing them.
It is permissible to occasionally clean your pearls by wiping them with a soft cloth or brush dipped in mild soapy water. In cleaning your pearls, make sure to clean between each pearl if you have a pearl necklace or bracelet. Use a toothpick to take out dirt that has become embedded in between the knots of your pearl necklace. Never clean your pearls with chemicals because ammonia and/or bleach can destroy the luster of your pearls. Moreover, do not use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean your pearls because the vibrations can damage or crack them. Dry your pearls carefully with a lint-free cloth and store them in a safe place wrapped around a soft cloth. Believe it or not, pearls like humidity. They might even crack if stored in overly dry areas. So if you live in the dessert, make sure to expose or place them next to a glass of water. It is reasonable that pearls like humidity considering they grow underwater.
Do not go swimming with your pearl jewelry on. If you’re wearing a pearl ring, make sure to take if off and keep it in a safe place before you wash dishes, take a shower. Do not dip your pearl jewelry in soapy water. Water can soak through the silk threat and permeate the pearl from within through the drill holes. Make sure that your pearls do not come in contact with food especially acidic food items.
Have your pearl necklace re-strung by a professional jeweler every couple of years especially if you wear them often. Make sure that you use a reputable jeweler (preferably one who sells or specializes in pearls) who uses silk thread, and ensure that there is a know in the middle of each pearl so that the pearls don’t rub against each other.
If you follow these simple rules, your pearl jewelry can last a lifetime, and they can be passed from generation to generation. Proper care of pearls ensures their timeless beauty, and you will enjoy wearing your beautiful pearl jewelry for a very long time.
