Why Pearl Care is Important?
Pearl care is of great importance due to the delicate and unique nature of pearl gemstones. Unlike other gemstones, pearls have a natural lustre that does not require cutting or polishing, except for the cleaning process.
However, certain personal products such as sun-block, cosmetics, and perfume contain chemicals that can dull the pearl's lustre. In addition, our own sweat and body oils, which are naturally acidic, can also harm the pearl's lustre.
As the pearl is a delicate gemstone that can easily be scratched by harder materials, it should not be stored with other gemstones in a jewellery box.
How to Take Care of Your Pearls?
To maintain the pearl's lustre and sheen, it is essential to regularly clean the pearl and handle it with care. Proper pearl care involves avoiding contact with chemicals that can damage the pearl's natural shine and storing the pearl separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your pearl retains its natural beauty for many years to come.
Cleaning Your Pearls
What Should Be Avoided When Cleaning Pearls?
To properly care for your pearls, it is important to take special precautions when cleaning them. Pearls are delicate and have low resistance to heat and chemicals, so they require a gentle approach. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Do not clean pearls in an ultrasonic cleaner, as this can damage the pearls and cause the colour to fade if they have been dyed.
- Avoid using detergents, powdered cleaners, bleach, baking soda, washing liquids, or ammonia-based cleaners, as these substances can damage the pearl surface.
- Only use jewellery cleaners that specifically state that they are safe for pearls.
- Never use abrasive materials or toothbrushes to clean pearls, as these can scratch the soft surface of the pearls.
How to Clean Pearls At Home?
To clean pearls properly and regularly, simply wipe them down with a damp, soft cloth and dry them off after each wear. This prevents dirt from accumulating and protects the pearls from acidic sweat and chemical products.
However, it's still a good idea to give them a thorough cleaning every once in a while. These are the steps you can refer to when cleaning your pearls at home:
Step 1: Check your pearl jewellery
- Before cleaning your pearl necklace, make sure the thread and knots between each pearl are in good condition. If they're stretched or frayed, the necklace could break easily.
- Also check the clasp to ensure it's working properly. You should have your pearl necklace inspected by a jeweller every one to two years, depending on how often you wear it.
- Make sure pearls on other types of jewellery, such as earrings, rings, pendants, and brooches, are properly fitted. If the pearls shake, take them in for repair right away as they could fall off at any time.
Step 2: Clean your pearl jewellery
- To clean a pearl necklace, don't soak the strand in water as it will weaken the thread holding the pearls together. Instead, carefully wipe each pearl one by one with a wet cloth, paying extra attention to the areas around the drill holes where dirt tends to accumulate.
- Don't wipe the pearl necklace by grabbing the strand with the cloth and pulling it from end to end, as this can loosen the knotting and damage the thread.
- To clean other types of pearl jewellery, gently wipe the pearl surface and the area around the pearl cup with a piece of wet cloth. Dirt often accumulates on the jewellery setting, particularly earrings, which can be removed with a toothbrush. Just be sure not to scrub the pearl.
Step 3: Dry your pearl jewellery
- Don't hang the pearls up to dry as this can cause the thread to stretch, which can weaken it over time. If the thread becomes stretched, it can be more prone to breaking and the pearls could fall off.
- Instead, gently wipe your pearl jewellery with a dry, soft cloth. Then, lay it flat on a moist kitchen towel. The pearl and thread should be completely dry when the towel is dry.
- Don't use a hair dryer to blow-dry the pearls, as the heat can damage them.
- Don't wear your necklace when the thread is still wet, as it will stretch and easily attract dirt.
Storing Your Pearls
Why Storage is Important?
Proper storage is just as important as cleaning when it comes to protecting your pearls. Without the right storage, there's a good chance the pearls could get scratched or become brittle. So it's worth knowing how to safeguard them.
Where to Store Your Pearl Jewellery?
Cloth bags or pouches are most ideal for storing pearls. This material not only protects them, but also allows them to breathe and keeps them from drying out. Dehydrated pearls can easily become brittle or break.
It's also a good idea to store pearls separately from other jewellery to prevent them from being scratched or damaged by harder gemstones or precious metal. Storing them in individual jewellery boxes is one of the best practice too.
What to Avoid when Storing Your Pearls?
- Never keep your pearls near heaters or in places exposed to strong sunlight.
- Avoid using jewellery boxes with compartments or dividers, as these can put pressure on the pearls and cause them to scratch or become misshapen.
- Don't store them in the safe deposit boxes for too long, as well as sealed up plastic bags. It is too dry there. Take the pearls out occasionally, bear in mind that your pearl need fresh air and moisture!
The best pearls care is exposing them to fresh air. Wear your pearls often rather than storing them for a long period of time, to show your care!
Other Maintenance Tips
- Take off your pearls when applying body lotion, cosmetics, perfume, and hairspray, as these products contain chemicals and can damage pearls. The pearl is always the last thing you put on before you leave the house and the first thing you take off when you arrive home.
- Remember to take off all pearl jewellery when showering or swimming. Also take your ring off when you wash your hands or dishes. Chlorine and soap can damage the pearls, and the wet thread of the necklace will be stretched and break easily.
- Don't exercise with your pearls to avoid sweat, which is naturally acidic.
- When removing your ring, grasp the metal part and not the pearl to prevent the pearl from becoming loose.