Pearls are very precious; it is even said that once the Roman emperor Vitellius sold his mother's pearls to finance a military campaign. Even today, pearls are considered fascinating jewels, especially as necklaces and chokers.
To keep pearls in top condition, it is essential to know how to properly care for them. Their crystalline structure makes them very resistant, however they are by nature soft, a detail not to be forgotten. It is very easy to scratch them and simple daily contact with the skin's sebum can ruin them, therefore all owners of pearl necklaces should learn to clean them regularly and carefully.
Steps
Step 1. Find a very soft cloth
Opt for a jewelry cleaning cloth or a clean rag that is preferably cotton or bamboo fiber.
Do not use abrasive objects for cleaning pearls, such as toothbrushes or plastic sponges. A soft cloth is the only tool that should come into contact with the pearls
Step 2. Each time you wear pearls, rub them gently to remove skin oil and sweat before putting them away
Moisten the cloth with a few drops of water. Clean the pearls one by one.
Do not use commercial jewelry cleaning products on pearls. Usually, these cleaners contain high amounts of ammonia which could damage them
Step 3. After cleaning the pearls with the damp cloth a number of times (about five times), you will need to wash them with something slightly stronger
Dip the soft cloth in warm water and mild soap. Do not use dish soap; instead opt for a mild soap, such as Marseille soap or one without the addition of perfumes or coloring additives.
Rinse them with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue from the surface
Step 4. If you also need to clean the clasp, use a cotton swab dipped in jewelry cleaner (make sure it is compatible with the metal of the clasp); instead, if it is a hard metal (except gold) without gems, you can use a small amount of toothpaste
Whichever product you use, be very careful not to let it come into contact with the pearls as it could damage them.
The toothpaste is perfect for oxidized silver
Step 5. Finished
Advice
- Protect your pearl necklace from harsh hits, scratches, chemicals, sunlight and hot / cold. Store the necklace in a soft, lined box or in a silk, satin or velvet pouch. Do not use plastic cases that can break and crack pearls.
- Skin sebum (acid element), perfumes, lacquers and makeup are common agents that ruin pearls. Put the perfume on first and wait for it to dry before wearing the necklace.
- The string of pearl necklaces is often made of silk; if it stretches or becomes loose, it could suddenly break. Even if you don't wear the necklace often, it is advisable to replace the lanyard every five years.
- If any of the knots appear to be loose, have a jeweler reinsert the beads into the string or do it yourself. With a needle, tie a knot after each bead and loop it around the entire bead before tying it.
Warnings
- Do not allow pearls to come into contact with ammonia, bleach, ink, acetone for nails, perfumes, lacquer and bath water.
- Always remove pearls before strenuous physical activity. Never go swimming with pearls on.
- Avoid storing pearls in excessively dry places. Store them in a separate case to avoid scratching the surface with sharp metal edges, denticles, or harder gems.
- Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners and never use specific jewelry products containing ammonia, vinegar or abrasive substances.
