A pearl necklace or ring is a wonderful and timeless addition to any woman's jewelry collection. Pearls are exceptionally delicate, however, and additional precautions are required to care for them. Avoid exposing your pearls to any chemicals or materials that can scratch the surface, or spoil the calcium carbonate that makes them so beautiful.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Daily Care
Keep your pearls in the best condition by limiting their exposure to acids and other chemicals.
Step 1. Wear the pearls last and take them off before anything else
As a natural jewel composed of calcium carbonate, pearls are more vulnerable to chemicals found in perfume, hairspray and cosmetics. Get dressed, style your hair, put on your makeup and spray your perfume before wearing pearl jewelry.
Step 2. Limit the use of pearl rings and bracelets
These pieces are more prone to scratching because they embellish the hands and wrists. Never wear these pieces when you plan to work with your hands, and only use them on special occasions.
Step 3. Gently rub the pearls with a soft cloth after you take them off
The luster of a pearl can be ruined by even a minimal amount of sweat. Removing sweat from pearls after each use helps to preserve their luster.
Step 4. Rub your pearls immediately with a soft cloth in case they have been exposed to acids
Acids can come from sweat, perfume, fruit juices, vinegar or numerous other substances. The acid attacks the crystallized calcium of the pearl, ruining its luster and causing irreparable damage.
Method 2 of 4: Clean
Pearls should only be cleaned when a soft cloth is not enough to remove dirt. Avoid chemicals or brushes that could damage the surface of the pearls.
Step 1. Gently apply baby shampoo or other mild soap using a soft manicure brush
Harsh cleaners can destroy the pearl, and a rough brush can also cause abrasions.
Step 2. Support the thread if the pearls are on a necklace or bracelet
Do not stretch the thread while cleaning.
Step 3. Use only mineral water or distilled water to rinse your pearls
Regular tap water contains chlorine and other chemicals that can damage the surface of your pearls.
Step 4. Dry the soap and water from your pearls by gently tapping with a soft, dry cloth
Don't let chemicals or water stay in contact with your pearls for too long.
Step 5. Polish the pearls with a soft, dry cloth to maintain their luster
Step 6. Avoid jewelry cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners
These are too aggressive and can damage your pearls.
Method 3 of 4: Store
Store the pearls to prevent them from scratching. Keep them separate from other jewelry and avoid conditions of excessive lack of humidity.
Step 1. Fasten the clasps or buckles before storing your pearls
These sharp metal objects can rub against the pearl and cause scratches. Threads that are not fastened with a buckle or clasp can also get tangled.
Step 2. Keep your pearls in a separate compartment, away from other jewelry
Other gems can scratch the surface of the pearls if they come into contact with them. Other pearl objects may also have metallic elements and scratch the pearls of another object, so keep each pearl piece in a separate compartment.
Step 3. Consider storing your pearls in a silk pouch, velvet lined box, or satin lined pearl folder
Taking this extra precaution will ensure that nothing else scratches your pearls.
Step 4. Never store pearls in plastic bags
Some plastics can release chemicals that damage pearls over time.
Step 5. Store the strings of pearls on a flat surface to avoid fraying the strings
Avoid hanging them.
Step 6. Do not store pearls in a safety deposit box or similar for an extended period of time
The lack of moisture will dehydrate the pearls, developing small surface fractures.
Step 7. Keep a glass of water inside a vault or safe if you need to store your pearls there
This will help humidify the air, slowing the dehydration process.
Step 8. Store your pearls in a jewelry box or other suitable one
Avoid jewelry boxes with transparent walls that expose the jewelry to light. Long-term exposure to daylight can cause pearls to turn yellow.
Method 4 of 4: Long Term Care
Pearl jewelry wears naturally over time. Replace weakened strands and keep your pearls away from harsh conditions to prolong their beauty.
Step 1. Avoid long exposure to strong light and heat above 60 ° C
These conditions can dehydrate your pearls, causing them to crack.
Step 2. Examine the strings of pearls to check the tightness of the strands
If the threads begin to fray, you should replace them and thread the beads again.
Step 3. Have pearls strung every one or two years, especially if you wear them constantly
Even if you don't notice any visible signs of wear on the thread, it will likely begin to fray after this time.
Step 4. Ask your jeweler to tie the string between the pearls for additional protection
This way, if a thread breaks, you only lose a pearl. Additionally, a knotted thread keeps the pearls apart and prevents them from rubbing together, which helps reduce surface scratches.
Advice
- Pearls naturally darken with age and wear. The cream color they take cannot be removed, even with professional cleaning.
- If you don't like the look of a knotted thread, ask the jeweler to tie only the first three or four pearls on both ends of the clasp. This is where the threads break most often.
