A String Of Pearls - Pearl Care

How to Care for Your Fine Pearl Jewelry

Throughout the ages, fine pearl jewelry has been prized for its deep luster and natural beauty. As precious gemstones, pearls do require care to preserve their appearance. If cared for properly, cultured pearls can be treasured for a lifetime.

Since pearls are organic gems, they are sensitive to chemicals and harsh environmental conditions. Also, because pearls are soft compared to other jewelry, they should be stored and handled carefully. If you follow the tips below, you can help your fine pearl jewelry remain beautiful for many years to come:

Gently wipe your pearls with a warm damp cloth to remove body oils and dirt (which may harm the colors) before putting them away. Pearls are very soft, and are easily damaged. Most dust contains much harder quartz particles. Thus, pearls are easily scratched by careless cleaning.
Store your fine pearl jewelry in its original packaging, or wrapped in linen, not loose in a jewelry box. This packaging is not only beautiful and elegant; it will also help protect your pearl jewelry from being scratched by other jewelry in your collection.
Avoid storing your pearls in extreme heat or in airtight places (like safes that are not regulated to provide humidity). Do not store your pearls in plastic bags for very long periods of time. Pearls benefit from the moisture in the air, and if they are deprived of it for too long they can become fragile or their color may change.
To clean pearls, simply wipe them with a soft cloth, which can be either dry or slightly damp. Do not use liquid soap or another chemical product to clean your pearls, and do not clean your pearls with a toothbrush or other abrasive materials.
Wash your pearls periodically with mild soap (not detergent) and a soft cloth. When finished washing pearls, rinse them in clean water and wrap them in a thin damp cotton towel to dry. If pearls are especially dirty, wipe the pearl with acetone polish remover. Acetone will not hurt the pearls. Do not use jewelry cleaners with ammonia or vinegar in them.
Keep your pearl jewelry away from chemicals. Pearls are sensitive to chemicals such as chlorine, detergents, bleach, vinegar, hair spray, cosmetics, and some kinds of soap, so it is best not to wear your pearl jewelry when washing dishes, swimming, or engaging in similar activities. These substances will damage the pearl surface and eat holes in the pearl nacre. When applying cosmetics, remember the rule 'last on, first off'. Put your pearls on last after applying hair spray, perfume, and other makeup, and take them off before using makeup remover.
Remember to remove pearls before exercising to keep them away from perspiration.
Restring pearls once a year if worn often. Be sure to have each pearl knotted separately, preferably with silk, so they do not rub together and wear on the pearl nacre. Do not wear pearls if the string is wet - lie flat in a soft towel until it has completely dried.
As pearls seem to benefit from exposure to the light, remember to wear them often!