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To maintain the beauty of pearls, understanding how to care for them properly is essential. While the compact crystalline structure of pearls makes them very durable, they're soft by nature and this reality can't be overlooked. It's easy to scratch pearls and simple contact with the skin's oils every day causes them to deteriorate. Thus, regular careful cleaning should be part of any pearl necklace owner's routine.
Steps
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Find a very soft cloth. Choose either a jewelry cloth or a clean rag, preferably one made from cotton or bamboo fabric. Velvet works well too. Avoid linen, georgette, net and jersey. [1] X Research source- Never use anything abrasive to clean pearls with, such as toothbrushes or plastic sponges. A soft cloth is the only item that should touch pearls.
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Wipe pearl jewelry gently before putting your pearl necklace away each time, to remove body oils and perspiration. Put a few drops of water onto the cloth, enough to dampen it and no more. Begin wiping the pearls one by one. [2] X Research source- Never use a commercial jewelry cleaner on pearls. Usually such cleaners contain way too much ammonia, which can damage the pearls.
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For every fifth wash of the pearls, they'll need something a little stronger than simply a dampened cloth. Dip the soft cloth in warm, mildly soapy water. Do not use washing up liquid; use a very mild soap, such as castille soap without fragrance or color additives. [3] X Research source- Wipe with a clean dampened cloth to remove any soapy residue from the pearls.
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If the clasp has to be cleaned as well, use a Q tip (cotton bud) dipped in either jewelry cleaner (make sure it is compatible with the metal of the clasp) or if it a hard metal (not gold) without gemstones, you can use a bit of toothpaste. Whatever you use, do not allow it to come into contact with any of the pearls as it can potentially harm them. [4] X Research source- Toothpaste is good on tarnished silver.
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Finished.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow can I tell game pearls from real ones?Community AnswerGently rub the pearls along your front teeth. If there is a slight gritty, sandy feel, they are real. If there is no gritty sensation, and they run smoothly, then they are fake.
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QuestionAbove mentions cleaning pearls in water and hydrogen peroxide. What is the ratio I should use?Community AnswerUse a drop of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl of water. Hydrogen peroxide is very strong, so it needs to be diluted.
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QuestionHow do I get the string in between the pearls clean?Community AnswerI suggest using a 3/4 water and 1/4 bleach solution. Take a paper towel and carefully clean in between them. Then, take a baby/Clorox wipe and repeat the process.
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Tips
- Always protect your pearl necklace from sharp blows, scratching, chemicals, sunlight and heat/cold. Store your pearl necklace in a soft lined box or pouch, made from such fabric as silk, satin or velvet. Never use plastic pouches to store pearls, as this will cause them to dry out and crack.Thanks
- Skin oils (acidic elements), perfume, hairspray and makeup are common causes of deterioration in pearls. Wait until perfumes and sprays have dried before wearing your pearl necklace.Thanks
- Pearl necklaces are strung with the silk and if that string stretches or loosens, it may break suddenly. Even if you don't wear your pearl necklace often, it is recommended that you have the string replaced every 5 years.Thanks
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Warnings
- Always remove your pearls prior to doing strenuous exercise or work. Never go swimming with your pearl jewellery on.Thanks
- Avoid storing pearls in an excessively dry place. Store your pearl jewellery in a separate pouch to prevent scratching pearl's surface on sharp metal edges or prongs, or against harder gemstones.Thanks
- Don't let your pearl jewellery come into contact with ammonia, chlorine bleach of any kind, inks, nail polish removers, perfume, hairspray and toilet water.Thanks
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and never use jewellery cleaners containing ammonia chemicals containing ammonia, vinegar or abrasives to clean your pearl jewellery.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Soft cleaning cloth
- Water
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about gemstones, check out our in-depth interview with Kennon Young .
References
- ↑ https://www.howtocleanthings.com/how-to-clean-pearls/
- ↑ https://www.howtocleanthings.com/how-to-clean-pearls/
- ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-clean-pearls
- ↑ https://www.invaluable.com/blog/how-to-clean-antique-and-vintage-jewelry/
- Francesca Beauman, The Woman's Book: Everything But the Kitchen Sink , p. 27, (2007), ISBN 978-0-297-85271-1 – research source
About This Article
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Reader Success Stories
- "I was very nervous about cleaning my deceased mother's pearl necklace in readiness of my wedding day. They are over 50 years old. But to my delight, I followed your very helpful and clear instructions, and they have come up a treat. Even the clasp. Thank you so much." ..." more
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"I was very nervous about cleaning my deceased mother's pearl necklace in readiness of my wedding day. They are over 50 years old. But to my delight, I followed your very helpful and clear instructions, and they have come up a treat. Even the clasp. Thank you so much."
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"So glad to know I should not store my pearl jewelry in plastic. I have done this for approx 3 years. Hope I have not irreparably injured them!"
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"It helped to know just how delicate old antique pearls are. I might have soaked them in water for a while if I hadn't read this. Thanks!"
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"Great advice right from wikiHow, no running to a Jeweller who would probably want you to leave them with him to do it at a cost."
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"Very informative. I was always told to constantly wear your pearls, even in the shower because it imitates the "oyster effect"."
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