Jewellery Care: Pearls
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Jewelry with the following gems
- Pearls
Good To Know
CLOTHS
Only let these types touch pearls
- Smooth microfiber (e.g., lens cloth)
- Jewellery cloth (non polishing)
- Silk
- Flannel (lint free)
Note
- Don't let a polishing cloth for metal touch any gem
- Don't use a paper product (e.g., tissue)
- What's good for pearls may not be good for silver and vice versa, so use your best judgement when caring for pearls set in silver.
Wearing Tips
Same as 925 silver (see Wearing Tips) with these exceptions
- Wear often (air hydrates them)
- Pearls should avoid touching sweat
- Consider wearing on top of clothing
- Do not expose to temperature extremes
- Wipe pearls with a damp cloth (see Cloths, above) after wearing
Storing Tips*
Same as 925 silver (see Storing Tips) with these exceptions
- Avoid extreme cold or heat (e.g., not near an open window)
- Not be in an airtight container (e.g., ziplock bag)
- Compartment should be lined with felt
Note
Pearls don't like to be stored in airtight containers, but silver does. Some possible solutions
- Store air tight, but wear often
- Do not store completely air tight
Cleaning Tips*
Instructions are only for the pearl part of the jewelry
If Not Visibly dirty
Use a damp cloth (just water; see Cloths, above) to gently wipe clean
If Visibly Dirty
Follow cleaning steps below
Note
- Do not simply wipe with a damp cloth, as dirt will scratch
- Never use mechanical cleaners (e.g., ultrasonic, steam, boiling)
- Never submerge pearls, especially if strung (e.g., necklace)
- Remember, pearls naturally go darker, golden, or creamy with age
Step 1
Solution
Mix 1-3 drops mild dish soap (see Dish Liquid, below) into an appropriate amount of lukewarm water, given amount of pearls being cleaned.
Step 2
Clean
Dip a clean soft cloth (see Cloths, above) into solution, then gently wipe pearls. If needed, lay jewelry on a cloth (see Cloths, above) while cleaning.
If dirt remains, dip an extra-soft brush (not a toothbrush; see Brush Type, below) into the cleaning solution, then gently brush clean.
Note: Beware of using a toothpick (or any object) to pick dirt from crevices, as may scratch.
Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with running lukewarm water
Dry
Use a cloth (see Cloths, above) to gently dab dry. Get the cloth into every crevice
Briskly blow on any remaining damp spots - including drill holes - to dry them
Finally, lay jewelry on a dry cloth (see Cloths, above) until bone dry
Note: Never use sources of heat to dry pearls (e.g., hair dryer)
Good to Know
Dish Liquid
- A gentle one (ideally plant-based)
- Must be ammonia and phosphate free
- Not antibacterial
- Ideally unscented (at least no citrus)
- Very soft natural bristle brush
- Only use this brush for pearls
- Do not use a toothbrush
- Store brush away from dust
* General Disclaimer
We can not accept responsibility for any harm that may come to jewelry following these methods, and/or methods from recommended links.