Pearl Care: Safe Ways To Clean Pearls

Cultured pearls are relatively soft compared to other gemstones and precious metals. It is important to take special care of your pearls to ensure they will remain bright and beautiful for generations to come.

Cosmetics, perfume and hair spray all contain chemicals that can dull the luster of a pearl over extended periods of time. Even acids contained in body oils and perspiration can work to damage luster in the same way.

Therefore, it is best to put your pearls on after applying makeup, perfume and hair spray. It is also suggested that you wipe down your pearls with a soft cloth after you wear them. Occasionally you may want to dampen the cloth and give your pearls a very thorough wipe down.

Always keep your pearls separated from hard jewelry items, such as metals and other gemstones, to prevent them from scratching your pearls. Pearls are best kept in a soft cloth pouch or a separately lined jewelry box.

If you wear your pearls several times a week, it is best to take them back to your jeweler for re-stringing about once every other year to prevent strand breakage. When having your pearls re-strung, Pearls of Joy advises and uses only silk thread. However, nylon thread is an acceptable alternative. Make sure that the string is knotted between each pearl. Individual knotting will prevent all the pearls in a strand from falling off should a break occur. Knotting also prevents the pearls from rubbing against each other.

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