How To Clean And Care For Pearl Jewellery
Quality pearls are durable, but proper care is recommended to keep them beautiful and lustrous to ensure you get the most out of your pearls. Here are important tips to care for your pearls.
Daily Care
Pearls are organic gemstones that are vulnerable to acid, alkaline and extremes of humidity. To preserve your pearls' radiance, avoid their prolonged exposure to cosmetics, hair spray, or perfume. Always put on your jewellery as a final touch, after applying make-up and styling hair. The pearl's lustre can also be harmed by storing them with perspiration remaining on the surface. To prevent this, before returning your pearls to the jewellery box, wipe them gently with a soft cloth.
Pearl Storage
Pearl jewellery should always be stored separately from diamonds to ensure the harder stone does not scratch their surface.
To prevent tangles and scratches, we would recommend fastening clasps and pins, and putting pearl jewellery into a cloth bag before placing them in the jewellery box. Acidic elements such as perfume and even perspiration can dull a pearl's lustre, so never spray scent directly onto them and wipe the pearls before putting them away.
In the case of pearl necklaces, it is a good idea to take them to a jeweller every five years to check whether they need re-stringing. When carrying jewellery, use a protective jewellery pouch. Leaving pearl jewellery in a security box for long periods may cause pearls to dehydrate, so enjoy them frequently.
Pearl Cleaning
After pearls are worn, wipe them gently with a soft chamois or cloth, which can be dry or slightly damp. Avoid using harsh or abrasive fabrics as these may damage the pearls.
To help maintain lustre, add a drop of olive oil to the cloth before using. Pay special attention to the drill holes, where dirt collects easily. If pearls are very dirty, and wiping them is not sufficient, they can be cleaned by a professional jeweller or by using special pearl jewellery cleaner.
Use only products that are labelled as safe for use on pearls. Other jewellery cleaners may cause extensive damage. Be sure to follow all directions carefully.
After cleansing pearls, lay them flat on a soft, clean towel to dry. Do not hang wet pearls to dry; this may stretch the strand. Never use a hair dryer to dry pearls.
