How to Take Care of Your Pearl Jewelry

Introduction

Pearl jewelry is popular among all women, irrespective of age, as it never goes out of style. It has a timeless allure that has captivated hearts for centuries. The combination of pearls and intricate pieces draws attention and exudes style. 

Proper care is necessary to maintain your pearl jewelry’s shine and beauty. It is advisable to have your valuable pearl jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected periodically. This ensured that the pearls were secure and the settings were in good condition. 

Pearls, known as ‘the Queen of Gems,’ form from a substance called nacre, the only gem material that is created and found within a living creature

Why Pearl Jewelry Requires Special Care

Pearls are relatively soft organic gemstones, ranking 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means they require special care. 

Pearls are extraordinary gemstones that possess unique characteristics. Unlike other gemstones, they require no cutting or polishing and can be plucked fully from their shells.

Pearls are porous, which means they can absorb and retain moisture. They are sensitive to high temperatures. Pearls in a strand are typically strung with silk or nylon thread and separated by knots.

How to Take Care of Your Pearls jewelry

Pearls come in a variety of types, each with its unique characteristics and value. We explore three types of pearls: Freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls, and South Sea pearls. 

Freshwater pearls 

Freshwater pearls are delicate and will easily scratch if stored next to other jewelry. They are typically formed in freshwater mussels, predominantly in lakes and rivers. Freshwater pearls as well as come in various shapes, including round, oval, and baroque, and a wide array of natural colors. 

Generally, these are more affordable compared to other pearl types, making them an excellent choice for those looking for budget-friendly options. Freshwater pearls used in both classic and contemporary designs. 

Do not wear pearl jewelry when exercising, showering, to the pool or the beach. Never clean your freshwater pearl jewelry in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. 

Additionally, store your freshwater pearl jewelry in a non-airtight container when your not wearing it. You can also store your pearls in a soft pouch or wrap them in a soft cloth. 

Akoya pearls

Akoya oyster is the smallest and third most valuable commercially farmed, pearl-produced oyster. Basically, they are harvested in sixes, from as small as 1mm up to the very rare 10–11 mm.

These pearls are currently farmed in Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Australia. Additionally, they have a round shape, high luster, classic and timeless appearance, and are highly regarded for their quality and beauty.

To clean, use a dedicated soft, fiberless cloth to wipe off residue that sticks to the pearls after wearing them. Nevertheless, take care to avoid gently wipe the pearls and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives. 

Akoya pearls are alkaline gemstones. Accordingly, keep them away from the contact of acids such as hairspray, cosmetics, perfumes, and fake tan, they can damage them. 

South Sea pearls

They are highly prized for their size, shape, and lustrous surface. These pearls are so named because they are found in the warm ocean inlet of the southern hemisphere. South Sea pearls are found in Pinctada Maxima oysters, which are some of the largest in the world. 

These pearls range from 8mm to, in exceptional cases, 20mm, and their stunning natural color, including white, golden, and black. Eventually, these pearls have a thick nacre, resulting in exceptional luster and a silky, radiant appearance. 

Golden South Sea pearls are highly prized for their rarity and exquisite hue. Significantly, these pearls are often used in high-end, luxury jewelry designs and are considered a symbol of opulence and sophistication. 

Protecting Pearls from Scratch

Protecting pearls from scratch is essential to maintaining luster and beauty over time. Some tips on how to prevent scratches on pearl jewelry

• Always keep your pearls separated from hard jewelry items such as rings or bracelets to prevent them from being scratched. 
• A soft pouch or a lined jewelry box with individual compartments.
• When putting on or taking off your pearl jewelry, handle them gently.
• Don’t apply excessive force; otherwise, it leads to surface damage. 
• Avoid resting them on hard or abrasive surfaces, as these can cause scratches. 

Handling Pearls with Care

Pearls are delicate and durable, but proper care is necessary to keep your pearl jewelry beautiful and lustrous. 

• Please don’t use a hair dryer to blow dry pearls; otherwise, the heat can damage them. 
• Please don’t wear your necklace when the thread is wet; otherwise, it will stretch and easily attract dirt. 
• Let them dry before storing. This helps preserve the elasticity of the silk strand. 
• Keep away from direct sunlight, as this can cause them to become dehydrated and lose their luster. 

Cleaning Pearls Safely

Clean pearls with a soft, damp cloth is a gentle and effective way to maintain the luster and shine of pearls without causing any harm. 

Here are some basic steps to clean pearls

• Make a solution of lukewarm water and a few drops of mild detergent or dish soap. 
• Dip a soft, clean cloth into the solution.
• Wipe the pearls gently
• Leave the pearls to air-dry completely before storing them. 

Some extra tips for cleaning pearls

• Don’t use an abrasive and coarse cloth for cleaning.
• Don’t immerse the pearls in any solution or water for a longer duration.
• Don’t use harsh chemicals, steam cleaning machine on pearls.

Avoiding Exposure to Chemicals

To preserve the radiant allure and exquisite beauty of pearls, it’s important to avoid contact with various substances that can harm them.

• Keep pearls away from chlorine bleach, vinegar formula, ammonia, fruit juices, and acidic solutions. 
• Similar to perfume, makeup and skincare products may contain chemicals that are determined to be pearls. 
• The natural oils and salts found in sweat can be mildly acidic and, over time, can affect the surface of pearls. 
• Accumulated dirt, dust, or debris on the surface of pearls can lead to scratches and a reduction in their shine. 

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