Despite their thick nacre coating, pearls are one of the most delicate gemstones on the market. You have to handle them carefully and care for them properly. There are a few things you can do to ensure that your pearls will stay beautiful and last for years.
A few easy steps each day can help to keep your pearls clean. First, don’t put on your pearl jewelry until after you have applied makeup and put on perfume. Before applying lotions, remember to remove pearl rings or bracelets. This will help keep your pearls free from residue. If your pearls become dirty, they can be wiped down with a very soft cloth and a mild soap. Don’t ever use an abrasive cleaner or harsh cloth; this could scratch the pearl’s surface.
Pearl jewelry, especially “>necklaces, comes in close contact with the skin on a daily basis. Acids from the skin can absorb into the pearl coating making it look dull. This can be avoided by wiping your pearls with a soft cloth every night after removing them. Another way to avoid dullness and chipping in your pearls is to be sure to never put them in an ultrasonic cleaner. If you take your jewelry into a shop to be cleaned, make sure they do not clean your pearls in their automatic machine. Since pearls are so fragile, putting them in an ultrasonic bath can cause them to chip and even break.
Another way to keep your pearls as beautiful as the day you bought them is to store them properly. Do not toss them next to other jewelry in a box; they can chip very easily this way. To store your pearls, put each piece in a soft jewelry bag. if you store your pearls properly they will stay perfect and beautiful.
A pearl’s color is often times the most captivating thing about a pearl so it is important to follow the proper steps to keep them that way. Do not ever store your pearls in an area of high heat such as on top of or near a fireplace or radiator. Also, never use steam to clean your pearls. High heat can cause pearls to discolor, often in just a few short hours.
You might think that storing your pearls in a dark and dry area is the best but is actually the contrary. Pearls are gems of the water and they love constant moisture. The best thing for your pearls is to actually wear them! Still store them in a soft bag by themselves but the moisture and oils from your skin can help keep your pearls looking beautiful.
Pearls are fragile, but they are very simple to take care of. Your pearls can last for years if you follow this advice on how to clean and care for them. It is traditional for mothers to pass their pearl jewelry down to their daugthers for their weddings because they make great heirlooms - with proper care they can be passed down for decades.
