Pearl care

Pearls are a chemical and organic gem that require a more specialized care and they should be cleaned delicately than most other gem materials. They deteriorate in contact with chemicals like household cleaners, perfumes, cosmetics, and hair care products of all kinds. They can be highly sensitive to the rough or abrasive surfaces and chemicals that are used to clean other jewels. Cultural pearls with thicker coatings, too, are much more fragile than other gemstones. The surface of a pearl is soft and can be easily damaged. Pearls set in rings and bracelets are subject to more cuffing and scratching than pearls set in brooches, earrings, necklaces or strands. Therefore, it is extremely important to clean pearls with utmost care.

Read more to know how to take care of your pearls and make them look like ‘just bought’!

Main Care tips:

Never clean pearls in an ultrasonic cleaner. Never use detergent or bleaches or baking soda or ammonia based products. Do not keep pearls near heaters or in places that get strong sunlight. Do not use any abrasive materials to clean the pearls. Take your pearls off when applying cosmetics and perfumes. 

Cleaning Tips:

Use warm water: Soak a cotton cloth in warm water and use it to wipe your pearls, softly. Cleaning pearl jewelry with warm water will give it shine and make it appear almost brand new.

Use a mild shampoo:  Mix any kind of mild shampoo in warm water to clean your pearls. Place the bag into the mixture and gently rub the pearls. Remember, do not put too much stress on the bag while rubbing it, as you may end up rubbing the pearls against each other.

Use cotton cloth: A cotton cloth is best suitable to clean your pearls. Wipe your pearls with the cloth, using very delicate hands. Cotton cloth can also clean soiled pearls, when used meticulously and with immense care.

Storage

Pearl strands are stored separately from other jewelry because of the pearl's soft surface which can be easily scratched by other gems. Silk bags, velvet-lined box, pearl folder (a satin-lined leatherette envelope with snaps to hold a strand in place) are good places to store pearls. Never store pearls in a plastic bag as some types of plastics emit a chemical that can cause the surface of the pearls to deteriorate.