Pearls are more than pretty stones. They are eternal emblems of grace, intelligence, and chastity.
Whether passed down from a family member or collected on your own, pearls are an heirloom thanks to the memories they hold--regardless of size and shape.
However, to keep your pearls beautiful for a lifetime, you must take care of them.
This short and simple blog will explain how to clean, store, and maintain your pearl jewellery, ensuring it keeps its shine and sparkle and looks as beautiful as the day you were given it.
Types of Pearls and Their Unique Care
Knowing the kind of pearl you have is very important for caring for it. Freshwater and saltwater are the two basic categories for pearls, although they all have different levels of durability and care.
Freshwater Pearls: Pearls that are formed in freshwater lakes and rivers. They are less expensive and usually last longer than saltwater pearls. But they are still reactive to sunlight and chemicals.
Saltwater Pearls: These pearls, such as the sought-after Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea varieties, are cultivated in saltwater. Because the nacre on saltwater pearls is less thick than freshwater pearls, saltwater pearls are less robust and need special attention.
Regardless of the type, proper cleaning and storage are essential to preserve their natural beauty.
The Importance of Regular Wear
The best thing for your pearls is to wear them often! Pearls require moisture to remain lustrous; when you wear them, they absorb moisture from your skin. Just be aware of when and how you use them.
Protect Pearls from Chemicals: Pearls are highly reactive to chemicals found in lotions, perfumes, hairsprays, and, in some cases, even cleaning agents. Cosmetics or sprays should always be applied before putting on pearls and washed off before the beautification process.
Avoid Physical Damage: Pearls can be scratched or damaged by rough handling. Do not wear pearl jewellery when you are participating in sporting activities, swimming in the pool, or cleaning.
How to Prevent Yellowing in Pearls
Over time, pearls can naturally become yellow as they age. This is a common issue due to the breakdown of the organic material in the nacre. While you can't fully reverse yellowing, there are steps you can take to minimise the process:
Wear Your Pearls Regularly: Regular wear helps hydrate the pearls, preventing them from drying out and turning yellow.
Avoid Storing in Airtight Containers: Your body’s natural oils help pearls maintain their luster, and contact with your skin prevents them from drying out.
Avoid Harsh Cleaning Methods: Do not try to whiten your pearls with products such as nail polish remover or similar harsh chemicals – you will permanently damage them.
The Best Way to Store Pearls
Proper storage is just as crucial as cleaning when caring for your pearls. Here are some best practices for storing your pearl jewellery:
Soft Storage: Pearls should be kept in a soft pouch or jewellery case with a fabric lining. This provides some protection from scratching.
Separate Storage: Keep pearls away from other jewellery items to avoid contact with harder gemstones that could scratch their surface.
Moisture Maintenance: Pearls are happiest with a little humidity. Do not keep them in extremely dry areas, including vaults or safety deposit boxes, for extended periods. Keep them in breathable containers to prevent them from drying out.
Avoid Heat: Don’t expose pearls to heat sources, including hot rooms, direct sunlight, and radiators, as heat can cause the nacre to dry out and become damaged.
How to Clean Pearl Jewellery at Home
Cleaning pearls does not need to be complicated. It’s quite easy and can be done at home with simple steps.
Cleaning Process:
Wipe After Every Wear: After wearing, gently wipe down your pearls with a clean, damp cloth to remove oils, dirt and makeup.
Prepare a Mild Soap Solution: For a more thorough cleanse, add a little mild soap (such as baby shampoo) to lukewarm water in a clean bowl.
Clean the Pearls: Moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with soapy water and rub each pearl. Never use rough cleaning devices such as a toothbrush, as they will scratch the surface.
Rinse and Dry: After you've cleaned them, rinse your pearls with cool water and use a soft cloth to dry them. Let them fully air dry before storing.
Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals to clean your pearls, as these can damage their delicate surface.
Travelling with Pearls
Extra care is necessary to avoid damage or loss when travelling with pearls. Here are some tips:
Use a Travel Jewellery Case: Consider buying soft, compact jewellery with individual sections to store your pearls safely while visiting different countries.
Keep Pearls Separate: Because pearls are relatively soft, storing them in your jewellery box with other pieces can result in nicks and scratches.
Carry-on Luggage: Pearls should be kept in a purse or carry-on so they are not lost or damaged in checked baggage.
Professional Care and Maintenance
While regular home care is essential, professional cleaning is also necessary, especially for frequently worn pearls. Having your pearls professionally cleaned once a year can help maintain their lustre and address any potential issues with the string or setting.
Restringing: If your pearls are strung on silk thread, they must be restrung every two years or more often if worn regularly. Over time, the silk thread can stretch, discolour, or weaken, leading to breakage. Restringing ensures that your pearls stay secure and continue to look their best.
Damage Repair: No matter if you’ve dropped your pearls and scuffed them or if they have become loose in their setting, a professional jeweller can examine your pearls and repair any damage they incurred to return them to their original glory.
Common Mistakes in Pearl Care
Many people make mistakes when caring for their pearls. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Over-cleaning: Over-cleaning with harsh chemicals can harm the surface of your pearls. Stick to gentle cleaning methods.
Improper Storage: Storing pearls in plastic bags or airtight containers can cause them to dry out. Always store them in breathable fabric.
Wearing in Risky Situations: Pearls should not be worn during activities that could expose them to harsh chemicals or physical damage.
Conclusion
Proper care and cleaning of your pearls will help ensure that they remain beautiful and heirloom-quality for generations to come.
Adhering to these simple cleaning, storage, and maintenance procedures will help you retain the lustre of your pearl jewellery and enjoy its beauty for a lifetime.
They are freshwater or cultured; pearls are an investment worth passing down for the next generations to enjoy.
Care for them, store them carefully, and wear them frequently to see their natural beauty at its best.
With a few simple precautions to protect your pearls, you can keep your jewellery looking beautiful for generations.
