HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PEARLS

Pearls are very soft and need special care. They never should be tossed on top of or next to other gems in a jewelry box. Store them in a jewelry pouch.

Some people’s skin is more acidic than others. If a pearl necklace is regularly worn, as it should be, some of the pearls will constantly be in close contact with the skin on the neck at the shoulder line. Pearl pendants do not always have such constant contact with a person’s skin. The pearls in the necklace will gradually absorb acid from the skin and the acid will slowly eat into the spherical pearl. Over time the pearl will not only lose its luster, but will become   barrel-shaped. You can slow this process by wiping the pearls with a soft cloth after wearing them.

Besides being soft, pearls are easily damaged by chemicals like perfume, vinegar and lemon juice. Heat can turn pearls brown or dry them out and make them crack. Dry air can also damage pearls. Most safe deposit vaults have very dry air and can damage pearls.

When taking off a pearl ring, grasp the shank, or metal part, rather than the pearl. This will prevent the pearl from loosening and coming into contact with skin oil on your hand.

Because of their delicate nature, special care must be taken when cleaning.

Pearl Care

• Only use jewelry cleaners labeled as safe for pearls.
• Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.
• Never steam-clean pearls.
• Never use (or expose pearls) to dish or wash detergents, bleaches, powdered cleansers, baking soda, or ammonia-based cleaners (like Windex).
• Never use toothbrushes, scouring pads or abrasive materials to clean pearls.
• Do not wear pearls when their string is wet. Wet strings stretch and attract dirt, which is hard to remove.
• Do not hang pearls to dry.
• Take your pearls off when applying cosmetics, hair spray, and perfume, or when showering or swimming.
• Avoid wearing pearls with rough fabrics like Shetland wool.