Pearls are classic, iconic and feminine. They are a timeless addition to any woman’s jewelry collection and add luminosity to anyone donning them. Be it vintage, retro or contemporary, pearls are one of the top jewelry trends to watch out for in 2018. However, as lustrous as pearls are, they are the most fragile gems by nature. They must be cleaned with care and handled gently to prolong their allure. Read on to learn how to care for pearls.
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1) Wearing Your Pearls:
- When getting dressed, your pearls should be the last item you put on before stepping out of the door. Moisturizers, creams, makeup, perfume and hairsprays contain chemicals that can erode your pearls’ natural luster over time.
Similarly, your pearls should be the first piece of jewelry to be taken off while undressing.
- Never wear your pearls while swimming, exercising or showering. Chlorine and other chemicals in the water will tarnish them, as will perspiration.
- Avoid cooking with your pearls. They are prone to corrosion by even mild acids like vinegar, fruit juices and lime juice.
Elegant South Sea Pearl Pendant Set
2) How to Clean Pearl Jewellery:
- Always wipe your pearls after taking them off and before storing them. Make sure to use a soft cloth to avoid scratches.
- You can also use mild soap and water to clean and take care of your pearls. Never use harsh cleaners like detergents or solutions that contain ammonia.
- Never submerge your pearl necklace in water or any liquid. This could weaken the string that holds them all together.
3) Storing Pearls Correctly:
Storage plays a huge role in when it comes to caring for pearls. Storing your pearls the right way is just as important as cleaning them.
- Avoid storing your pearls with other jewelry. They can get scratched when other gemstones or metals rub against them. Store your pearls in a separate compartment, especially when traveling with jewellery. Also, always ensure clasps are fastened to prevent tangles and scratches.
- Store your pearls in silk, velvet or suede cloth or pouch. Any other non-abrasive material will work, too. Never store them in anything made of plastic. They emit a chemical that will deteriorate the surface of the gemstone.
- Avoid exposure to a direct heat source such as sunlight. It is also advisable to keep them away from surfaces that emit heat like the top of the TV or near a stove.
- It is not advisable to store your pearls in an enclosed space for a long time. The lack of air circulation will cause them to dry out. Take them out regularly, wear them around town and show them off to the world.
4) Restring your Pearl Necklaces Regularly
The usual period to restring your pearls is every four to five years, or less depending on how often you use them. This process is particularly crucial if the strand is worn out or has stretched.. Making sure you periodically get your necklaces restrung is a good habit of helping you take better care of your pearls.. This is because the strand that holds them all together gets weak with time. And you wouldn’t want your necklace to break suddenly. There are two telltale signs that the strand needs to be replaced.
South Sea Pearl Necklace with Rosecut Diamond Clasp
- If the Strand Looks Dark – This is a sign of age and weakness. You should replace it immediately, or you will risk breaking it.
- If the Pearls are Loose – If you take a closer look at your pearl necklace, you will see tiny knots in between each pearl strung together. Knotting is done for two reasons. If the strand breaks, the tiny knots will prevent all the pearls from falling off. The other reason is to maintain a minuscule space between each pearl. This is to prevent them from rubbing against each other and chipping their shells. To take care of your pearls, check to see if they are held tightly between the knots. A loose set of pearls with space between them indicates that the cord has become thin and stretched out.
