How to Clean Pearl Jewelry
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A strand of pearls, whether in a necklace or bracelet or a pair of pearl earrings, is a beautiful investment that can be passed down as a precious family heirloom. However, unlike other types of jewels, such as ultra-hard diamonds, pearls are incredibly delicate and easily damaged, both by not cleaning them enough and by cleaning them improperly. Never put your pearls in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner as you might with other precious stones, as it's a sure way to damage the outer layer of the pearl
Because of the way in which pearls are formed, they need extra care. To put it simply, a small seed, bead, or particle is covered in a shiny nacre, a composite substance that is secreted by the mollusk as a sort of inner shell. This soft nacre coating on the pearl's exterior is the main reason pearls are considered fragile and, therefore, need extra care when handling them.
Simply put, you should give the pearls a gentle cleaning every time you wear the jewelry. Wipe the pearls with a soft cloth every time you take them off to keep the pearls' luster and remove body oil and other debris that might be on the surface. Other than that, give the pearls a deeper cleaning if you feel like they look dingy. Take the pearls to a jeweler once a year to double-check both the jewelry's integrity and to give them a proper, thorough cleaning.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Two clean cloths
Materials
- Warm water
- Mild detergent or dish soap
Steps to Make It
Give the Pearls a Quick Inspection
Before any cleaning, double-check that the jewelry is still in good condition. With necklaces and bracelets, take a close look at the silk strand on which the pearls are threaded, ensuring that it hasn't stretched, and make sure the clasp opens and closes properly. For earrings, check the attachment to the posts.
Dampen a Cloth With Soapy Water
Mix a solution of lukewarm water and a few drops of mild detergent or dish soap. Water that is too hot or too cold may damage the surface of the pearls, so double-check the temperature before using it on the jewelry. Dip a soft, clean cloth into the water and gently wipe down the pearls. Don't put the whole necklace into the water, as it could weaken the thread.
Wipe the Pearls With a Clean Cloth
Dampen another soft, clean cloth with fresh water. Wipe off the pearls to remove any soap residue.
Let the Pearls Air-Dry
Place the pearls on a soft towel and let them air-dry thoroughly before returning the jewelry to storage. This helps preserves the elasticity of the silk thread on which the pearls are strung.
Tips to Keep Pearls Clean Longer
- Put your pearls on last before you leave the house. Wearing the jewelry while you're getting ready exposes them to damaging cosmetics, perfumes, and other chemicals.
- When you take the pearls off, wipe them down with a soft cloth.
- Real pearls are organic, which means their color is subject to change. To prevent yellowing, store pearls in a non-abrasive fabric pouch or a fabric-lined jewelry box. Keep the pearls hydrated by placing a damp cloth or wet cotton balls in with the pearls, and move the pearls away from any sources of heat.
- Don't store your pearls with other jewelry because pearls can be scratched easily when metal or gemstones rub against them. Find a special slot in your jewelry box for the pearls, or keep them in a soft bag made from chamois or another non-abrasive material.
