Cleaning Pearls

A good set of pearls will last a lifetime. But only if they are cared for. Pearls are not quite as delicate as they look, but they are made of Calcium Carbonate which is both absorbent and reacts with anything acidic. In fact, there is very little that pearls like apart from being loved.

• When taking off your pearls, be careful when you put them down. A heavy landing on a glass or granite surface might have a bad outcome.
• Pearls left on top of a hot TV or radiator can discolour. Pearls dislike heat and very dry atmospheres. In fact, wearing pearls is the best way of maintaining their slight water content.
• Perfume, moisturising creams, hair spray and even natural body oils and perspiration. Pearls dislike them all. It is a good idea, because of this, to apply perfume, hair spray, and other cosmetics before putting on your pearls.
• After wearing your pearls, wipe them with a soft, damp, lint free cloth to remove any traces of cosmetic products or body oils. This is particularly important if you have been dancing and have perspired a little. Perspiration is acidic and your pearls will not thank you for putting them away uncleaned.
• Do not use ANY chemicals to clean your pearls. Not soap, nothing. Just a plain soft cloth. Maybe an occasional rinse in clean water followed by a good drying.
• Pearls are heavy and even the best silk or reinforced silk stringing will not last forever. If you wear your pearls and they still look good, re-stringing every few years is a good idea. It is not expensive to have done.
• Stringing your pearls with knots between each pearl has two benefits. First it protects the pearls from rubbing together. Secondly, a breakage of the string means only one pearl will fall off!
• Because of their delicacy, pearls should be stored separately, away from hard jewellery items, to prevent scratches or other damage. If possible, store them wrapped in soft cloth or in a soft-lined container, pouch, or jewellery box.