Pearl Care and Cleaning
Pearl Care:
Pearls are the most wearable of gems, as right with a t-shirt as they are with an evening gown. But in order for them to keep their beauty and luster for generations, proper care is essential. Here’s a basic guide to treating your pearls well.
Storing: Wrap your pearls loosely in a soft cloth (or slip them into a jewelry pouch) and store them away from sunlight or heat. If you store them in a box, the box should be secure, but not airtight. Pearls can dry out, losing their luster and even cracking if they are not exposed to air.
Wearing: Hairspray, perfume and other chemicals can damage nacre, so apply them prior to putting on your pearls. If possible, dab or spritz your perfume where the pearls will not rest against it. Perspiration can also dull pearls over time, so it’s best not to wear them when you’ll be exercising vigorously.
Cleaning: After each wearing, wipe your pearls with a soft cloth (slightly damp, if necessary) before putting them away. If they’ve gotten a little dingy, immersion in a bath of water and dissolved baking soda (one teaspoon of baking soda stirred into one cup of water), followed by a thorough rinsing in clear water will brighten them up. The moisture will also, temporarily, tighten the silk on which they are strung. Lay them flat to dry (do not hang them).
Restringing: If you wear your pearls often, you should have them inspected at least once a year to see if they need to be restrung. How often they’ll need cleaning and restringing is really a matter of how frequently you wear them and in what conditions.
