How To Clean Pearl Jewelry
Pearls are considered a symbol of chastity and purity, and that is why most brides wear them on their wedding day. A strand of pearls is a beautiful and worthy investment that can be passed down to generations. Pearls need to be well taken care of to maintain their luster and pristine condition.
Below is a detailed guide with helpful tips that will help you clean and take care of your pearls for their beauty to shine for a very long time.
How To Clean Pearls
Before we get started cleaning our pearls, we will first need a few items.
What You Will Need To Clean Pearls:
- Two clean cloths
- A soft towel
- Lukewarm water
- Dish soap or a mild detergent
Steps To Clean Pearl Jewelry
Now that we have the supplies we need, here are the step-by-step instructions to cleaning your pearl jewelry:
Inspect Your Pearls
Before cleaning your pearls, inspect them and ensure they are in good condition. For necklaces and bracelets, check the strand between the pearls to ensure it hasn't stretched. You should also check the clasps and ensure they open and close perfectly. For earrings, check their attachment to the posts.
Mix Water And Dish Soap Or Laundry Detergent
Mix a solution of lukewarm water and dish soap or a mild laundry detergent. Hot or cold water could damage the surface of your pearls. Dip a soft clean cloth into the solution and gently wipe your pearls. Do not dip the pearl bracelet or necklace in water, as it will weaken the silk strand.
Get Rid Of Soapy Residue
Dampen another clean cloth and gently rub the pearls to get rid of any soap residue.
Dry Your Pearl Jewelry
Dry your pearls with a clean, dry, and soft towel. Lay the pearls flat to allow them to dry completely before you store them. This helps the silk strand to regain its elasticity. Ensure that you close the clasps of the necklace and bracelet pearls to prevent them from scratching the pearls.
How To Maintain Pearl Jewelry
- Put your pearls first and remove them last to avoid exposing them to damaging cosmetics and other chemicals.
- Once you take off your pearls, wipe them with a damp cloth to remove any dirt.
- Avoid storing your pearls with other jewelry because pearls can be scratched, and this could damage them.
- Do not store pearls in plastic jewelry boxes or plastic bags. Instead, store them in a pouch made of cotton or silk.
- Wear your pearls often to keep them moist and lustrous.
If you closely follow these tips, your precious jewels will maintain their shimmer for generations. For more jewelry cleaning tips and advice, talk to us, Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers.