PEARL
CARE
(The following care advice pertains to all types of pearls,
coral and mother-of-pearl (shell) material).
Because they are an organic gem comprised of calcium
carbonate, pearls require more specialized care than most
other gems materials. They are particularly subject
to deterioration from contact with chemicals, including
components in household cleaners, perfumes, cosmetics and
hair care products of all kinds.
The surface of a pearl is soft and is easily damaged.
Pearls set in rings and bracelets are more subject to
scuffing and scratching than pearls set in brooches,
earrings, necklaces or strands. A pearl ring or
bracelet should be considered a special-occasion piece, not
for daily wear and DEFINITELY not to be worn while working
with the hands.
A good rule of thumb is that pearls are THE LAST THING YOU
PUT ON when dressing and THE FIRST THING YOU TAKE OFF when
you get home. NEVER apply perfume or hairspray when
you are wearing pearl jewelry, especially a strand of
pearls.
STORAGE
Pearl strands should be stored separately from other
jewelry because the surface of a pearl is soft and easily
scratched by other gems. A silk bag, velvet-lined box
or pearl folder--a satin-lined leatherette envelope with
snaps to hold a strand in place--are all good places to
store pearls. Your local jeweler is a good source for
these items.
Never store pearls in a plastic bag. Some types of
plastic emit a chemical that will cause the surface of your
pearls to deteriorate.
Don't store pearls in a safe or safety deposit box for long
periods. The same ultra-dry atmospheric conditions
that extend the life of paper documents may dry out your
pearls and cause them to craze--to develop small fractures
in the surface.
Pearl strands should be stored flat rather than hanging so
the thread won't stretch out prematurely.
STRINGING
Pearl strands should be restrung every one to two years or
more often if the thread begins to bag or fray. Silk and
nylon beading threads are the most commonly used materials
for stringing pearls.
Knotting between beads offers the most security for your
pearls; no matter where the strand breaks, you only stand
to lose a single bead. The look of the knotted strand
is not to everyone's taste, however. Whether you string
your pearls with or without knots, the first three or four
beads on either side nearest the clasp should be knotted
because this area takes the most stress and is the
commonest place for a strand to break.
CLEANING
It’s best to have pearls professionally cleaned. If
you must do it yourself, here’s how:
Strands:
Lay the strand flat on a clean soft cloth or towel.
Make a mild solution of soap flakes (I use Ivory soap
flakes) and warm water, and apply with a new pure natural
bristle complexion or manicure brush, scrubbing
gently. Being careful to support the strand so as not
to stretch the thread, turn the necklace over and
repeat. To rinse, submerge the strand in cool water
flush with cool tap water for a minimum of five minutes.
Carefully remove the strand from the water and lay it on a
fresh towel to air dry. Don't move it until it is
completely dry.
Other pearl jewelry:
The principle is the same: use only a mild soap and a
natural bristle brush, then rinse with cool water for at
least five minutes.
NEVER USE DETERGENTS, HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS, COMMERCIAL
JEWELRY CLEANERS OR TARNISH REMOVERS ON PEARL JEWELRY.
Never use your pearl cleaning brush for anything else, and
store it where it will not become dusty or soiled. Pearls
will naturally darken slightly with age and wear. The
golden or creamy tones that come with age cannot be
removed.