Taking care of Pearls

Caring for your pearl jewellery involves a number of steps, including using the correct cleaning methods and storage procedures. In contrast to other jewellery, wearing your pearls is the best way to enhance their beauty, as they are lubricated with oils from your own skin. 

This unique care process is a result of how pearls are formed. The gems need to be exposed to fresh air regularly in order to look their best. However, there are also a number of other procedures that should be followed when maintaining your pearls. In this blog, we list some tips, tricks and advice on how to clean pearls so that they always look their best.

How Do You Clean Pearls?

Cleaning your pearls regularly is important to ensure they maintain their beauty. Below are some tips to keep in mind when cleaning your pearls.

• Use only soft, lint-free cloths to clean and dry your pearls. A mild cleaning soap can also be used to clean more stubborn dirt.
• Do not submerge your pearl jewellery in water during the cleaning process.
• Allow the pearls to dry fully before storing to maintain the integrity of the silk strand.

Tips for Correct Cleaning of Pearls

These tips will make caring for your pearls a lot easier, and ensure they look their best for years to come.

• After wearing pearls, make a habit of rinsing and drying them with a soft cloth which may be dry or damp. You may even polish them with a cloth containing a drop of olive oil so that they maintain their lustre and do not dry out.
• If pearls are very dirty, they can be cleaned by your Jeweller. Pay attention to the areas around the drill holes where dirt may have collected.

Pearl Cleaning Methods to Avoid

When cleaning your pearls, there are some methods and products to avoid entirely.

• Never use ultrasonic, steam cleaners, detergents, baking soda, bleaches or any ammonia-based cleansers.
• Avoid commercial jewellery cleaners, unless they are specifically made for pearls.
• Avoid using toothbrushes, scouring pads or abrasive materials when cleaning pearls, as they can get scratched easily.

Storing Your Pearls

Storing your pearls effectively helps them retain the moisture level they require to look their best.

• Avoid storing pearls in plain boxes, or where the air is too dry or hot. Never wrap them in cotton or wool.
• Keep and store pearls separately from other jewellery to avoid scratching.
• Once a year have a Jeweller verify that the pearls on your jewellery are securely mounted or that the string is still strong.

Wearing and Handling Pearls

Wearing your pearls can be an effective maintenance step in itself. However, there are a number of tips related to handling and wearing pearls that can help maintain their appearance while they are being worn. 

• Take pearl rings and bracelets off before doing any washing, swimming, gardening or doing housework. pearls like clean water, but excessive moisture can make settings loose, particularly Pearl rings.
• Avoid wearing Pearl Strands when the string is wet, because it attracts dirt that is hard to remove.
• Apply perfume before wearing any Pearl jewellery.
• When taking off a Pearl ring, grasp the shank or metal part rather than the Pearl itself.

Why Care is Required for Pearls

Pearl jewellery brings with it a set of unique characteristics requiring special care. Pearls are made using a living organism containing calcareous crystals, which are sensitive to chemicals and acids. This sensitivity is the reason that pearl necklaces and rings can be lubricated while they are in contact with your skin.

Another unique characteristic of pearls is that the gems contain water and protein, both of which require frequent exposure to the open air. These unique properties of pearls make them an ideal choice for jewellery you wish to wear frequently. 

However, while pearls are more resistant to natural elements, they require special care and maintenance to ensure they do not deteriorate. Chemicals including household cleaners and cosmetics can negatively impact the appearance of your pearl jewellery. 

Dehydration is another risk with pearl jewellery. When the moisture content of your pearls decreases, the gems take on a yellowed appearance, which reduces their aesthetic appeal significantly.

How do you clean pearls that have yellowed?

In order to clean pearls that have a yellow appearance, use the same methods you would to clean the jewellery normally. When outlining steps on how to clean pearls that have yellowed, some guides mention using nail polish remover or another chemical to remove the yellowing. 

However, as the yellowed appearance is the result of dehydration and not another form of damage, cleaning using household chemicals could actually deteriorate the appearance of the pearl further.

How Do I Clean Pearls Professionally?

Volle Jewellery is an established flagship store located in Sydney’s CBD. Our collection includes a number of different types of pearls, opals and pink diamonds crafted into exquisite jewellery. We are also able to help you clean your pearls professionally and inspect them regularly to keep them looking beautiful for years to come.

To learn more about how to clean pearls, and to select a stunning piece of jewellery from our collection, please visit our Sydney store.