How to Care for your Pearl Jewelry:

A staple in jewelry boxes across the world, the pearl is a classic gemstone that stays in style through the ages.  However, while their look may be timeless, a pearls luster is not.  Pearls require special care in order to maintain their soft glow.  By practicing the correct day to day care, cleaning regimens, and storage techniques, you will be able to keep your pearls in quality condition for years to come.

Day to day care: Pearls should be the last thing you put on when getting ready in the morning and the first thing you take off when you get home at night. As a natural gemstone, pearls are susceptible and easily damaged by hair sprays, perfumes, lotions, and any other kind of beauty product used in your beauty regimen. Once you remove your pearls for the day, it is good idea to gently wipe them with a soft polishing cloth.

Keep in mind, if your pearls come in contact with any type of acid during the day (sweat, perfume, vinegar, juice, etc.) you should immediately wipe them down. Be proactive about keeping your pearls clean, and they will last much longer!

Cleaning:

The only thing you need to clean your pearls is a soft polishing cloth. You can wipe down your pearls after each use to ensure that all acids are removed, which will help maintain your pearls luster for much longer.

If a polishing cloth is no longer working, applying a small amount of baby shampoo and rubbing very gently with a soft cloth or brush will do the trick. Avoid using cleaning solutions with harsh chemicals, as these will immediately strip the pearl of its shine and luster, and make sure to use distilled water. Also be sure that the brush or cloth that you use is soft to avoid scratching the surface of your pearls. Once cleaned, dab your pearls dry with your polishing cloth. Make sure not to leave any water or soap residue on your pearls. Remember, never use jewelry cleaning solutions or ultrasonic cleaners, as these are too harsh for your pearls.

Storing your Pearls:

Pearls should be stored separately from other jewelry to avoid scratching. Since pearls have such a delicate surface, any contact with other jewelry could leave marks and scratches. The best place to keep your pearls is in a separate pearl pouch made of velvet or satin in order to best avoid scratching. Also make sure that you do not keep your pearls in excessively dry conditions, as this will dehydrate your pearls and cause them to fracture. Lastly, make sure your pearls are stored out of reach of direct sunlight, as this will cause your pearls to turn yellow.

Pearls are a precious gift and timeless keepsake that should be passed down from generation to generation. In order to make this possible be sure to follow the steps above!