How to Care for Pearl Jewelry?
Woman touches tender pearl necklace on her neck
Pearls are prized for their exquisite luster and natural charm. However, pearl jewelry is also unique compared to other gemstone jewelry and metal jewelry and requires extra care and attention to maintain its brilliance. As a professional custom jewelry manufacturer with over 15 years of experience, SunriseJewel is committed to not only creating beautiful custom pearl jewelry, but also providing customers with advice on how to preserve these treasures. In this article, we will dive into the best practices for cleaning, storing, and protecting pearl jewelry so that it remains as pristine as possible for the future.
Understanding the Natural Beauty of Pearls
Before delving into the details of pearl jewelry care, it is important to understand the unique properties of pearls. Unlike diamonds, gold, or silver, pearls are organic gemstones formed inside molluscs and are primarily composed of calcium carbonate in the form of aragonite. This makes them softer and more susceptible to damage than other jewelry materials. Pearls have a Mohs hardness of approximately 2.5 to 4.5, which means they can be easily scratched or damaged if not handled properly.
Pearls are also porous on their surface, which makes them susceptible to absorbing oils, perfumes, and other chemicals. Therefore, proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and integrity of your custom pearl jewelry.
Cleaning Pearl Jewelry
Cleaning pearl jewelry requires a gentle touch, as their delicate surfaces can be easily damaged by harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Here’s how to properly clean custom pearl jewelry to maintain its shine:
1. Wipe with a soft cloth after each wear
After wearing your pearl jewelry, gently wipe the pearls with a soft, lint-free cloth. This helps remove any oil, sweat, or residue that may have accumulated while wearing. If you wear pearl earrings or a pearl necklace or pearl bracelet frequently, make it a habit to clean them after each use.
2. Deep Cleaning with Mild Soap and Water
If your pearl jewelry needs a deep clean, use a mild, non-abrasive soap mixed with warm water. Dip a soft cloth in the soap solution and gently wipe the pearls, avoiding soaking the entire piece in water. After cleaning, rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe the pearls again to remove any soap residue. Always place the pearls on a flat surface to air dry to prevent stretching of the pearl necklace or pearl bracelet that is strung by the thread.
3. Avoid using harsh chemicals
Restrain your use of commercial jewelry cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners to clean pearls, as these cleaners have the potential to be too harsh and damage the pearl’s delicate nacre (outer layer). Likewise, avoid using household cleaning products such as bleach or ammonia.
About the storage of pearl jewelry
Proper storage is just as important as cleaning when it comes to extending the life of your custom pearl jewelry. Since pearls are more fragile than other gemstones, unique storage can minimize damage.
Store pearl jewelry separately
About the storage of pearl jewelry
Proper storage is just as important as cleaning when it comes to extending the life of your custom pearl jewelry. Since pearls are more fragile than other gemstones, unique storage can minimize damage.
Store pearl jewelry separately
Since pearls can be easily scratched by harder materials like diamonds, gold, and even other pearls, to prevent scratches, always store pearl jewelry in a soft bag or in a separate compartment in your jewelry box. At SunriseJewel, we recommend using a velvet-lined jewelry box or using a soft cloth bag to cushion the pearls and protect them from wear.
Avoid storing in dry or airtight containers
Pearls need moisture to maintain their luster because they are organic and will dry out over time. Avoid storing pearl jewelry in overly dry or airtight environments, such as safes or plastic bags, as this can cause them to become brittle. Instead, keep pearl jewelry in a room with natural humidity and even wear it frequently because body oils help maintain the pearls’ natural luster.
Last on, first off
Pearls should be the last thing you put on when getting ready and the first thing you take off at the end of the day. This protects your pearls from contact with makeup, hairspray, perfume, or lotion, all of which can damage the surface of your pearls. Always wait a few minutes before wearing your pearls after applying perfume or hairspray.
Avoid Wearing Pearls in Water
Water can weaken the silk threads that hold your pearl necklace or bracelet together. Avoid wearing your pearls while swimming, showering, or engaging in water activities. Salt water and chlorine can also damage pearls, so it’s best to remove your jewelry before any contact with water.
Restring Your Pearls Regularly
Over time, the silk or nylon threads that hold your pearls together can stretch, fray, or weaken. To prevent your pearl necklace or bracelet from breaking, it’s important to restrung them every few years, especially if you wear them frequently. At SunriseJewel, we offer a professional restringing service to ensure your pearls remain safe and beautiful for years to come.
Expert Pearl Jewelry Care at SunriseJewel
At SunriseJewel, we pride ourselves on not only crafting beautiful custom pearl jewelry, but also helping our customers protect their treasures. As a leading custom jewelry manufacturer, we offer a range of professional jewelry care services, including pearl cleaning, polishing, and restringing. Our expert jewelers use gentle, professional techniques to ensure your pearls retain their natural beauty and luster.
