Care for Pearl

Care for Pearl

The pearl has a hardness of 2.5 in the MOHS scale of hardness. This means that the pearl is very soft and that the stone can easily be scratched or abraded. It is for this fact that reasonable care must be given for pearl jewelry. Here’s how to properly clean pearl jewelry:

  1. Use a soft clean cotton cloth and dip it in lukewarm soapy water. Wipe the dirt off gently. Only wash with soap when there are visible stains. Otherwise, clean with damp cloth only when needed.
  2. Prioritize the method of cleaning a pearl when the jewelry is mixed with other materials (i.e. a pearl ring with a gold setting, since gold is far more durable compared to pearl, the pearl should dictate the methods and products to be used).
  3. Wipe a second time with a damp white cotton. Make sure to remove all the soap to avoid dimming the pearl’s luster. 
  4. Dry very gently with a soft white cloth. Wait until they are completely dry before storing.  

Avoid:

  1. Using detergents, dishwasher soap, and other washing liquids when cleaning pearl jewelry.
  2. Using jewelry cleaners unless specifically stated that it can be used for pearls.
  3. Using perfume, creams, and hair sprays when wearing the pearls.
  4. Using abrasive brushes or cloth to clean them. 
  5. Hanging them. Always store your pearls flat to prevent its string from breaking. 
  6. Wearing and storing it in a high temperature location 
  7. Bathing and swimming with pearls. Submerging them can cause damage to the stringing material.
  8. Cooking while wearing pearls. Kitchen items like vinegar, grease, and lemon juice can ruin the nacre, or iridescent outer layer, of the pearls. Grease and heat can also bring permanent stains on their surface.

Pearls are very delicate in nature and require a great deal of TLC. They can't be cleaned nor maintained the same way as other jewelry. However, one of the easiest ways to take care of pearl jewelry is to wear them often. So, go put on yours and make sure these treasures last a lifetime!