Key Takeaways
- Before you start pearl care , beware of pearl enemies. Heat, humidity, chemicals, and shock are the main culprits for pearl deterioration. Read the explanation below to understand and keep your pearl jewelry as far away from the elements as possible.
- The normal pearl cleaning process will consist of 3 steps: Small Check, Rinse and Dry. Explore the guide below to understand how to do it and practice it correctly.
Importance of Pearl Care
When we talk about pearls, we often think of their incredible sophistication. However, contrary to what we think, this small shiny ball is extremely fragile.
Unlike diamonds which are both durable and robust or sapphires which are sharp, pearls need to be cared for “gently” and regularly to reveal their full brilliance.
Having pearls that last over time requires pearl care techniques.
Therefore, pearl care is like caring for a child, they require an act of love, almost poetic, and from the heart. Thanks to this, your pearl jewelry does not lose its shine after just a few years but continues to impress for many generations.
And you think that's a bit ridiculous? It's never too hard to be careful! Pearls, despite their refined, luxurious and elegant appearance, are susceptible to everyday hazards – heat, humidity, chemicals, etc.
What Damages Your Jewelry?
You'd be surprised how many seemingly innocuous things can ruin the beauty of your pearl jewelry. Here are some of the most common culprits:
The Heat
Although pearls conjure up images of exotic beaches, they don't like heat all that much. Exposure to high temperatures can cause them to dry out and crack. So, avoid letting your pearls bask in the sun or near a heat source. A sauna is also a no-no! They prefer a mild, temperate environment.
Pearls tarnish easily when exposed to sunlight
Humidity
Excessive humidity or overly dry air isn't good for pearls either. Too much humidity can cause the silk thread that holds your pearls together to swell, while too dry an environment can dry them out. The perfect compromise? A quiet spot away from direct light and moisture.
Getting pearls wet is never a good idea because it starts to destroy the jewelry.
Chemicals
Think about everything you apply on a daily basis—perfumes, creams, hairspray, etc. These products are pearls’ worst enemies. They can dull their shine and, worse, damage the mother-of-pearl. A little tip: put your pearl jewelry on last, after your beauty routine is complete.
Hairsprays, beauty products and perfumes contain chemicals that can dull the luster of your pearls.
The shocks
Yes, pearls are delicate! They can easily be scratched or cracked if handled carelessly. Avoid wearing them during activities that could expose them to shock, and store them separately from other jewelry.
A box with partitions is perfectly suitable for storing pearl jewelry.
Deep Cleaning of Pearls
Now, let's talk about cleaning pearls. Just like humans, pearls also need the spa treatment! Follow these 3 steps to keep your pearls as fresh as the first day:
Step 1: Small Check
Before you begin the pearl care process, make sure they are in good condition. For necklaces and bracelets, take a good look at the thread the pearl is strung on, making sure the thread is not showing signs of weakness and that the clasp opens and closes properly.
If the pearl jewelry thread is loose, it's time to replace it!
Step 2: Rinse
Mix some warm water and a few drops of mild detergent or dishwashing liquid. A small note is that you should check the temperature of this solution because it also greatly affects the cleaning of the pearls. If the water is too hot, it can damage the surface of the pearl.
Use a soft cloth dampened with this solution and gently wipe the pearls. Do not submerge the entire necklace in water as this may weaken the thread. Finally, gently wipe your pearl jewelry with a microfiber cloth.
With just a little warm water, a few drops of dishwashing liquid and a soft cloth,
you will be able to completely clean your jewelry!
Step 3: Drying With Love
Once cleaned, lay your pearls flat to dry on a soft cloth. Avoid dryers or radiators at all costs – direct heat is a big no-no!
How to Protect Your Pearl Jewelry?
Pearls should be stored separately from other jewelry because their smooth surface is easily scratched. You can store them in a silk bag, a velvet-lined box, or in a separate compartment of your jewelry box.
The soft silk fabric will reduce the friction between the beads and the box,
thus reducing scratches.
Never put pearls in plastic bags as chemicals like plastic will deteriorate their surface and gradually darken their color.
Also, keeping it in the box for too long is not a good thing because the dry air without circulation will cause small cracks on the surface of the pearl. Leave them on a flat surface and do not hang them either, as this will slowly stretch the pearl necklace.
What to Avoid to Avoid Damaging Your Pearl Jewelry
Here are some things to avoid to maintain the beauty of pearl jewelry that you should note:
Avoid Wearing Pearl Jewelry When Doing Beauty Treatments
You should not wear pearl jewelry when you have not completed other beauty steps such as hair, makeup, and perfume.
Because pearls are of biological origin, composed mainly of calcium carbonate, they are easily affected by chemicals in cosmetics, hairsprays and perfumes and significantly reduce their quality, as mentioned earlier.
Don't forget to remove them first when removing your makeup at the end of the day!
Chemicals or cosmetics should not be placed near the pearls
because these will become increasingly dull.
Avoid Wearing Pearl Jewelry Too Often
Your pearl jewelry, such as these delicate necklaces and charming earrings, are perfect for everyday wear. However, rings and bracelets are a different story! Imagine your fragile pearls constantly bumping into your work tools or car keys. It's best to save these gems for special occasions.
Pearl jewelry is not suitable for everyday wear because it is too fragile.
Avoid exposing jewelry to high heat
As mentioned before, heat has a negative impact on the quality of pearls, so you should not wear pearl jewelry when you are in the sun, or even when bathing in a hot spring. These things are the sworn enemies of pearls!
Pearls are quite unstable to high heat, so avoid exposing them
at high temperatures to prevent them from cracking!