Exquisite Jewelers Miami
How to Clean and Store Pearls
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Did you know that pearls actually become more beautiful when a person wears
them frequently? The natural oils found in our skin actually moisturizes them. This improves their natural patina and milky glow. Pearls are some of nature's most exquisite gems. Created with little interference from humans, pearls have provided its wearers with a classic sense of fashion and beauty for centuries. If you have a set of pearls, consider yourself lucky and wear them often, but make sure you take care of them properly to prevent discoloration, scratches and cracking.
Why Do Pearls Require Extra Care?
Pearls are alkaline and composed mainly of a substance called "nacre." While the color of the nacre is incredibly beautiful, it can begin to deteriorate and yellow if not properly cared for. Due to their alkaline quality, they are also vulnerable when exposed to any type of acidity. Cosmetics, perfumes and some hair products like hair spray can all damage your pearls.
How Can I Avoid Damaging My Pearls?
First, it's important to understand the activities and products that can harm pearls. Since they are vulnerable to acidic environments, pearls should never be worn during a gym work out or during any physical activities that may produce excess perspiration, as this will dull their color. Swimming in chlorine water pools is also not advisable, as it will damage not only the pearl itself, but the silk string that holds them together. Contact with other acidic products like soaps, citrus juices and any type of vinegar is also not advisable, as these products will attack the beautiful nacre finish and begin to break it down.
If you wear cosmetics, perfume and hair products that are toxic to the pearls, try applying all of these items first before putting on your pearls. After completing your beauty routine, make sure to wash your hands before you touch the pearls. This will keep their natural, opaque glow from being tarnished.
What about Wearing My Pearls in Saltwater Pools Or The Ocean?
Pearls that were created in salt water are actually re-hydrated when worn in salt environments, but the silk string that holds them together does not react well to salt. This causes the silk to dry out considerably, and the entire string of pearls will be at risk of falling apart. The clasps on the string will also begin to corrode and leave your string of pearls at risk of falling off, perhaps even without your knowledge.
How Should I Clean And Store My Pearls?
Clean your pearls after each use with a damp, soft cloth, using water only. Lay the pearls flat on a dry cloth to air-dry overnight. Never use any abrasive pads or chemicals on your pearls, as this will break down their coating. Always make sure to let the silk string between the pearls dry out completely before wearing, as it will stretch out and leave your string of pearls vulnerable to breaking. If you wear your pearls daily, it's advisable to let a professional jeweler clean them at least once per year.
To properly store your pearls, put them in a silk or linen cloth or pouch, by themselves. Do not store them with rings or other metal jewelry, because this will scratch their surface. Instead of hanging, always make sure your pearls are lying flat. This will prevent the strand of silk from stretching out. Pearls also need moisture to maintain their natural shine, so storing them in airtight containers will cause them to dry out and crack. Choose a container for your pearls that allows air to reach them. This will keep them from yellowing over time.
Pearls may come with a few more rules than other types of jewelry, but their timeless style and beauty makes caring for them well worth the effort. By being mindful of how to properly wear, clean and store your pearls, you will find that they become more beautiful with each passing year.
Why Do Pearls Require Extra Care?
Pearls are alkaline and composed mainly of a substance called "nacre." While the color of the nacre is incredibly beautiful, it can begin to deteriorate and yellow if not properly cared for. Due to their alkaline quality, they are also vulnerable when exposed to any type of acidity. Cosmetics, perfumes and some hair products like hair spray can all damage your pearls.
How Can I Avoid Damaging My Pearls?
First, it's important to understand the activities and products that can harm pearls. Since they are vulnerable to acidic environments, pearls should never be worn during a gym work out or during any physical activities that may produce excess perspiration, as this will dull their color. Swimming in chlorine water pools is also not advisable, as it will damage not only the pearl itself, but the silk string that holds them together. Contact with other acidic products like soaps, citrus juices and any type of vinegar is also not advisable, as these products will attack the beautiful nacre finish and begin to break it down.
If you wear cosmetics, perfume and hair products that are toxic to the pearls, try applying all of these items first before putting on your pearls. After completing your beauty routine, make sure to wash your hands before you touch the pearls. This will keep their natural, opaque glow from being tarnished.
What about Wearing My Pearls in Saltwater Pools Or The Ocean?
Pearls that were created in salt water are actually re-hydrated when worn in salt environments, but the silk string that holds them together does not react well to salt. This causes the silk to dry out considerably, and the entire string of pearls will be at risk of falling apart. The clasps on the string will also begin to corrode and leave your string of pearls at risk of falling off, perhaps even without your knowledge.
How Should I Clean And Store My Pearls?
Clean your pearls after each use with a damp, soft cloth, using water only. Lay the pearls flat on a dry cloth to air-dry overnight. Never use any abrasive pads or chemicals on your pearls, as this will break down their coating. Always make sure to let the silk string between the pearls dry out completely before wearing, as it will stretch out and leave your string of pearls vulnerable to breaking. If you wear your pearls daily, it's advisable to let a professional jeweler clean them at least once per year.
To properly store your pearls, put them in a silk or linen cloth or pouch, by themselves. Do not store them with rings or other metal jewelry, because this will scratch their surface. Instead of hanging, always make sure your pearls are lying flat. This will prevent the strand of silk from stretching out. Pearls also need moisture to maintain their natural shine, so storing them in airtight containers will cause them to dry out and crack. Choose a container for your pearls that allows air to reach them. This will keep them from yellowing over time.
Pearls may come with a few more rules than other types of jewelry, but their timeless style and beauty makes caring for them well worth the effort. By being mindful of how to properly wear, clean and store your pearls, you will find that they become more beautiful with each passing year.