How to Clean Pearls

Pearls are the only gems that are made by living creatures. An oyster or mussel creates a pearl by coating the irritant inserted into its shell with many concentric layers of nacre. Those layers give pearls their lustrous, almost translucent appearance. The layers of nacre are extremely thin so pearls need light-touch jewelry care. Everything written in jewelry care about gemstones being affected by chemicals applies to pearls to an even greater extent because of their porous surface. Vinegar and ammonia (contained in some jewelry cleaners) are especially destructive and will eat into a pearl's surface.

Pearls are organic so they contain some moisture. Minute amounts of water trapped within the layers of nacre give pearls their unique translucent depth. Pearls will lose their beauty if kept in a too-dry environment, so do not store them in an airtight plastic bag or in a safe deposit box.

Pearls need moisture but should never be immersed in water. Pearls are created in water so the outer layers would be fine. But, if soaked, water will get into the unprotected inner layers of the pearl through the hole drilled in it and cause damage. It's best to wipe your pearls gently with a damp cloth if they need cleaning.

Pearls are traditionally strung on silk thread, with a knot between each pearl to keep them from rubbing against each other and damaging the nacre. It also keeps the pearls from moving on the thread so the drilled hole in each pearl does not get larger. An additional benefit of knotting between pearls is that if the strand accidentally breaks, only one or two pearls will drop and the rest of the strand will stay intact. As with gemstones strung on silk, the thread will be damaged by getting wet.

The best way to maintain your pearls' luster is to wear them. After you take them off, follow the jewelry care instructions written about how to clean jewelry. When the pearls are dry, wrap loosely in jewelers' anti-tarnish tissue and keep in a gift box or satin pouch for storage.

Taking Care of Pearl Jewelry ~ Summary

• Pearls have a porous surface that is easily affected by chemicals and soft enough to be scratched by a fingernail.
• Pearls need some moisture in the air to maintain their luster.
• Do not ever get pearls soaking wet; that will damage both the pearls and the knotted silk thread they are strung on.
• Wipe gently with a dry or slightly damp cotton cloth after you take the pearls off.
• Store flat in their own protective pouch or box.
• When you see big gaps between pearls, it means the silk thread has stretched (a natural process) and the pearls will need to be restrung.
• Wear pearls for subtle elegance. They will always enhance your enticing glow!