Pearls: Care, Cleaning and Storage (2024)

You can’t go wrong when choosing pearls to compliment any outfit. They are classic but also delicate, meaning they require special care and can’t be treated like any other jewelry in your wardrobe.

A symbol of purity, pearls can make anyone look radiant but be prepared to maintain them with proper cleaning and storage so they retain their natural luster.

Cleaning Your Pearls

Dirt and oil can quickly build up on your pearls, so knowing how to properly clean them is a must. Follow these steps to help them keep their beauty without accidentally hurting their shine and color.

• After every wear, wipe them with a clean cloth.Choosing a soft, cotton material for cleaning is important to prevent anyscratches. This will help remove oil buildup and other substances that come incontact with the pearls while you are wearing them.
• Use a damp cloth only when necessary. If yourpearls become visibly stained, use a solution of lukewarm water and mild dishsoap. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and wipe the pearls gently. However,never submerge them in water as it will weaken the silk thread.
• After cleaning with this solution, wipe them witha damp cloth to get all of the soap off so they don’t lose any luster.
• Let them dry thoroughly before storing to helppreserve the silk thread.
• Avoid using jewelry cleaner unless it specificallystates that it can be used for pearls.
• Take pearls to your jeweler once a year and ask thejeweler to check the integrity of the strand. A jeweler can also give them asafe and thorough cleaning.

Special Storage is Key

Youmay enjoy letting many of your beautiful necklaces and other jewelry pieceshang on display, but pearls require a much different storage solution. Create aspace where your pearls can lay flat, which keeps the thread from stretchingout. This dedicated space should be a fabric-lined compartment that will keepthe pearls protected from scratches. You should even get in the habit ofclosing the clasp before putting them away so the metal doesn’t accidentallycome in contact and scratch one of the pearls.

Most importantly, your pearls need to breathe. Do not use an air-tight storage area and do not keep them wrapped tightly in a plastic bag.

Take Care of Your Investment

Pearls are organic and need to be treated as such. This makes them different from the rest of your jewelry wardrobe and they require slightly different treatment, which includes:

1. To help prevent your pearls from changing color,store them in an area where the air has a little moisture and gentle circulation.
2. Wear them often to help them stay moist andlustrous. They need to remain hydrated to keep their shine, and wearing themoften will prevent them from drying out.
3. Pearls should be your last item on and first itemoff. Put them on as your final touch after getting ready. They are alkaline soany contact with acids such as hairspray, lotions, cosmetics and perfumes candamage them.

Onefinal step in their care and protection might actually be the first thing youshould consider – protect your precious pearls with jewelry insurance. Yourjewelry is unique and so is Lavalier’s insurance coverage. Trust Lavalier to protect what matters most to you and contactus today to get a personalized quote.

References:

1. How to Clean Pearls Safely and Avoid RuiningThem. www.thepearlsource.com. (accessed Mar 20 2019).