How To Care For Your Pearls – Simple Cleaning Methods You Should Know

Pearls are amongst the most exotic pieces of jewelry in existence. They are sweet, warm, lovely, and dainty! Whenever you think of pearls, there’s a high chance that the royal family is what comes to mind and believe it or not, you’re not the only one! This is because, for centuries, pearls have been a symbol of spiritual purity, integrity, and royalty. In addition to this, pearls symbolize nature, protection, and are believed to attract wealth.

That aside, how you care for your pearls will make a huge difference in their appearance because pearls are delicate. In addition to this, unlike other pieces of jewelry, they require a special type of care. Whether your pearls are a family heirloom, a new investment, or a gift from a loved one, caring for these precious pieces of jewelry may depend on the type you have. If you compare here, you can easily tell which type of pearls you have between Akoya and Freshwater pearls. This will enable you to keep them clean and in good shape, despite the various elements, impacts, and conditions they may be exposed to. On this note, below are some pearl care tips and simple cleaning methods you should know.

1. Determine Your Type of Pearls

Before you get busy cleaning your pearls, it’s of utmost importance that you determine the type of pearls you have. This is because there are different types of pearls and they may require different cleaning techniques. Pearls are extraordinary sea treasures and every woman’s dream. Now, you just don’t want your cleaning efforts to be the ruin of your most expensive jewelry investment. The first thing you want to do is have a deeper understanding of your pear collection. Below are different types of pearls and the different techniques to clean them.

• Natural Pearls – As the name suggests, these are natural pearls found in the Persian Gulf and are among the rare pearls that exist today. In addition to this, they are the most expensive pearls and yet the smallest of pearls. Given their fragile and sensitive nature, it’s important to avoid the use of any products unless it’s a pearl cleaning product. In addition to this, steer clear from ultrasonic cleaners as they damage your natural pieces of jewelry. Only use a soft, gentle cloth to wipe them clean.
• Tahitian Pearls – These are the most exotic of pearls formed by the black-lipped oyster and perhaps the reason they have a black lustrous color. They can also be found in purple, blue, green, and gray colors. These pearls can be better cleaned using a dry clean cloth using gentle cleaning movements.

The above are just a few of the different types of pearls that exist today. If you’re unsure of the cleaning method to use, you can always contact pearl professional cleaners.

2. Pearl Care and Maintenance

High-quality pearls are very durable, which is perhaps one of the main reasons you may want to hire pearl cleaning experts to better care for your investment. Proper care and maintenance will help preserve your treasured pearls for a long time and help in preventing damage. Below are tips on how to care and maintain pearls:

• Dedicate a storage space meant for pearls only
• Wear your pearls as often as you can as they’ll benefit from the natural oils from your skin. Exposure to the environment also does them a lot of good.
• Keep household chemicals away from pearls
• Take off your pearls when cooking in the kitchen
• Some beauty products can damage pearls, so be sure to minimize exposure

3. How to Store Pearls

Like their places of origin, pearls are best stored in secluded places. In addition to this, it’s important to avoid mixing them with other jewelry. Over time, pearls may pick up oils or moisture depending on how well you store them. One thing to note and perhaps you already know about this is that pearls are made by oysters. Pearls’ surfaces are made of nacre, a similar substance to the enamel – the substance covering your teeth. Like enamel, the pearl’s surface can be damaged by exposure to acidic matter. How you store your pearls can make a huge difference in their longevity and ultimately their appearance. Below are various ways on how to store pearls.

• Keep away from extreme heat or cold
• Invest in pearl storage containers
• Do not hang your necklace pearls
• Wrap your pearls with a clean soft cloth

Finally, pearl cleaning is a delicate process. While pearls are resilient, they are especially prone to scratches and breakages. For pearl owners who don’t have the time or the know-how to clean their pearls, this piece has already offered useful insights on how to clean pearls. Nonetheless, your pearls, being an expensive investment, will be in the good hands of an expert cleaner who has all that it takes to clean your pearl necklaces and earrings.