How to Clean Pearls WITHOUT Ruining Them
Quick Recap
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Pearls are beautiful gemstones that are naturally created by mollusks like oysters, which makes them especially delicate and vulnerable to damage.
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Knowing how to clean your pearls the right way is recommended to keep them from getting damaged or ruined.
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You can clean some pearl jewelry yourself at home using mild dish soap and water, and a soft, lint-free cloth, but avoid using chemicals and abrasive tools.
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There are some instances when you should have your pearl jewelry professionally cleaned, including if you can’t remove visible stains and if you wear your jewelry many times per year instead of just on one or two special occasions.
Why Your Pearls Deserve Special Care
Pearls are beautiful, shimmery gemstones created by mollusks that add charm and luster to many types of jewelry, including eye-catching necklaces, rings, bracelets, and more. However, these organic gems are extremely delicate and vulnerable to damage via acidic or alkaline substances, extreme changes in temperature and humidity, exposure to sweat and cosmetics, and other things that can cause them to lose their shine. If you want to know how to clean pearls the right way without damaging them, you’re at the right place. The experts at Jeweler’s Touch in the city of Brea, CA, have some helpful pearl jewelry cleaning tips to prevent diminishing their luster or causing harm to your treasured gemstones.
How to Clean Your Pearl Jewelry at Home: Step-by-Step
It’s easy to clean pearls without ruining them, as long as you know the proper method to follow. Here are the steps you can use at home to clean your pearl earrings, necklaces, and other pearl jewelry correctly.
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Step one: Mix a very small amount of mild dish soap with lukewarm water in a clean bowl, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage your pearls.
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Step two: Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with the solution and wring out any excess, then gently wipe each pearl individually without soaking or scrubbing them.
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Step three: Take another soft cloth and dampen it with clean water, then gently wipe each individual pearl again to remove excess soap from the surface.
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Step four: Air dry your pearl jewelry by laying it on a dry, soft cloth, and make sure it’s fully dry before storing it and wearing it again.
Things to avoid when caring for pearl jewelry
While knowing how to clean your pearl jewelry the right way is important, knowing what cleaning methods to avoid for pearls is just as important. Follow these tips so you’re aware of what to avoid when cleaning and caring for your beautiful pearl jewelry.
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Never submerge pearls in water, including when you’re swimming, showering, or doing the dishes, as this can damage the epoxy that secures pearls to the mountings and the silk string that holds them together, causing the string to stretch and/or break.
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Avoid using harsh substances like vinegar, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, or chemical bleach when cleaning your pearls.
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Don’t use abrasive cleaners to clean pearl jewelry, and stick to mild dish soap and water instead.
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Keep your pearls away from jewelry and other objects that could scratch or damage them.
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Never store pearls in a plastic bag or other airtight containers, as this can cause the pearls to become brittle and crack if they get too dry.
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Don’t use a toothbrush or scouring pad to clean pearl jewelry, because these items are too harsh and abrasive on the pearls’ delicate surface.
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Ultrasonic and steam jewelry cleaners should be avoided, as these can damage the pearls.
What Storage and Wearing Habits Help Your Pearls Last Longer?
Knowing how to clean your pearl jewelry the right way is vital to protect it from damage, but knowing how to store and wear pearl jewelry correctly is equally important. Here are some helpful pearl care and maintenance tips to help you protect your investment.
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Always put your pearl jewelry on after applying makeup, spraying perfume, or using hairspray to prevent the pearls from coming into contact with these items, which can damage the surface and dull their luster.
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Place pearl jewelry in a soft pouch or wrap the jewelry in soft cloth or linen for protection.
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If you need to store your pearls in a hot location or a safe deposit box, place them near a damp cloth.
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Don’t wear pearl jewelry to the beach, because sand and salt water can damage the finish.
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Take off your pearl jewelry before swimming and exercising, as both water and perspiration can damage the pearls’ finish.
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Keep pearl jewelry away from direct sunlight and extreme heat, which can dry them out and cause cracking.
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Don’t hang pearl necklaces to store them, because this can stretch out the delicate silk string and cause it to break.
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Although pearls are delicate, you should wear them as often as possible, because frequent use prevents them from drying out.
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Whenever possible, gently clean your pearl jewelry after each time you wear it.
What Service Can You Get from Jeweler’s Touch?
The team at Jeweler’s Touch offers a range of professional services for all of your most treasured jewelry. Our expert goldsmiths and GIA gemologists are available to provide expert repairs and formal appraisals. We also provide professional cleaning for your pearl jewelry and other fine jewelry to keep it clean and shiny for years to come. Our fully-trained jewelry experts take extreme care and caution when repairing and cleaning all types of jewelry, from stunning pearl rings and earrings to necklaces, bracelets, and more.
Keep Your Pearls Beautiful with Professional Cleaning at Jeweler’s Touch
The best way to keep your pearls beautiful for a long time is to use a professional pearl cleaning service near me, like the trusted team at Jeweler’s Touch. We recommend having your pearl jewelry inspected and thoroughly cleaned once a year. You may also want to restring your pearl jewelry every two or three years, or every year if you wear it more frequently. To shop for new pearl jewelry or to have your current jewelry professionally cleaned, visit our showroom or contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wipe pearl jewelry after every wear?
Yes, you should gently wipe your pearl jewelry using a very soft cloth after every wear. Ideally, you should follow the steps we recommend to clean your pearl jewelry each time you wear it for the best results and maximum luster.
How should I clean pearl jewelry when it’s visibly stained?
If your pearl jewelry is visibly stained, use a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water to gently clean it. However, if the stain is still visible, you may need to repeat the process or take it to an experienced jeweler like Jeweler’s Touch for a more robust, professional cleaning.
When should I take my pearls to a jeweler for professional cleaning or restringing?
You should take your pearls to a jeweler at least once a year for professional cleaning. Professional restringing should be done every two to three years, or annually if you tend to wear your pearl jewelry quite often throughout the year.