by Elizabeth Simpson
How to Keep Your Pearls Clean Without Ruining Them
It truly does not get much more classic than pearls. Jackie Kennedy was famous for her triple strand and These exquisite keepsakes manage to be dainty and sweet, yet bold at the same time. (This might explain why they’re a popular choice for weddings!) Cultured pearls are quite delicate and require the right kind of care. They can’t be maintained the same way as other jewelry. How to Care for and Clean Your Pearls 1. After every wear, make sure to wipe your pearls with a soft cloth. This care helps prevent any buildup of skin oils or other substances that may have come into contact with your pearl jewelry as you wore it. 2. Clean with a soft, damp cloth only when needed. If your pearl strand has individual pearls that are visibly stained, you can mix together some lukewarm water and mild dish soap or baby shampoo. Then, dip a soft cloth in the solution and wipe the pearls. Don’t ever submerge a pearl necklace in water, as it will cause damage that will weaken the silk thread. 3. Let your string of pearls dry completely before storing. Again, this will help to preserve the delicate nature of the silk string. 4. Take them to your jeweler once a year. While you should wear your pearls often, all that body oil doesn’t do the silk they are threaded on any favors. Make sure to have your jeweler check the integrity of your pearl bracelets and necklaces at least once a year. They can also give them a thorough, safe cleaning. Click here to make an appointment for a cleaning. Never clean pearls with a steam or ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. Both of these methods are extremely likely to damage the outer layer of the pearl. Overall, they don’t require much more care than a house plant, and your pearls will bring you joy for many years!
