How to Care for Pearl Jewelry
Diamonds may be your best friend, but pearls can be pretty good pals if you take care of them. Few items set off a wedding gown or a little black dress like pearl jewelry. And pearls are durable. You will have a lovely necklace or a stunning set of earrings to pass down to someone if you care for your pearl jewelry properly. Follow these steps. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Protect your pearl jewelry by placing it in a piece of soft cloth, like cotton, linen or silk. Do not place them in a plastic bag or near a heat source since this can cause your pearls to lose their moisture.
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Clean your pearls with a moistened soft cloth. Never use commercial jewelry cleaner, an ultrasonic cleaning machine or an abrasive material like baking soda or kitchen cleansers.
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Put your pearl jewelry on after you have finished applying makeup, hairspray or fragrances. These substances can leave a fine coating on your pearls that will erode their luster.
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Restring your pearls every 2 years at the jewelry store. The silk threads joining the strand together can wear out. Have the jeweler tie knots in the silk between each pearl to keep the pearls from rubbing against each other. The knots will also keep you from losing all your pearls if the thread should break.
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Take off your pearls if they will be exposed to an activity that could damage them. This includes hard exercise (perspiration can damage them) or work where they might contact dirt or chemicals.
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Be careful when wearing pearls with rough textured fabrics. Some of fabrics, like Shetland wool, can scratch their delicate surfaces.
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Tips & Warnings
Pearls contain anywhere from 2 to 4 percent water. The more water, the higher the luster.
The best way to keep your pearls looking good is to wear them. Your natural body oils help bring out the luster.
Do not wear your pearls when swimming, since the silk threads can get weakened by contact with the water.
Keep pearls from coming in contact with your other jewels. They are much softer than any other gemstone except for coral.
Resources
Comments
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sneedc
Jan 03, 2009
Yes, it's a small price to have them re-strung frequently so as not to lose them. My mikimotos were given to me from grandma over 40 yrs ago when she went to Japan in the 60s. I LOVE THEM! thanks for this advice, it's a pearl of wisdom! 5* -
ManyMusings
Jan 01, 2009
Good advice here.
