How to Polish Pearls

Pearls make for timeless jewelry. Today, you can wear pearls day or night, with casual wear or formal attire. Cultured pearls have gotten so inexpensive that they have become ubiquitous. Freshwater and natural pearls are more rare; each is unique. Taken care of properly, pearls can last forever. Every woman needs one good set of pearls and should learn how to polish and clean them to retain their value. Read on to learn how to polish pearls.

Instructions

1. Wash pearls with a mild, sudsy soap mixed in warm water. Dunk a clean, lint-free cloth in the soapy water, and rub the pearls with the cloth. Lay them on a clean towel and pat dry.

2. Rub each cultured pearl with a clean, soft cloth before putting them away after each time you wear them. Be careful not to push them too roughly over the string on which they are tied.

3. Ask your jeweler to recommend a cleaning system. He may use an ionized system to clean jewelry. These systems are often available in smaller, home sizes.

4. Keep your pearls polished and in their best condition by putting them on after you have applied make-up and finished with your hair. Cosmetics can be harmful to good pearls.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use nail polish or other lacquer-based products while wearing pearls as it can harm the pearl.

• Have jeweler restring your pearls if you wear and polish them often, more than once a week.

• Never use silver polish on your pearls, whether they are cultured or natural.

• Don't wear pearls while exercising since perspiration contains acidity that can be harmful to pearls.

• Do not immerse pearls in water because it will weaken the string.