How to Clean Black Pearls

Black pearls are one of the most beautiful kinds of jewelry. These pearls are produced by only one species of oyster. In addition only one pearl in thousands of all oysters will be a black pearl. Like other jewelry though, eventually black pearls will need to be cleaned. Special care must be taken when cleaning black pearls as most methods used with other kind of jewelry will ruin them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Black pearls
• Dry or damp cloth
• Chamois cloth
• Small dry towel
• Small moist towel

1. 
    
   Black pearl necklace

   Unhook clasps on the pearls and stretch them out on a dry towel. This will expose all surfaces on one side. The towel will prevent scratches on the pearls.

2. 
    
   Clean soft cloths

   Wipe pearls with a damp wet cloth. Or, a soft dry or chamois cloth can be used. Turn the pearls over and wipe them down the other side. Avoid cloths made of rough or scratchy materials. These will damage delicate surfaces of black pearls.

3. Wrap the black pearls gently in a moist towel and leave undisturbed on a table or counter. When the towel is dry, the pearls will be also. The towel will also protect the pearls as they dry.

4. 
    
   Jeweler

   Clean extra dirty black pearls by taking them to your jeweler for cleaning. The jeweler has special cleaner made specifically for black pearls that cannot be cleaned yourself. This cleaner will not damage the pearls regular jewelry cleaner will. Many jewelry cleaners bought in stores are too harsh for real pearls.Some can even cause the pearls to crack.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid getting your pearls dirty, put them on after you are finished applying hairspray or make up.
• Do not hang your pearls up to dry. It will stretch the string. Never use ultrasonic jewelry cleaners with pearls Never clean black pears with a toothbrush.

Resources

• Types of Black Pearls
• Taking Care of Your Black Pearls