How to Dye Freshwater Pearls
Traditionally, pearls are white or black. It is possible, however, to dye your pearls. Dying your pearls allows you match them to your clothing, similar to dying shoes to match a dress. By choosing to dye your pearls, not only can you match them to an outfit, but you can also cover imperfections on less than perfect pearls. Dying your own pearls is easy and can be done with store bought dyes or by making your own dyes out of everyday foods.
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Things You'll Need
- Store bought dye
- Coffee filter
- Glass baking dish
- Paper towels
- Pearls
- Slotted spoon
- Water
- Towel
- Double boiler
- White distilled vinegar
- Natural dye (e.g., grape juice, red onion skin, canned blueberries, spinach leaves, golden delicious apple skin, ground turmeric)
Instructions
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Store Bought Dyes
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1
Choose a single soak dye. Mix your store bought dye according to the package directions. Pour the mixed dye through a coffee filter. This will remove any small specks or lumps and help ensure an even finish.
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2
Line the bottom of a glass baking dish with a layer of paper towels. This keeps the pearls off the bottom of the pan and allows for even dye coverage.
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3
Decide if you will dye the pearls on a strand or loose. Place the pearls on the paper towel. Regardless of whether they are linked together or loose, make sure the pearls are separated and do not touch.
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4
Pour your mixed dye into the dish. Do not pour it directly on top of the pearls; you do not want the pearls to move. Use a slow stream of dye to keep from disturbing the pearls. Completely cover the pearls. Leave them to soak until they reach the desired color. Check the color every minute until you have reached the right shade.
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5
Remove the pearls using a slotted spoon and rinse them until the water is clear. Allow them to dry on a clean towel overnight before using.
Natural Dyes
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Decide if you will dye the pearls on a strand or loose. Place the pearls in a double boiler and cover them with clean water and one teaspoon of white distilled vinegar.
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Add your desired natural dye to the mixture and allow it to boil. Natural dyes can be made from things you have around the home. For lavender, use a tablespoon of purple grape juice. For violet, use the skin of one red onion. For blue, add a can of blueberries, undrained. For green, use a pound of spinach leaves. For green-yellow, use the skin of one Golden Delicious apple. For yellow, use a half a tablespoon of ground turmeric. For brown, use a tablespoon of instant coffee. For orange, use the skin of one yellow onion. For pink, use 2 tablespoons of cranberry juice. For red, use the skins of three red onions.
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8
Turn the temperature down and simmer the mixture for 15 minutes before checking the pearls. If you want a deeper color, strain the mixture through a coffee filter to remove the solid particles and place the pearls back in the mixture and allow them to sit, unheated, for three to four hours before checking the color again.
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9
Remove the pearls from the mixture using a slotted spoon and rinse them until the water is clear. Allow the pearls to dry on a clean towel overnight before using.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Record the times you use to soak the pearls if you want to replicate the results.
