The most important things to remember about caring for pearls are to protect them from scratches or abrasion, and keep them out of contact with substances that could cause discoloration or dull their luster.
The following tips about caring for pearls would also apply to mother of pearl or coral jewelry.
WearingThe best way to keep pearls in good condition is to wear them! Pearls are meant to be enjoyed, and the skin's natural oils help to keep them lustrous.
Make sure your skin is clean before you put your jewelry on. Your pearls should be the last thing you put on when you dress up, and the first thing you take off at the end of the day.
Keep pearls well away from hair spray, cosmetics, perfume or other substances that could cause spots or blotches. (That's good advice for all jewelry, not just pearls.) The most harmful substances that many pearls encounter are grooming products!
Don't wear pearls in hot conditions that make you sweat. Natural skin oils are good for pearls, but perspiration is not, as it tends to be somewhat acidic.
Avoid touching your pearls unnecessarily when wearing them, especially while you're eating. Residue from some foods can cause discoloration.
Rings or bracelets are more subject to nicks and scratches than other jewelry items. Reserve them for special occasions, or days when you know you'll be less active. When taking off a pearl ring, do not tug on the pearl but grasp the metal shank instead.
Avoid wearing pearls while taking part in sports or other activities that could lead to bumps or abrasion. I once wore a new pearl necklace for a musical performance and I was already onstage when I realized that my viola would be rubbing against the pearls as I held it to play. Not good!
Don't let pearls rub against fabrics such as coarse tweeds or metallic threads.
Don't wear pearls while swimming or in the hot tub. Chlorine is bad news for fine jewelry, and salt water isn't much better.
StorageA good guideline is to store your pearls in temperature and humidity conditions that would be comfortable for you.
Protect them from extreme heat or dryness. Heat can cause discoloration, and very dry conditions can cause the surface to craze or crack. Don't store them in a safety deposit box for extended periods. The dry conditions that are good for paper documents are not so good for pearls.
Store pearls separately from other jewelry to make sure they don't get scratched by other pieces. A jewel box of their own or a soft cloth pouch is ideal.
Store pearls out of direct light, especially sunlight, but they need to breathe and respond to natural humidity changes so don't store them in an airtight container or plastic bag. Protecting them with bubble wrap for shipping or travel would be an exception, but only for short periods.
Do not hang a pearl strand for storage, as hanging can strech the string.
Pearl strands should be stored flat, and so should pearls mounted on wire, for protection from bending.
CleaningWipe your pearls with a soft, dry cloth after each wearing.
Wash them occasionally, using distilled water and a very mild baby soap or pearl-safe cleaning solution. Use a fine natural bristle brush, and support the strand so as not to stretch the thread. Take care around the drill holes where dirt may collect.
Rinse them in clean distilled water and pat dry with a soft towel. Lay them in the open air until the silk string is totally dry. Don't wear them if the string is wet; a wet string will stretch and attract dirt.
After the pearls have dried, rubbing them with a few drops of olive oil will enhance their luster.
Never use a toothbrush, scouring pad, abrasive material or harsh chemicals to clean pearls.
Never try to clean pearls with an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner.
Never use cleaning solutions designed for gold or silver jewelry.
Never try to steam-clean pearls. The heat can cause discoloration.
StringingFine pearl necklaces or bracelets should be inspected by a jeweler and restrung every year or two. Silk and nylon are most commonly used for stringing pearls; other yarns like cotton deteriorate more easily.
Necklaces are usually strung with a tiny knot between each pearl. This keeps the pearls from rubbing each other, makes the strand hang better, and also reduces loss if the string ever breaks.
Over the YearsIt is natural for pearls to become darker with age and wear, and the color changes that come over time are not reversible. White pearls may become creamy or slightly golden; changes might less noticeable with other colors. You may cause damage if you try to reverse the natural color changes, so if you are the owner of heritage pearls, enjoy them as they are. Fine pearls can bring delight to several generations if they are well cared for.
-- by Elisabeth Archambault,
AmicaJewels.com. Copyright 2008. Used with permission.