The Do’s and Don’ts of Pearl Care

THE DOS

•   Always remember that your pearls should be the last thing you put on when dressing and the first thing you take off when you get home
•   Only use jewelry cleaners that are labeled as safe for pearls
•   Store pearls wrapped in a soft cloth or pouch, protected from all abrasive objects
•   Wipe pearls with a soft cloth moistened with water
•   Remove pearls when applying hair spray or perfume; both can damage pearls
•   Be aware of the fabrics you wear with your pearls; fabrics like Shetland wool can damage pearls

Always remember that you are wearing a gift from the sea and the better care you take of your pearls, the longer they will maintain their warm glowing luster.

THE DON’TS

•   Never use a toothbrush, scouring pad or other type of abrasive material to clean pearls
•   Never expose pearls to dish or laundry detergent, bleach, powdered cleanser, baking soda or ammonia-based cleaner such as Windex
•   Never use an ultrasonic cleaner
•   Never steam clean pearls
•   Never use tarnish remover or other type of jewelry cleaner advertised on television as a ‘miracle cleaner’
•   Never store pearls in any type of plastic bag; plastic can emit a certain chemical that will cause the surface of the pearl to deteriorate
•   Never leave pearls near a direct source of heat such as a fireplace mantle, television or stove
•   Never store pearls in a very dry room or safe deposit box for a long period of time; pearls need moisture, just like your skin, so they do not dry out