How to Care for your Cultured Pearls?
Remember, cultured pearls are precious jewels and should always be treated as such.
Pearls and pearl jewelry should not be exposed to acid-alkali substances and high temperatures. They should also be kept from direct contact with chemical substances such as perfumes, hair spray, lotions and minerals such as oil and salt.
It is also advisable to periodically wear pearls to keep them from drying out. The body`s natural oils keeps pearls lustrous, which is why, in the Orient, it`s said the more you wear them, the more lively pearl jewelry becomes. When washing or bathing, one should remove pearl jewelry. However, if pearl jewelry becomes contaminated with perspiration and dirt, use neutral cleaning detergents to wash and then rinse with clean water. Use a soft cotton cloth for drying.
Pearl Care Do`s and Don`ts:
* Don`t toss them in a purse or jewelry box where they can become scratched.
* Treat your pearls gently; keep them in a chamois bag or wrap them in tissue when storing.
* Don`t expose pearls to acid-based hair sprays, cosmetics or perfumes, or clean them with chemicals or abrasives.
* Do wash them with mild soap and water when you take them off. This will remove any traces of hair spray or perfume.
* When having pearls strung, place a knot between each pearl to avoid abrasion and to prevent loss if the string should break.
Tips to whiten your pearls
Looking for tips to whiten your pearls? Take them to your professional pearl jewelry. It is a rather complicated process and regular jewelers might not even have the capability to do this.
By following the above do`s and don`ts, you can keep your pearls looking nice for a longer period of time before you have to seek the help of a professional.