How to Store and clean Pearls Complete Guide.

Properly storing and clean pearls when you’re not wearing them will help ensure the longevity and beauty of your precious jewels. Here are a few simple tips to help you:

1. Keep pearls away from plastic bags and jewelry boxes. Plastic emits a chemical that can damage or corrode your pearls’ surface. Keep your pearls in a soft chamois cloth or a silk or cotton clutch if possible. To avoid scratches, keep your pearls stored separately from other jewelry and hard metals. If you don’t have a chamois pouch, you can transform a pretty photo-storage box from a craft store or office supplies center by lining the center with a soft color-tested fabric such as felt, velvet, cotton, or satin to safely store your pearls. Make many quarter-sized ventilation holes on the lid to let air circulate and allow your pearls to breathe.
2. Set aside a specific area for storing your pearls. The majority of your other necklaces and bracelets can be hung on a jewelry rack, but pearls, particularly custom pearl necklaces, should be stored flat and separate from other necklaces to avoid becoming tangled. To avoid tangles, always make sure the clasps are closed. A jewelry box with specified compartments or a large jewelry drawer lined with velvet or satin is great. Make sure your valuables are kept in a secure location away from prying eyes and criminals.
3. When traveling, gently wrap your pearls and carry them in a soft-lined pouch. They will be protected from other things or objects by a soft, organic fabric. To avoid the color fading or bleeding onto your pearls, make sure the fabric you chose is 100 percent pure.
4. Keep your pearls in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme heat or cold. To avoid damage from UV radiation, keep pearls out of direct sunlight. Extreme heat might cause your pearls to dry out, resulting in discoloration or brittle nacre, which can lead to breakage.
5. Never keep your pearls in a safe deposit box for an extended period of time. Remember that nacre is an organic material that requires moisture to breathe. Nacre that has grown dry and brittle can peel, split, or discolor. Nacre that has dried out might take on a yellowed or aged appearance.

How to Clean Pearls

Keeping your pearls clean is important for preserving their luster and ensuring they will last a long time in top condition. Cleaning your pearls can be done yourself easily at home without the use of costly products or equipment.

Steps to Clean Pearls

1. Prevention is key: always put your pearls on last and take them off first to keep them clean.
2. Gently wipe your pearls with a moist cloth wipe after wearing them to remove any perfume, makeup, or grime that may have come into touch with them.
3. After wiping them clean, store them safely away from your other jewelry in a dedicated area. If possible, make your own velvet-lined memento box or lay your pearls flat.

What if they need a deep cleaning?

1. If a deeper clean is required, mix a quart of warm, not hot or cold, water with a tiny amount of organic or ecologically friendly dish soap or eco-friendly laundry detergent. After thoroughly mixing the solution, gently rub it over the dirty pearls in a soft circular motion for 15–20 seconds. Pulling or rubbing the pearls too hard will damage them. Vinegar, lemon, or baking soda should not be used since they contain acids that can erode and harm the nacre.
2. Next, gently massage the pearls with a damp clean cloth to ensure that any soap or residue has been removed completely. Wipe the surface of each pearl with the towel, gently massaging it around the pearls.
3. Finally, pat your pearls dry with a clean, dry cloth to absorb any remaining moisture. Lay your pearls flat to dry entirely as the last step. To speed up the drying process, never use a blow dryer. Your pearls will be harmed by excessive heat and pressure.
4. Do not hang your gold padlock necklace, or bracelets to dry in order to keep them in good condition. To avoid weakening or straining the string, keep them on a level surface.
5. Do not clean your pearls with an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. Your pearls will be damaged by the heat, chemicals, and vibrations.
6. Never clean your pearls with common household agents like vinegar, ammonia, bleach, rubbing alcohol, or nail paint remover. Chemicals in those products will eat away at your pearls. Pearls are natural and sensitive to a variety of chemicals.
7. The same procedures can be used to clean metal pieces of your pearl jewelry, such as 14K gold clasps or 14K chains. Metal pieces and chains can be cleaned with a standard jewelry cleaner if necessary. Look for a cleaner that has only natural components and is safe for the environment.