To brighten pearls, gently clean them with a soft, damp cloth and mild soapy water, then rinse and air dry, as regular wear and cleaning remove dullness; for deep yellowing, professional restoration is best, but regular cleaning with natural oils from skin helps maintain luster, while avoiding harsh chemicals like alcohol-based perfumes prevents damage.
Professional cleaning: If your pearls are heavily soiled or discolored, or if you haven't cleaned them in a long time, it may be necessary to have them professionally cleaned by a jeweler or pearl specialist. This can help to remove stubborn buildup and restore the pearls' natural beauty.
Can Yellowed Pearls Be Whitened? Yes, but only gently and gradually. Pearls that have gone yellow over time can sometimes be lightened with careful cleaning. Use a soft cloth and mild soap solution — never bleach, baking soda, or vinegar, as they will damage the nacre.
Cleaning Your Pearls
After wearing your pearls, it's advisable to softly wipe them with a damp, soft cloth. This gentle action effectively eliminates any dirt, oils, or perspiration that might have accumulated on the pearls throughout the day.
If your pearls are visibly stained, you can mix a solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap, dip a soft cleaning cloth in it and wipe the pearls. Do NOT submerge a pearl necklace in water, as it will weaken the silk thread. 3. Let them dry all the way before storing.
The organic structure that gives rise to a pearl's lustre and colour may be damaged by intense light or heat, pollution, acidity from cosmetics and perspiration. We do not recommend wearing pearls in swimming pools or saunas as heat, chlorine and other chemicals can damage the pearl or its setting.
This includes items, such as baking soda and vinegar. The chemicals present in these natural cleansers could eat into the outer layer of the pearl and cause irreversible damage. Avoid cleaning the stone with a toothbrush or any other abrasive material as they could potentially scratch the surface of the gem.
It was Jackie Kennedy who said 'pearls are always appropriate,' meaning that they suit all occasions and all outfits. Indeed pearls are still worn by many brides on their wedding days and feature in most jewellers' windows today.
Pearls that have not been taken care of properly will deteriorate over time. Here's some tips for keeping pearls looking their best.
Do not under any circumstances soak your pearls in water and hydrogen peroxide solutions, water and bleach, etc. These are all harsh bleaching agents that dry out the nacre and will cause the pearl to disintegrate, and we all will be very sad.
Stack a single strand pearl necklace with gold chains or mix different lengths and textures. Layering turns pearls from conservative to cool — especially when styled with casual outfits like a graphic tee and jeans.
The sad reality is that old, second-hand cultured pearls aren't worth a lot. There's no obvious place to sell them and you won't get much from a jeweller or by putting them on eBay. Our advice is to keep them as a memento or give them to someone who'll appreciate them.
Pearl Cleaning
From £20. Price is dependent on the item and the amount of work that is required. Contact us for a personalised quote.
For jewelry that shouldn't be cleaned with Dawn, consider these alternatives: Pearl Jewelry: Wipe with a damp cloth and store separately to avoid scratches. Opal & Emerald Jewelry: Use a dry, soft cloth to gently polish the surface. Costume Jewelry: A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth is often enough.
Diana's love for pearls started early in her life. While her school friends often wore diamond studs, the future princess usually chose pearls. At the age of 15, Lady Diana Spencer was first seen wearing a pair of simple pearl earrings; she wore them as a bridesmaid at her sister's wedding.
“A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” - Coco Chanel.
People with strong or negative Mars, Saturn, or Rahu in their horoscope should avoid wearing pearls. Pearl also doesn't go well with gemstones like Gomed (Hessonite), Lehsunia (Cat's Eye), or Neelam (Blue Sapphire). If you're unsure, always get your horoscope checked before wearing a pearl stone.
Pearls should never be cleaned in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. It's safe to use warm, soapy water for occasional, thorough cleaning. If the pearls are strung, be sure the string is completely dry before wearing. For routine care, it's best to wipe cultured pearls with a very soft, clean cloth after each wearing.
You don't need any fancy tools or expensive products to clean pearls. Just a few gentle, everyday items like gentle soap (such as mild dish soap), mixed with lukewarm water is enough to gently clean visible stains.
Never clean your pearls with anything containing chlorine bleach, vinegar or ammonia (including Windex). All will harm pearls. Avoid anything other than water and soap (not detergent). Never expose your Pearls to dish or laundry detergents, bleaches, powdered cleansers, or baking soda.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Cleaning Your Pearls
Throughout history, pearls have been favored by royalty, nobility, and the elite as symbols of status, prestige, and refinement. In medieval Europe, pearls were worn by kings, queens, and aristocrats as symbols of wealth and power.
You can take a couple of strands of your Pearls and lay them on top of the soil. Use some garden pins to pin them down, so they are touching the soil. Within a few weeks, these will send new roots down into the soil, and your pot will appear full and beautiful again!