To clean real pearls, gently wipe them with a soft, damp cloth after each wear; for deeper cleaning, use a mild soap solution with a soft cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals or scrubbing, then rinse and lay flat to dry completely to protect the silk string and nacre. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, and abrasive materials like toothbrushes, and always apply perfumes/makeup before putting pearls on.
As to cleaning methods, we don't recommend using liquid dish soap to wash pearls, even diluted-- it's too harsh. Dish ``soap'' is actually a detergent. For that matter liquid hand ``soaps'' are also detergents, as are shampoos and shower gels. Detergents generally are too harsh for pearls. Soaps are better.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Cleaning Your Pearls
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.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol. These substances can erode the nacre and cause lasting damage. No Ultrasonic Cleaners: Ultrasonic jewellery cleaners can damage pearls due to vibrations and heat. Always opt for manual cleaning methods.
Reflection: Light rays bounce off the outermost layer of the pearl, giving it its primary shine. Refraction: As light penetrates the pearl, it bends while traveling through the nacre's layers. This bending intensifies the luster, giving it depth.
Unlike other gemstones, they're made of layers of organic materials secreted by a mollusk or oyster to soothe an irritant. Their organic makeup makes them soft and subject to change over time, but with proper care, high-quality pearls can last a lifetime or longer.
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.
Pearl Cleaning
From £20. Price is dependent on the item and the amount of work that is required. Contact us for a personalised quote.
In water, pearls do not float.
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.
The most expensive pearl colors are often deep, rich hues like Golden South Sea (especially 24k deep gold), rare Peacock Tahitian (dark green/blue/purple overtones), and intensely pink or pink-overtoned White South Sea pearls, with value heavily depending on rarity, luster, size, and lack of blemishes, rather than just the base color itself. While white and black are common, specific, saturated, and rare overtones within these categories command the highest prices.
When pearls are not cushioned by a knot between them, that grittiness will make the pearls wear against each other. All this combined for a perfect storm of deterioration. You can see where layers of nacre have flaked away, as well as where it almost looks like "rot" has set in.
Pearls require delicate care to preserve their luster and longevity. Wipe with a soft cloth after each wear and clean gently with mild soap and water—never soak. Store flat in a soft, separate space to avoid scratches and stretching.
To clean it, use a soft, slightly damp cloth or a solution of warm water and soap, then restore its shine with a few drops of vegetable oil. Store separately to avoid bumps and scratches, ensuring the longevity of your mother-of-pearl jewelry.
Wearing your favorite pearl jewelry everyday may mean that it needs to be cleaned from time to time. You can use a very mild, unscented soap and microfiber cloth to gently polish it by hand. Once you're finished, be sure to dry the pearl thoroughly.
Pearl jewellery and pearls are not traded like gold or silver. They are considered elite gemstones and do not have a high resale value, at least as of now. Used pearl jewellery, which is sold for higher prices, is usually that which has been worn by celebrities, queens or antique pieces.
Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200 for a professional appraisal. Insurance appraisals are generally more expensive because they must be done by a certified gemologist and include a more detailed report.
Surface Texture: Real pearls are not perfectly smooth. They often have slight surface irregularities, such as tiny ridges or bumps, due to the natural formation process. Fake pearls, on the other hand, tend to have a flawless, glass-like surface.