The best way to clean pearls is gently, using a soft, damp cloth after each wear, and for deeper cleaning, a mild solution of baby shampoo or mild soap with lukewarm water, wiping gently and rinsing well, then allowing them to air dry, avoiding harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and submerging them to protect their delicate surface and silk stringing.
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.
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.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid During Cleaning Your Pearls
Wondering how to clean pearls that have yellowed? Start by mixing distilled water with mild soap in a 1:10 ratio and soaking the pearls in this solution for 5-10 minutes. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe them clean, and a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach any crevices.
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.
Can you clean your pearls with baking soda? No. Baking soda is abrasive and can damage the delicate nacre of the pearl, causing it to dull or scratch.
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 direct contact with cosmetics: Perfumes, hairsprays, and lotions contain chemicals that can dull the luster of your pearls. Always apply cosmetics before wearing your pearl jewelry. Wipe them down after each wear: After a day of wearing your pearls, gently wipe them with a soft cloth to remove oils and dirt.
Take a half a cup of white vinegar and mix it with two tablespoons of baking soda in a shallow bowl. After mixing the solution so that the baking soda is dissolved well, you can place your jewelry in the bowl and leave it there for 2 to 3 hours. When your jewels are nice and clean, rinse them and dry with a cloth.
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.
Pearl earrings can get wet occasionally, but they don't like it. Repeated exposure to water will shorten their life and dull their shine. Pearls are organic gemstones made from layers of nacre. That nacre is both delicate and slightly porous.
How to Clean Pearls
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 that have not been taken care of properly will deteriorate over time. Here's some tips for keeping pearls looking their best.
Pearl Cleaning
From £20. Price is dependent on the item and the amount of work that is required. Contact us for a personalised quote.
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.
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.
Cleaning Your Pearls
After each wear, gently wipe your pearls with a soft cloth, like a microfiber cleaning cloth or chamois, before storing. Perspiration and the skin's natural oils can damage a pearl's luster.