Pearls turn black due to absorption of oils, chemicals (perfumes, hairspray, sweat), or improper storage, causing a reaction within their porous structure, while String of Pearls plants turn black from overwatering (root rot), lack of sunlight, or pest infestations, leading to mushy, dead "pearls". For jewelry, gentle cleaning and careful storage in soft pouches is key; for plants, ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and water only when dry.
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. In fact, using the wrong cleaning supplies can actually do more harm than good.
Unlike gemstones such as diamonds or sapphires, pearls are organic in nature. This means they are more vulnerable to environmental factors and ageing. Pearls can lose their lustre, develop a yellowish tint, or become brittle over time. However, this process largely depends on how they are stored and maintained.
If your Pearls are shriveled, wrinkly and dry this is normally due to a watering issue. They're thirsty! However if they are shriveled and soft, squishy or mushy, that's overwatering.
Stunted slow growth accompanied by yellowing leaves is also a symptom. Leaves falling off often accompanies this symptom. If your plants have yellowing leaves and old leaves, as well as new leaves that are falling at the same accelerated rate, you are overwatering.
Pearls can age because they are made of biological materials. They might lose their shine, peel, or break down over time. Pearl jewelry, on the other hand, can keep its beauty and shape for hundreds of years if it is stored and cared for properly. Wearing pearl jewelry is probably the best way to keep it in good shape.
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.
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.
The only naturally black pearls on the planet are from the Tahitian family of gems. Black Tahitian pearls get their color naturally and come from the French Polynesian waters.
Pearl Cleaning
From £20. Price is dependent on the item and the amount of work that is required. Contact us for a personalised quote.
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.
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.
Who Should Avoid Pearl? Pearl may not suit everyone. 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).
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.
Pearls are making waves again in the fashion world, and 2025 is shaping up to be their boldest year yet. If you're curious about the latest pearl jewelry trends 2025, this guide will help you navigate the season's must-haves and the styles to leave behind.
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.
You can try to sell your pearls locally
Pawn or consignment shops: Selling through a pawn shop will probably get you your money quickest, but you'll also likely get the least amount of money for your pearl in this way. A consignment store near you may be fruitful, but a lot of work and time.
Look for these common symptoms of root rot:
Feel the Soil: The simplest way to gauge your plant's watering needs is by feeling the soil. Turns out that old trick of sticking your finger into the soil up to the knuckle has merit! If it's soggy or has standing water, you're overwatering. If it's dry an inch below the surface, it's time to water.
If the plants are showing some yellowing and you know they have been watered too much, but they haven't started to wilt while wet, simply start following proper watering techniques (Click Here) and your plant should bounce back. Hold off on any application of fertilizer until you see new growth.