How to Clean Pearls

A lot of people wonder the best way to clean their pearls jewelry. Our experienced GIA Certified Jeweler Nick shares shares some “jewels of wisdom” on the subject.

Cleaning your Pearls

Pearls require proper care to retain their beauty and luster. They should be kept away from perfumes, cosmetics, perspiration, chlorine, vinegar, ammonia, and dirt. We recommend you put them on last, after hair products and perfume. Pearls should be removed before exercising to protect them from perspiration. After wearing, gently wipe them with a slightly damp cloth.

Wash pearls periodically with mild soap (not detergent) and a soft cloth. Rinse pearls in clean water and wrap them in a thin, damp cotton towel to dry.

To prevent scratches, pearls should be stored away from other objects in the storage pouch provided. However, do not store them in an airtight package such as a plastic bag. Opals and pearls require humidity. When storing them, make sure the environment is not too dry or they may crack.
We advises against using an ultrasonic cleaner, steamer or other “at home” jewelry cleaning chemicals (including bleach, ammonia, baking soda and aluminum foil) on gemstones. They should only be cleaned with diluted mild dish soap and warm water (see above for clean instructions).

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