How to clean pearls, taking care of your jewelry
For many of us, wearing jewelry is an essential part of getting ready, with necklaces and bracelets, rings and cufflinks being staples of a finished look.
Whether worn for sentimental, symbolic, or purely aesthetic reasons, accessories can be a subtle way to express parts of your identity and personality, while helping to build and elevate your own personal style.
While some costume jewelry is purchased and thrown away after just one wear, investment pieces, like our Majorica pearls , can be worn for a lifetime if properly cared for.
In this article we will explore why jewelry care is so important and discuss best practices when it comes to maintaining the unique beauty of organic, handcrafted pearls. We will teach you the basic tips for cleaning your pearl necklace , or any Majorica pearl jewelry.
Read on to find out how to clean your pearls properly and discover our tips on how to keep your Majorica pearl jewellery looking its best.
Why should I clean my jewelry?
We clean our homes, cars, and clothes, so why do so many people forget to clean their jewelry ?
The inherent nature of jewellery means that it is typically worn in close contact with the skin for weeks, months and sometimes even years. This means that it can accumulate a significant amount of dirt as time goes on, which is not always visible.
Aside from looking dirty and detracting from the beauty that drew you to the jewelry in the first place, it can also be quite harmful as it can attract bacteria and germs that can be harmful to both you and the jewelry.
While cleaning and polishing your jewelry keeps it free of any unwanted bacteria or dirt, it also restores it to its former glory and keeps your favorite pieces looking their best. When you wear something every day, it's very easy to get used to it and forget what it originally looked like.
Without regular cleaning, stones can lose their shine, silver can oxidize, and the overall design can end up looking quite dull.
This means that if you wear your pearls frequently, it is beneficial to have a regular cleaning routine .
Cleaning Majorica pearls: where to start?
Although pearls have the potential to last for decades , they are quite unique in their structure as they are alkaline, making them very vulnerable to certain chemicals.
As such, a simpler approach to maintenance is best, where warm soapy water or a damp cloth works best.
First, gently clean the pearls delicately , making sure to target hard-to-reach areas that need attention.
Once they have been thoroughly rinsed, lay them flat on a towel to air dry and avoid using heat. Once it has been checked that no water remains on them, they should be carefully wiped with a soft cotton cloth or chamois . This can help to remove dirt, whilst enhancing their natural shine and restoring their famous iridescent appeal.
If your pearls are on a necklace, make sure it is completely dry before wearing, as moisture can cause them to stretch.
Storing Your Pearls: The Best Way to Keep Your Pearls Safe
As with many things in life, prevention is better than cure!
Although it can be difficult to completely protect pearls from any damage, a simple yet effective way to help ensure their longevity is by storing them properly . Pearls are very soft, which means they can be easily scratched. Therefore, they should be protected from contact with harder objects such as metal or harder stones and handled with care.
When not in use, pearls should ideally be stored in a cloth bag or wrapped in a soft cloth. Once this is done, place your pearls in a secure jewelry box or store them in a container that is in a safe place. This will protect them from any scratches and keep them free from dust particles.
It's also worth remembering that pearls are partly water, meaning that keeping them moist can help with pearl stability. Too much heat from bright light, heat sources, or sunlight can lead to discoloration and even surface cracking.
As such, it is important to keep them away from excessive heat , direct sunlight, and excessively dry environments.
Avoid harsh chemicals
As mentioned above, pearls are alkaline, making them especially vulnerable to certain chemicals that can damage pearls.
This means that you should be careful about how you wear them and never use harsh cleaning detergents on them. For example, certain perfumes have the ability to erode or damage the outer layer of the pearl, while splashes from harsh substances such as bleach, nail polish remover, detergent, and even some foods can stain and negatively affect the appearance and longevity of your jewelry.
Therefore, it is worth knowing when to wear pearls and taking precautions to protect them from any potentially harmful substances.
Majorica Pearls – Discover the Collection
From delicate pearl necklaces and classic pearl earrings , to contemporary bracelets , rings and pendants , we have years of experience creating unique jewelry pieces that highlight the stunning beauty of pearls .
With a 10-year guarantee on all our products, you can rest assured that any piece you invest in will last you for years to come and be the accessory that helps you get through some of life's most memorable milestones.
Other questions about how to clean pearls
How to restore the shine of pearls?
How to lighten pearl necklace?
Just as we used to restore the shine of pearls, we used a cloth with water and a few drops of soap. The soap must be mild and fragrance-free so as not to damage the pearl. Once we have rubbed all the pearls, we will use a damp cloth to remove any soap residue, and then a dry cloth to make the jewellery look like new.
