Some Methods To Keep The Luster Of Pearl Jewelry Long Lasting
Pearls look good on every woman. They can complement anything from a plain little black dress to a dramatic wedding gown. If you take good care of them, they can be passed to someone you love and last for many lifetimes. So whether you have natural or cultured ones, continue reading. Below are some essential tips on how you can keep the luster of pearl jewelry for a long time.
Every item should be stored in separate pouches – bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings, etc. Ideally, the pouches should be out of linen, cotton or silk. It’s also fine to place them inside a jewelry box. But make sure they get their own compartment that’s lined. Other jewelry’s metal and gemstone parts can definitely scratch the fine surface of pearls should they rub off against them.
Harsh chemicals can dull their natural luster and even damage their surface. And some of these chemicals are often found in your perfume, hairspray, makeup and other cosmetics which you use. That’s why you should apply them first before you put on your pearl jewelry. After wearing them, wipe with a soft dry cloth to remove any residue of such products on these precious items.
Some fabrics are rough and hard enough to scratch a pearl’s surface. Try to skip wearing pearl jewelry if you intend to sport clothes out of such fabrics. Metal hooks, zippers, buttons, etc. On your garments can also wreak havoc to your fine pieces. When it comes to dressing, your jewelry should be that last thing you put on, and the first thing you take off.
It’s true that skin oils can make pearls more lustrous. But skin acids can cause damage to them. Wiping them is essential right after you take them off. For a more thorough cleaning, you may occasionally use a damp cloth. However, make sure you let them dry completely before putting them in a pouch or jewelry box. Never use cleaning solutions on them other than something that’s made for pearl cleaning.
Before cleaning the house, exercising, or going inside a hot and humid area, make sure you remove them. This will prevent your pieces from unnecessary getting into contact with sweat, dirt and chemicals. As with necklaces, take them off before dipping in the pool. Prolonged exposure to water may weaken the silk string holding the pearls together.
For your necklace, it’s best to have them restrung by a professional jeweler about every 1 to 2 years. Often, genuine silk thread will be used, although nylon can be an alternative. See to it that the jeweler knots the string between each pearl. This will prevent them from rubbing against each other. Additionally, it’s a precautionary measure as it will keep every piece from falling in case the string breaks.
The beauty of pearl jewelry never goes out of fashion. They may not be as expensive as diamonds, but they don’t carry cheap price tags either. By properly taking care of these fine pieces, you can enjoy them or even future generations for many years to come.