How to Clean a Pearl Necklace and Maintain Its Luster

Want to get rid of a dull and lifeless pearl necklace? Proper cleaning of delicate pearl necklaces offers a radiant glow for years. Yet, the wrong cleaning method leads to discoloration and cracking of pearls.

Over centuries, a pearl necklace symbolizes elegance, purity, and wealth. Though pearls are soft and fragile, harsh cleaning destroys the necklace. Besides, pearls are susceptible to body oil, sweat, or chemical damage. Hence, timeless treasures require careful cleaning to enjoy their shine for decades.

Looking for gentle methods to clean pearl necklaces? Scroll through safe and quick ways to clean pearl and maintain a radiant glow.

Why Do Pearls Need Special Care?

Due to organic material and fragile structure, pearls are sensitive to damage. Even exposure to sweat or body oil can fade color and damage luster. Chemicals of perfume or hairspray erode the pearl’s surface.

Further, pearl faces cracks or chips during impact with hard surfaces. To prevent accidental knocks, avoid wearing pearls during sports. Hence, fragile and soft pearls require special care than metal ones.

How to Clean a Pearl Necklace Without Ruining It

Cleaning pearl necklaces without destroying the luster takes a few careful steps. Let’s explore these steps in detail.

Wipe Pearls After Each Wear

While wearing pearl necklaces, sweat or body oil can damage the surface. Even the dust and chemicals in cosmetics cause dullness to the luster. If the exposure to chemicals continues, it can lead to serious pearl cracks.

Wipe the grime with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent surface damage. Try to clean pearls within a minute of taking off to enjoy the shine for years.

Use a Damp Cloth for Deeper Cleaning

The regular cloth keeps dirt in the gap between the two pearls in the necklace. Pick a damp cloth to wipe the gaps of pearls and clean the dirt and chemicals.

In addition, use lukewarm water with drops of mild soap for deeper cleaning. Keep the pearls in soapy water for a few seconds to clean the grime. Avoid dipping the strands into the water to prevent the expansion of silk threads.

Rinse and Dry Properly

If you're using soapy water, wipe for 3-4 times to remove any residues. Use a clean and dry towel to soak out the pearl’s moisture. Though a towel can absorb moisture, lay the strand to let it dry for a few minutes. Never use a dryer, as the hot air can damage the soft pearl's surface.

Avoid Harsh Cleaning Methods

Try the dish soap rather than using corrosive bleach or detergents. Use a soft cloth to avoid scratches on the pearl surface. Rough cloth or hard bristle brush can destroy the conchiolin layers. Damp clothes or soapy water is enough to clean pearls and retain their luster.

How to Store Your Pearl Necklace Properly

Though pearl necklaces are fragile, they require breathable, separate storage. Let’s dig into the storing guide in detail.

Store Pearls Separately

Pearl’s offers a soft, breathable surface requiring a separate storage facility. Try fabric-lined boxes or silk pouches to maintain moisture and retain luster.

Besides, a separate box or pouch can prevent scratches on surfaces from metal jewelry. Further, it keeps your pearl strand safe from perfume or chemical damage.

Avoid Hanging Your Necklace

While hanging a pearl strand, it can stretch the silk or nylon thread. The constant hang of the pearl necklace weakens the thread and causes breakage.

In addition, extreme tension can loosen the pieces of a knotted necklace. Intricate pearl necklace loses its original shape due to prolonged hanging. Hence, keep your pearl strand flat on the boxes or pouches.

Let Pearls Breathe

Pearl contains moisture that keeps the necklace hydrated and maintains luster. Drying of pearl makes the surface brittle and reduces luster.

If you're picking airtight plastic bags, it can dry out the pearls. Even these bags can trap moisture that damages the surface and reduces the pearl’s shine. To increase the humidity, clean the necklace with a damp cloth.

Protecting Pearls from Damage

Extreme heat and temperature can dry out and damage the nacre. Avoid wearing necklaces on hot summer days to prevent drying out. Keep your pearl pieces in cold, dry places for extended periods.

The Importance of Wearing Your Pearls

Storing a pearl necklace for a longer period causes drying out of moisture. Due to it’s organic structure, pearls can take moisture to stay hydrated. Hence, wearing a necklace will absorb body oils and remain radiant.

However, chemicals in perfume and hairspray can degrade pearl surfaces. Contact with corrosive chemicals for too long fades color. So, wear pearls after a few minutes of using cosmetics to prevent damage.

Restringing Your Pearl Necklace

Frequent wearing of pearl necklaces weakens nylon or silk thread. Over time, the thread becomes weak, and knots become fluffy or fuzzy. These signs lead to a perfect time to restring the pearl necklace. 

Now, pick a sharp and long needle to cover the big knots of the necklace. Knots on both sides prevent the rubbing and cracking of pearls. Even check the thread and clasp monthly to find any need for restringing.

Conclusion

If the pearl necklace becomes dull or sticky, it’s time for gentle cleaning. Wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth after every use to prevent dullness.

Go for a deep, soapy clean in 2-3 months to keep pearls glowing for years. So, proper cleaning and care can keep pearls in top-notch condition for decades.