Katherine Amelia Barnes

·An experienced professional in the jewelry industry, 2000 - Present

·Graduate Gemologist (GG)

·Certified Supreme Master Gemcutter (CSM)

·Skilled writer, with work featured in various online and print publications

·Passionate about sharing her expertise with others

·Strong communicator and collaborator

·Respected and trusted by peers and clients alike

Everyone wants pearl rings in their jewelry drawer. Although there are more expensive, durable, and harder-to-find gems available on this earth to make rings from, pearls score better every day. Why? The thing is that pearl rings never go out of style, and their symbolic expression of love is all over poetry and songs. That is why it is important to learn how to keep the pearl rings intact and clean for their long life.

How to Clean a Pearl Ring

To treat them like the kings they are, you have to follow some steps we are going to tell you in this article.  

Steps to Clean a Pearl Ring

gather some supplies

To begin the procedure, you have to gather some supplies & they are:

Mild soap

Lukewarm water

A soft cloth or microfiber towel

Soft bristle brush (something similar to a baby toothbrush)

Step 1: Prepare the cleaning solution

Prepare the cleaning solution

Once you have all the set supplies, begin preparing the cleaning solution. Firstly, fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap. Make sure to use a gentle soap with no harsh chemicals because that can damage the pearls.

Step 2: Submerge the pearl ring

Submerge the pearl ring

When you have the solution ready, carefully place your beautiful pearl ring into the soapy water. Allow it to soak in for a few minutes so that the dirt particles can loosen a bit. This way, every dirt particle, oil, residue, etc., on the pearls will become easy to remove. 

Step 3: Use the brush

Use the brush

It’s time to use the tiny little soft brush from the supply set to clean the loose debris from the pearl ring. However, the process for every different pearl shape can be different. Just gently brush the pearls and the metal setting. Please pay close attention to the hard corners and areas with hidden dirt & clean them softly with no extra force. The reason behind soft touching is to prevent any scratching to your pearls.

Step 4: Clean the metal setting

Clean the metal setting

There is a chance you have to clean the metal setting of the pearl ring, and you have to pay close attention to it, especially around prongs & crevices. You can use the soft brush to clean dirt that may have been collected on this metal.

Step 5: Rinse under running water

Rinse under running water

Once you have cleaned off the dirt from the pearl ring, hold it under cool & running water to rinse off the soap. Make sure every soap residue is removed from the pearl and metal setting. After that, pat it dry with a smooth cloth. 

Step 6: Look for damages

Look for damages

When you have everything under control and you have air-dried your pearl ring, gently look for any damages or loose prongs. If there is any issue, you should go to a professional jeweler for repairs.

Precautions to Take When Cleaning Your Pearl Ring

Avoid Harsh cleaners

Although the cleaning maths seems easy, there are some precautions you have to take to have a better-looking pearl ring at the end.

Avoid Harsh cleaners: Say no to harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, etc., to clean the pearl ring. These chemicals can damage the pearls and the metal setting.

Limit Exposure

Handle With Care: Always handle the pearl ring with care to prevent any scratching on the surface of the ring.

Limit Exposure: Do not expose the pearls to direct sunlight, extreme heat, excessive humidity, etc. This way, you can save it from any damage while cleaning it.

Tips to Keep Pearl Ring Clean Longer

Tips to Keep Pearl Ring Clean Longer

Now that you have a clean pearl ring on your finger, you might want to know how to keep it clean for a long time. The tips are:

Avoid any contact with chemicals like cosmetics, perfumes, lotions, etc., and remove them before doing any household work.

Wipe the pearls with a smooth & damp cloth to remove oils and debris.

Other Maintenance Tips

Other Maintenance Tips

Some additional maintenance tips to increase the life of your pear ring are:

Storage - Always keep it in a soft pouch in a separate compartment to avoid any scratching on the surface of the rug itself. When you keep it in a crowded locker, it can rub with other jewels, and that can cause damage.

Usage - If you wish to keep it pretty and shining for a long time, please remove it when you go swimming or do any strenuous activity. Also, you may not want to wear it on a daily basis. Just rotate it with some other gem you own.

damage in the metal frame of the ring that might need a professional set of hands

Visit a Professional - You can also experience damage in the metal frame of the ring that might need a professional set of hands. In that case, always visit a professional jeweler instead of trying to fix it all by yourself.

Parting Thoughts!

Parting Thoughts

If you are in love with your pearl ring, get started with the cleaning process right away. Because any delay can damage the ring, and the longer you wait, the longer and costly the process is going to be.

FAQs

FAQs

Do old pearls turn yellow?

Yes, pearls can definitely develop a yellowish tint if they are in contact with oils or because of a lack of air circulation. 

Can you wear your pearl ring in the shower?

Do not wear your pearl ring in the shower. Please remove it to avoid any exposure to soap or hot water. 

Can a pearl ring be worn every day?

Although you can wear them daily, rotating them with other gems can increase their life.

Do pearl rings make good engagement rings?

Yes, they do make exceptional and beautiful engagement rings. Just remember to do the regular maintenance ritual to save its softness and shiny appearance.