Taking Care Of Pearl Earrings And Necklaces With Tlc
Pearl earrings and necklaces are precious pieces that should be cherished and passed down to young loved ones to enjoy in the future. The structure of pearl jewelry makes it able to withstand a lot of wear and tear, but that doesn't mean they can be treated like a rag doll. It is important to take good care of those pearl earrings, pearl pendant necklaces and strings of pearls. The most obvious way to protect pearl jewelry is to store it correctly. Since pearl earrings can be scratched easily, they should be kept in little boxes away from any other items. It is also good to keep pearl earrings wrapped in soft clothes, or a lined box. Some people may think it is wise to keep a precious pearl pendant in an airtight box, but this is actually harmful.
Pearl jewelry needs some level of moisture to stay in its beautiful natural state. They did come from the ocean, after all, so a small amount of moisture is good for pearl earrings as long as it doesn't cause mildew. In daily activities, it is best to take off pearl earrings when applying makeup or hairspray, because these can also be harmful. A priceless pearl pendant that has been passed down for generations could also quickly lose its luster if it's exposed to harmful products such as vinegar, ammonia and chlorine bleach. Even simple inks can damage pearl jewelry. It's also best to remove pearl earrings before strenuous exercise, because the natural sweat our bodies produce is another harmful substance that can damage the pearl's surface.
In order to properly clean a pearl pendant, string necklace or set of pearl earrings, a warm, damp cloth should be used each day before putting them away. Pearl jewelry owners should also periodically wash their pearls gently in warm, soapy water with mild non-detergent soap. After washing a pair of pearl earrings, they should be gently rinsed in clean water and then wrapped in a thin, damp cotton towel. As soon as the towel is dry, the pearl earrings or necklace should also be dry. When pearl jewelry gets particularly dirty, it can also be wiped down with acetone nail polish remover, which surprisingly will not damage the pearls. Pearl jewelry may also have to be restrung every year or so, with silk thread knotted in between each pearl to prevent them from rubbing against each other. Smaller pearl jewelry should be knotted, however, since the knots could be unattractive. Following these steps is very important to insure the long lifespan of a pearl pendant, string necklace or pair of pearl earrings. Since it is a natural substance that comes from the sea, pearl jewelry is meant to last forever with proper care.
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