how do you clean a string of pearls?

Question

I absolutely love them , i wear them evry day , but they're starting to become cloudy for lack of a better word .. any ideas?

Answer 1

Please, DO NOT use efferedent, toothpaste, Clorox wipes or anything like that. They will destroy your pearls. Why do people give such false advice. Please don't answer questions you honestly do not know the answer too. You could ruin something of value (sentimental or money) that really matters to someone!!!! Wipe after each wearing with a clean, soft cloth. If they are really dirty, I would take them to a jeweler's for professional advice.

Answer 2

I used to work for the largest jewery retailer in the world, so I know. I am also GIA certified. What ever you do, do not put toothpaste or denture cream on them or any of your jewely for that matter. That is the best way to ruin pearls. Get some warm water and liquid ivory soap. Swish it around a little and take it out, do not soak them. Dry them off with the paper towel. This is the way they would do it at any jewelry store. The cloudiness you are talking about may be because you have worn the luster off the pearls. This cannot be put back on. Also you have to restring pearl every 2 years, they are strung with silk and silk detierates. It should cost about $2.50 per inch. This is the best way to keep your pearls looking great.

Answer 3

Soak the piece for a few minutes in a solution of 1/4 teaspoon liquid soap to 2 cups of lukewarm water. Use a gentle liquid soap like Ivory. Do not use an antibacterial soap. Rinse well and pat dry with a soft cloth. Allow to air dry on a soft surface. Never allow the pearls to come into contact with vinegar or any other kind of acid as that will dissolve the pearls. Always store pearls in a soft cloth pouch, never in an airtight container because pearls need a little bit of moisture to retain their lustre. Apply products such as hairspray and perfume prior to putting on pearls. It is always a good idea to clean pearls on a regular basis as body oils can sometimes dull the surface.

Answer 4

Pearls are organic gems, unlike gemstones which are produced deep in the Earth. One of the things that makes pearls special is the orient - the soft iridescence and sheen which results from the layers of nacre covering it. As a result pearls a much more fragile than gems such as diamonds and sapphires.

As a result of their fragility pearls are extremely susceptible to harsh chemicals and treatments. If exposed to these chemicals the orient of the pearls may be damaged and the pearl loses its sheen and becomes dull, and the shape of the pearls themselves may change.

It seems to be the popular opinion that pearls do well if worn frequently. I don't know if this is true. However pearls should be 'the last thing you put on (after makeup, perfume, hairspray etc - all of which can cause damage to the pearls) and the first thing you take off'. They should be stored in a soft cloth bag and stored away from metals and anything which may damage and scratch the pearl.

After wearing, pearls should be wiped gently with a soft slightly dampened (not wet) cloth after wearing. They shouldn't be cleaned with harsh commercial cleaners, anything containing chlorine (such as bleach), ammonia, or any acids (eg lemon juice). Also, don't clean pearls in ultasonic cleaners or around steam (heat damages them)

Some sites I checked recommended that pearls be washed in very mild soapy water (eg using Ivory soap flakes). However, do not get the string wet or hang the string of pearls to dry.

Another site also said that you could polish them gently with a soft cloth on which a drop of olive oil has been placed.

You can also dampen them from time to time with lightly salted water. Lay them flat on a soft surface such as a moist towel to dry.

You should take your pearls to a professional jeweller at least twice a year to inspect your string of pearls. Make sure your jeweller handles them carefully! I've included an article from Professional Jeweler magazine so you know what to look for.

If pearls are damaged they may lose they luster (sheen), turn brown, crack (if they dry out), and lose their shape.

You should note that some people have more acidic skin and prolonged usage could damage the pearl, especially if it is a necklace which actually touches the skin.

Please read the articles below for more help, I've included a coupl sites to give more background on pearls. I hope that this helps.

Answer 5

You didn't say if these are 'cultured pearls' or 'genuine pearls'. (either one are expensive); cultured have been GROWN in 'farms' usually in the orient & genuine are picked from the deep waters by divers; & you didn't say if they're fake but nice, or fake & cheap. I would think if you wear them every day, they must be a good set.

I'd take them to a jeweler to have them tell you what kind they are, what the 'string' is made of, have them clean them; they usually don't charge for this---hoping it will gain them a future customer.

Answer 6

If pearls have not been kept clean and are very dirty, they can be cleaned by your jeweler or they can be washed in water and a mild soap, such as Ivory or Lux Liquid and cleaned with a soft cloth. Some liquid soaps, such as Dawn, can damage pearls. Pay attention to the areas around the drill holes where dirt may tend to collect.

After washing your pearls, lay them flat in a moist kitchen towel to dry. When the towel is dry, your pearls should be dry

Answer 7

Check out the site autumn gave you. I do know you never soak them in anything and you shouldn't run them under water. It will weaken the string. If you are wearing them everyday I'd take them to a jeweler and make sure the string isn't weakening. You don't want your lovely pearls all over the floor because the string breaks.

Answer 8

Follow a few simple steps to keep your pearls in tip-top shape.


Steps:
1. Gently wipe pearls with a soft, damp, lint-free cloth.

2. Pat dry with a fresh, lint-free cloth.

3. Have pearls professionally cleaned at least every other year.

Tips:
If you own pearls on silk or natural-fiber strands, have them professionally re-strung every year.


Warnings:
Avoid exposing your pearls to perfume, cosmetics or perspiration, which can dull and discolor them.

Answer 9

Well, above some interesting stuff. May work and may not. I am a Natural person, I never clean jewelery. If it real I let it age how it want to. Even Silver, just wear it and let it take on it's natural beauty over time. My woman loves her pearls, said she had never had them, actually she was suspicious they were real. Ha! But, they are real, she just wears them and let's them do their thing! I love that woman! I looking for a very special Ruby now, they more rare than Diamonds! Just like she a very Rare woman! Hmmmm, Maybe she just a strange woman! Ha!!!!
If you worried about how the REAL stuff looks! Buy, the fake, most people will believe it real. Example; Statue of Liberty is REAL Copper, why it Green????? People like me know and it is Beautiful.

Answer 10

Your pearls will stay cleaner if you put them on after you've applied your makeup and perfume.
Be sure to take off your pearl rings before you apply hand and body creams.
Wipe your pearls with a soft, lint-free cloth as soon as you take them off... The cloth can be dampened with water or it can be dry. If damp, allow the pearls to air dry before putting them away.
Dirty pearls can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution (try Ivory flakes).
Never clean your pearls with solutions that contain ammonia or harsh detergents.
Don't put pearl jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Don't use abrasive cleaners or rub pearls with abrasive cloth. Both can wear away the nacre coating, leaving you with a plain looking bead...