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This is a very important question. Pearls are not as hard as most gems. They can be damaged.
Cleopatra supposedly mixed a pearl into vinegar that dissolved the pearl and drank it down. I have seen pictures of partially dissolved pearls that a dog had swallowed, and gastric acids ate half of the pearl.
However, certain historic pearls that are several hundred years old and have retained their beauty, and that there are pearls that are 60 million years old and still have luster.
With proper care pearls can and do last a long time. I am sure most people have seen heirloom pearls passed down from generation to generation.
• Pearls are relatively soft. They can scratch. Best to store pearls in a soft cloth bag away from other jewelry.
• Pearls are somewhat porous. Your pearl necklace can absorb the cologne sprayed directly on it. And the damage may not be limited to the pearls absorbing smell.
• Pearls do benefit from humidity. Pearl jewelry is affected by very dry conditions. Dry conditions have been known to shrink and crack pearls. Best bet? Sprinkle that cloth bag that you store them in with a few drops of water, and put in a zip-lock bag or store pearls in a container with a glass of water.
• Cleaning jewelry pearls: First try cleaning with a soft dry cloth like flannel. If that doesn’t work then you can wash pearls. Start with plain water. If that doesn’t clean them then try mild SOAP, and completely rinse. Never use cleansers, strong cleaners or solvents.
• Treat that pearl necklace or pearl bracelet to a professional re-stringing every 2 to 3 years. Of course a qualified professional stringer will use good quality silk, and knot 1 or 2 knots between pearls. You can imagine what happens to a strand of pearls that is strung with no knots, when the string breaks, no fun at all. Plus the knots keep the pearls from rubbing.
• Please treat your pearl bracelet and pearl ring with care, take them off when washing dishes.
• And although your pearl necklace looks exquisite against your beautiful tan, do take them off before going in the pool. Chlorine and bleach damage pearls.
• Acid will harm those beauties. And lemon juice is an acid strong enough to do damage.
• Don’t use ultrasonic cleaners, save that for your diamonds. Ultrasonic cleaners have been known to crack pearls.
A big factor in easily damaged pearls is that the lover grades of akoya pearls (“A”grade) have a thin nacre. These cheaper pearls won’t last, the nacre can chip or crack off.
You can enjoy your beautiful nature made gems, with a little care. Pearls are different that stones. Is there any wonder why pearls were the first gem? Perfect without alteration, all we have to do is preserve their beauty,
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