As you may know, pearls are ranked 2.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, which means that a pearl is considered a soft gem and can easily be scratched or corroded. Therefore, take good care of your pearls so they won’t get ruined or lose their luster. With adequate care, pearl jewelry can last for a lifetime and be passed down through generations. The good news is that taking care of pearls is easy. You only need to follow a few simple tips to keep your pearls in top condition and shine brand new every time you wear them.

1. No perfumes or hair products on your pearls

Since pearls are made with organic natural material, you must take extra precautions when cleaning them. The first and most important tip is not to spray your pearls with any perfumes or hair products. Adding products like perfume to your pearls will erode or dissolve layers of your pearl. Also, do not use gemstone cleaners or anything acidic on them, such as vinegar or strong cleansers.

2. Do not submerge the whole pearl necklace into water

Clean your pearls by adding some mild dish soap to lukewarm water. Dip a soft cloth into it and gently rub off any visible stains gently. Remember not to submerge the whole necklace or accessory into the water as it may damage the string holding the pearls.

3. Pearls like your skin and natural oils

Don’t worry about your skin oils going onto your pearls. Your natural oils will add to the luster of the pearls as you wear them.  Pearls also benefit from the moisture from your body, so wear them often to keep them looking their best.

4. Do not wear your pearls when the string is wet

A wet string can stretch and detract from the beauty of the necklace. A wet string can also, easily absorb dirt or grime, which will be nearly impossible to remove, so be sure to wait until the string is completely dry before wearing your pearls.

5. Change the strings every couple of years

The strings on your pearl necklaces and bracelets should be restrung every couple of years. The string is made with natural fiber materials, and will age from the oils of your skin over time. 

If you wear your pearls everyday, you should restring them once a year to keep the string clean and strong.

Remember to remove your pearls before sports or exercise to avoid exposing them to perspiration or risking the chance that they may be damaged. 

6.Toothpaste and pearls

Since most trendy pearl necklaces and bracelets have clasps, there is a special way to clean them as well. Cover the ends of the necklace or bracelet with a soft cloth.  Get some toothpaste to clean the clasps.

Remember not to use toothpaste that has harsh abrasives, namely whitening toothpaste. Regular toothpaste or children's toothpaste is ideal. Just gently rub your clasp with this toothpaste and let it sit for a few minutes. If any toothpaste gets onto your pearls, you can easily wash them off with lukewarm water. Since water is not a damaging element to pearls, you don’t need to worry about rinsing them in water.

 7. Say no to household products

Never use ordinary household products such as vinegar, ammonia, bleach, rubbing alcohol, or nail polish remover to clean your pearls. Those products contain chemicals that will erode your pearls. Pearls are organic and sensitive to many types of products.

By following these seven tips, your pearl jewelry will retain their shimmer and shine for generations.

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