Pearl Care
Care and Attention
Pearl care is important as pearls are organic gemstones that are vulnerable to acid, alkaline and extreme humidity. To preserve your Pearl’s radiance, avoid letting them come into contact with cosmetics, hair spray, or perfume.
The saying “Last thing on and first thing off” was possibly more relevant in the 1950’s when Pearl layers could delaminate if affected by harsh chemicals. Today Pearl seeding and farming methods have advanced so much that Pearl “skins” are much more resilient than they once were. Regardless, to be safe, always put your
Pearl jewelry on as the “final touch,” after applying make-up, perfumes and styling hair. The Pearl’s lustre can appear affected by perspiration, however, this is usually surface “oils.” Before returning your pearls to the jewelry box, wipe them gently with a soft cloth to restore a pristine condition.
Pearl Storage
Pearls are extremely strong and resilient; however, they can be scratched if they come into contact with sharp objects or other gemstones. Fasten clasps and pins to avoid tangles and scratches, then lay each piece out separately in a segmented jewelry cloth before putting in your jewelry box. Use a safe jewelry pouch when carrying your jewelry. Pearls can dry if kept in a secure box for lengthy periods of time, so enjoy them periodically. “Pearls like to be worn,” as the adage goes, and it’s true!
Pearl Wearing
It is quite safe to wear Pearl strands in water or wear them while bathing, however, with all jewelry worn in surf or lakes, if it falls off you will be in trouble! Places with high temperatures, such as a sauna, should also be avoided. If Pearls come into touch with vinegar, fruit juices, or detergents, wipe them clean promptly with a soft towel. If you follow these easy rules, your Mikimoto Pearls should last for centuries.
Pearl Cleaning
If the radiance of your jewelry appears to be diminishing, take it to a specialist. Ultrasonic cleanser should never be used with Pearl jewelry as it can damage the Pearls. Ultrasonics usually use a caustic soda-based cleaning agent which is very detrimental to the Pearl’s skin and lustre.
Dishwasher detergents, bleaches, powdered cleansers, baking soda, or ammonia-based cleaners (like Windex) should never be used (or exposed to) on Pearls. To clean Pearls, never use toothbrushes, scouring pads, or abrasive objects.
Simply wipe Pearls off with a gentle cloth or chamois, which can be dry or moist, after wearing them. This will prevent dirt from collecting and sweat from eroding the Pearl nacre, which is somewhat acidic. To keep the brilliance of the material, sprinkle a little talcum powder on it.
If Pearls have not been kept clean and are very dirty, they can be cleaned by your jeweller or they can be cleaned using special pearl polishing cloth. Be careful using other types of jewelry cleaner or soap. 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.
Remember that with all jewelry the commonsense approach is best. You will be amazed at how careful, detailed hand polishing with a soft cloth will polish most jewelry.
Pearl Maintenance
Even with the best of care, small parts of jewelry may come loose. Ensure that your strands are “double-knotted” so that, in the event of a break your pearls will not scatter everywhere. Before wearing, carefully check such parts as the prongs that support pendants or that the posts are not loosening.
Check the clasps on necklaces; make sure that they are tightly knotted, not frayed and not about to come loose. Check the screws of earrings and brooch pins. Mikimoto cultured pearl necklaces are strung with the finest silk thread for both strength and beauty. However, if that string stretches or loosens, it may break suddenly. Even if you don’t wear your pearls often, we recommend that you have your pearls restrung every few years.
Pearl Care Checklist
- Pearls are organic gems, so should avoid acidic products,
- “Last thing you put on, first thing you take off”,
- Don’t store together with harder gemstones,
- Polish them with a soft cloth periodically,
- Re-string them if the silk cord looks dirty or starts to loosen,
- Re-string every few years on a silk cord and knotted between each Pearl