How To Buy and Care For Pearls
How To Buy Pearls
It is often difficult to know the value of pearls when you are looking to buy.
Lustre is the most important factor in determining the pearl’s quality. It is the brightness of a pearl in terms of how much light reflects from it’s surface. This gives them their ethereal quality.
Color depends on the type of pearl. Most unusual colors are more expensive. Tahitian or black pearls are from the Pacific Islands particularly French Polynesia. South Sea pearls come from Indonesia and Philippines for white colors. Color is a matter of preference.
Size the larger sizes are usually more expensive.
Shape is important. An ideal pearl is perfectly round.
Surface Condition The pearl should be smooth and free of pits, holes, scratches and imperfections. Some are acceptable though in natural and larger pearls.
Storing Pearls
Pearls are extremely delicate, organic pieces. They require proper care. Store them separately in cloth lined boxes or jewelry bags.
Never wear your pearls in a swimming pool. And keep hair products, cosmetics and perfume away. Put your pearls on last after your products have dried. Wipe any residue off with a soft dry cloth.
Restring your pearls every five years. More often if you wear them regularly.
Caring For Pearls
Tags: jewelry care, jewelry quality, pearls
September 4th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
How do you clean pearls? I have a ring and the setting gets gunky. I’m afraid to use anything. Help!
September 7th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Hi Michele,
Thank you for your question!
Pearl rings can be challenging to clean. If the pearl is set with diamonds, it can be hard to keep them sparkly without harming the pearl.
I recommend taking rings like that to a professional jeweler to be cleaned.
Or try a very mild dish soap, warm water and a soft bristle toothbrush to clean the stones and setting. Do not use the brush on the pearl. Use only warm water to remove any dirt on the pearl. Wipe the pearl clean with a soft non abrasive cloth to avoid scratches.
Never use jewelry cleaner on pearl jewelry. It will remove the lustre and you can never get it back once it is damaged.