How to Clean a Pearl Necklace?

Pearls represent a chic and prestigious jewel that has value. Whether it is a monetary or sentimental value, one must inevitably take good care of his cultured pearl necklace.

It is a precious object that deserves special attention to keep it clean and intact. We give you tips and advice on how to clean and maintain cultured pearls below. 

1. Clean a pearl necklace with olive oil

To clean, maintain, and shine cultured pearls olive oil and a natural product to test now. Whether it is a necklace, a bracelet, or earrings, olive oil will indeed restore a beautiful shine to your pearls.

• Pour a few drops of olive oil on a microfiber cloth.
• Gently rub the natural pearls one by one.

This cleaning tip is particularly useful for Tahitian pearls.

2. Saltwater bath for her pearl necklace

Saltwater is another trick to cleaning a pearl necklace or other jewelry made from cultured pearls.

• Just add a little salt to a bowl of fresh water.
• Soak your pearl jewelry for ten minutes
• Remove the necklace from the saltwater and allow it to air dry on a clean cloth.

So once in a while, dip your pearls in a little saltwater for effective cleaning and instant shine.

3. Simply a chamois

To always have beautifully clean and shiny pearls, a little regular rubbing is necessary. No need to add a cleaning product for daily cleaning, especially for cultured pearls:

• Tahitian pearls
• Australian pearls
• Freshwater pearls
• Akoya pearls
• South Sea Pearls

Simply use a chamois or a very soft and slightly damp microfiber cloth.

4. How to clean a necklace of yellowed pearls?

It is common to see the white pearls of a necklace or other jewelry become a little yellow. But here is how to clean the pearls yellowed by time or by poor maintenance?

Unfortunately, if the pearl necklace is very yellowed, it will be difficult to restore it so that it regains its beautiful white color. It is, however, possible to prevent yellowing of the pearls with a small cleaning of soapy water.

• Add a few drops of liquid soap to lukewarm water
• Moisten a chamois with soapy water and rub the pearls one by one
• Allow to air dry before wearing the collar again

5. Never use to clean a pearl necklace:

Cleaner for precious jewelry

There are many cleaning products specially designed for expensive jewelry, but none (or almost) should not be used for natural pearls. Whether it is a gold jewelry cleaner or even to clean diamonds, they should not be used on cultured pearls.

Ultrasonic cleaning device

These ultrasonic devices are really to be avoided when cleaning pearl jewelry. Ultrasound may damage the pearls of your necklace or bracelet.

Slightly abrasive cleaning product 

For some jewelry, a mixture of water, vinegar, and baking soda can be useful for cleaning. But for a necklace of natural pearls, it is to be avoided because you risk damaging the pearls forever.

Also, never use chemicals, alcohol, lemon, acid, hairspray, chlorine, or pure vinegar to wash your cultured pearls.

6. Entrust your pearl necklace to your jeweler

For those who wish a professional cleaning of their necklace or other pearl jewelry, you can, of course, bring them to your jeweler. Indeed, if your pearl necklace is yellowed or tarnished, the right solution may be professional cleaning.

Ask your jewelry store if the cleaning service is offered and at what cost. Also, be sure to do business with a professional only to avoid ending up with a dull and even more tarnished pearl necklace.

7. Where to store your natural pearl jewelry?

Cultured pearls are very fragile and therefore require a lot of care and maintenance. This is why it is necessary to keep them away from other jewels to avoid that they are scratched and damaged by other metals and precious stones.

If you still have the original case that you had when you bought the necklace, store it inside to avoid contact with other jewelry.

8. Other tips on maintaining pearl jewelry

To finish here are other practical tips for taking care of your pearl necklace:

• Never wear a pearl necklace at the pool
• Never use baking soda to clean a stain
• Never place cultured pearls on cotton (dries the pearls)
• Be careful not to spray perfume on the pearls of your necklace
• Remove pearl jewelry before going in the shower or the bath.

Cleaning a pearl necklace, visitors also liked:

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How to clean gold jewelry? Do you also have some yellow or white gold jewelry? Read our tips and tricks to make gold jewelry shine.

How to clean silverware? Do you have silverware at home? Come and discover our cleaning tips to make your silver objects shine.