What can damage pearls?

Cosmetics, sun block, perfume and hairspray all contain chemicals that can dramatically dull the luster of a pearl. The natural acids contained in body oils and perspiration can also damage pearls in the same way.

Do pearls get damaged easily?

The organic gems are easily scratched and notoriously delicate. “Pearl can be damaged by many chemicals and all acids,” the Gemological Institute of America warns in its pearl care and cleaning guide. “The list includes hair spray, perfume, cosmetics and even perspiration.”

Do pearls get ruined in water?

Do not submerge your pearls in water - no showers, no dishes, no swimming. The chlorine in the water will eat away at the epoxy securing the pearls to their mountings, and soaking the silk your pearls are strung on causes it to stretch out and break early.

Will baking soda harm pearls?

Pearls and opals are both soft stones and require more gentle methods. Stay away from toothpaste, ammonia, baking soda, vinegar, or anything too acidic or abrasive, as they can scratch or damage your pearls.

Will sweat damage pearls?

The pearl's lustre can also be harmed by perspiration. To prevent this, before returning your pearls to the jewelry box, wipe them gently with a soft cloth.

How to Clean Pearls

What should you not put on a pearl?

Never use toothbrushes, scouring pads or any type of abrasive material to clean your pearls. Never expose your pearls to dish or laundry detergents, bleaches, powdered cleansers, baking soda or any ammonia based cleaner like Windex. Never use any type of ultrasonic cleaner. Never steam clean your pearls.

Will rubbing alcohol damage pearls?

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.

Will vinegar damage pearls?

Vinegar is acetic acid, and this is known to be especially damaging to the surface of a pearl. Even in weak formulations, the damage is rapid and irreversible.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for pearls?

If your pearls are visibly stained, you can mix a solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap, dip a soft cleaning cloth in it and wipe the pearls.

What can dissolve a pearl?

Jones found that a 5 percent solution of acetic acid, a concentration identical to that of white vinegar sold in supermarkets today, takes 24 to 36 hours to dissolve a pearl weighing approximately one gram.

Does hairspray damage pearls?

Cosmetics, sun block, perfume and hairspray all contain chemicals that can dramatically dull the luster of a pearl. The natural acids contained in body oils and perspiration can also damage pearls in the same way.

Can pearl be worn in shower?

This being so, a pearl's lustrous surface can easily be affected by any chemicals, oils, soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, and alkaline environments. As a strict guideline, you should never shower with your pearls on and always wipe them gently after wearing with a soft cloth.

Will acetone damage pearls?

Acetone will not hurt pearls, BUT do not use jewelry cleaners containing ammonia or vinegar. Pearls should always be stored separately from other jewelry as it may scratch or mar the pearls' surface. Take the time to wrap the pearls in linen, soft cloth, or place them in a soft pouch.

Does heat damage pearls?

High heat can burn cultured pearls or cause discolouration, splitting or cracking. Pearl is generally stable to light, but heat from intense light can cause dehydration and cracked nacre. Pearl can be damaged by many chemicals and all acids. The list includes hair spray, perfume, cosmetics and even perspiration.

Does sunscreen damage pearls?

Even everyday substances like hairspray, lotion, sunscreen, perfume or other cosmetics can contain chemicals that will permanently damage the surface of your pearls and other delicate or porous gems (like turquoise).

Does salt water damage pearls?

Saltwater pearls damage easily and do not suit everyday jewelry. When strung, saltwater pearls require wiping with a damp cloth after each use, as even natural oils from your body will damage the thin nacre. Freshwater pearls do need the same care but will last much longer if cared for properly.

Is Windex safe on pearls?

Never clean your pearls with anything containing chlorine bleach, vinegar or ammonia (including Windex). All will harm pearls. Avoid anything other than water and soap (not detergent). Never expose your Pearls to dish or laundry detergents, bleaches, powdered cleansers, or baking soda.

Can you restore luster to pearls?

Over time, pearls can become yellowish. When this happens, you can clean your pearls to restore their color and luster. Bear in mind that acid and alkaline chemicals can cause irreparable damage to pearls. This pearl cleaning process should therefore be undertaken with the utmost care.

Can I use toothpaste to clean pearls?

Pearls and opals should never be touched by toothpaste; it can destroy their colour and luster. So, unless you are cleaning a loose diamond, it is best to not use your toothpaste, and stick with a jewellery cleaner made to clean your specific jewels.

What does hydrogen peroxide do to pearls?

PEARL BLEACHING

The bleached used is usually a hydrogen peroxide solution which is heated. The pearls are placed in the solution for a long period of time which changes the overall color of the organic pearl. This process can be harmful to the pearl as the bleach can actually eat the pearl away.

Can lemon juice dissolve a pearl?

As lemon contains acid named citric acid and pearl is basically calcium carbonate. Citric acid reacts with calcium carbonate . Therefore we conclude by saying that lemon juice may not dissolve but definitely react with pearl.

Can you put olive oil on pearls?

To shine pearls, you can put a few drops of olive oil, coconut oil or monoi oil on the pearls, and then wipe them with a soft cloth to remove the excess oil. Pearls should be stored separately from other jewelry.

Will hand sanitizer damage pearls?

“As with perfumes and hairspray, the alcohol in the hand sanitizer can change the surface of the pearl, resulting in a loss of luster and a change in color—white pearls, for example, will become yellowed if repeatedly exposed to such chemicals.

Does perfume affect pearls?

Pearls can also be damaged by many of the chemical and products we use daily, from hairspray to perfume, so we need to ensure we take preventative measures to reduce the amount of damage we can inadvertently cause.

How long do pearls last?

Worn often and properly cared for, pearls can look as good in 50 years as they did the day they left the store. Pearls are not the most durable of gems. Most everyday items at home and in the office are tougher than pearls, so careless contact can cause damage them over time.