Pearls - the gems of ancient history

[happybean]

how do we clean (at home) pearl jewelry set with diamonds (not removable like jackets). it's the diamonds i want to clean at home to save a trip to the jewellers, but i'm not sure how to do it without interfering with the pearls.

many TIA!!

[lily25]

I got this from the internet, I think it's useful to all of us..
Proper Care and Cleaning Will Keep Your Pearls Beautiful! fox-lane.com/cgi-bin/image/images/spacer.gif Storing Pearls Safely.....
Remember, pearls are a relatively soft gem, and they should be protected from objects which can scratch them. Proper storage and care will keep them lustrous and beautiful. Keep your pearls in a soft cloth bag or pouch. If you don’t have a bag or pouch, wrap them in a soft cloth. Don’t just toss them into a jewelry box. If you toss them in a box or drawer with other jewelry, and they are unprotected, they may be scratched or marred by metal edges, prongs, or harder stones in your other jewelry. Do not store pearls in an airtight environment, such as a plastic bag, or in an excessively dry place. Pearls need moisture, and exposure to humidity is good for them. If they become dehydrated, they can become brittle and crack.

Protecting Your Pearls.....
Put on your pearls after you put on make-up, perfume, hair spray, or other cosmetics. These substances can harm the surface of the pearl and cause spots or disintegration.

Do not expose pearls to vinegar, ammonia or chlorine! These substances are deadly to pearls and can actually eat holes in them and dissolve them. Be especially careful when wearing a pearl ring. It’s not the right jewelry for house cleaning, since many household cleaners contain ammonia. Do not wear pearls in a swimming pool or hot tub that contains chlorine.
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**Protect pearls from flames or extreme heat. They can burn or become discolored.

**Perspiration can damage pearls, so do not wear them while engaged in hard work or heavy exercise.

**Avoid wearing pearls with very rough fabrics which might scratch them.

If your pearls are set, such as in rings or earrings, check the settings periodically. If settings are loose, have a jeweler repair them.

If your pearls are strung, they will need to be restrung periodically. If you wear them very frequently, restringing once a year is recommended. They should be strung with knots separating the pearls to prevent them from rubbing against each other. Knots also help prevent the loss of pearls if the strand should break. Silk or nylon are recommended for stringing. Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings...
Your cultured pearl stud earrings were made by gluing a 14k gold post into the hole of a half-drilled pearl. Occasionally a pearl will loosen and come off the post due to changes in temperature and humidity. If this occurs, use super glue to repair your earring. Squeeze a small amount of glue onto a piece of paper. dip the back end of the post in the glue and reinsert into the pearl. Let the earring set up for 1-2 hours before wearing again.
Cleaning Your Pearls....
After wearing, gently wipe pearls off with a hot damp towel. This cleaning will remove body oils and perspiration, which can change the color of pearls. It will also remove any traces of cosmetics which may have gotten on the pearls. If there is a spot of dirt which can’t be rubbed off, use your fingernail. Do not use toothbrushes, scouring pads, or any abrasive material to clean pearls.

Periodic washing is recommended. Pearls can be washed in water with a mild soap such as Ivory. (Do NOT use detergent or any cleaning solution!) Use a soft cloth or a very soft brush to clean the knots in the string. After washing and rinsing, lay the pearls flat in a damp dish towel to dry. (Do not hang wet pearls - the string will stretch.) The pearls will be dry when the towel is dry. Do not wear pearls if the string is still wet. It may stretch and can attract dirt.
fox-lane.com/cgi-bin/image/templates/spacer.gif
DO NOT CLEAN PEARLS WITH
-commercial jewelry cleaners
-an ultrasonic cleaner
-steam
-detergents
-bleaches
-powdered cleansers
-baking soda
-ammonia based cleansers
-toothbrushes
-scouring pads or abrasives

[lily25]

To clean diamonds you only need a bit dish washing liquid, warm water (not hot) and a soft tooth brush. You soak your diamonds in the water with dish washing liquid, and them brush lightly, and rinse them with cold running water.

I highly suggest you take them to the jewelers every 6 months to check the settings because they tend to loosen up. They will clean them for free.
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Look what Mommy got me for my birthday


Mikimoto White Gold Pearl & Diamond Pendant Necklace
18K white gold pendant with (minimum) .25 Ct. T.W. Diamond and an Akoya Pearl (7 to 7½mm).

[happybean]

thank you for the info the checklist is informative. i'm interested specifically , though, in cleaning the diamonds that surround the pearls (it's the existence of pearls and diamonds on the same setting and their proximity that i'm concerned about). perhaps a trip to the jewellers is in order since i don't want to take the risk.

[VinLongo]

i just bought japan pearls at isetan! the boss come down once or twice per yr. i didnt buy full pearl chain because thats too mature. i bought with some silver/rhodium chain.... sea water/akoya pearls so its not as 100% smooth on the surface. overall still look nice because of the cream/pink/grey black pearl tones and i hope i can match well with my clothes. Really like it a lot although some of the pearls has this area where its slightly thicker. But the boss helped me choose this over the other 2 because of the color in general. The contrast is bigger. V sweet color tone against my skin tone. The pearl has this shine that is much more than the normal cultured pearls.

i also saw that have big pearls at $1000. just 1 pearl, white gold chain but above the pearl, there's a diamond!!! but the diamond is not like set on anything. just a diamond 'rock'. about 3-4 sesame seeds size that is too big on me (pearl) so i just settle for the cheaper n more modern pearl necklace

i was told to wash pearls in cold water. once in a blue moon. thats it.

[VinLongo]

now then i realised abt the storing............. i store them in the necklace jewellery box is that ok? the boss ran out of the box so i dont have anything (cloth etc too). I just temporary store in my goldheart box. Ok?

[lily25]

Store your pearls separately from other jewelery so they don't come in contact with metals or rocks etc. I keep them in pouches, and store them in a big box.

I got a new pearl necklace (hubby's great grand mother's) I have to take a pic soon... Very simple Peach Pearl Necklace.

[VinLongo]

mine is similar to the one June? bought. Like 1 pearl join to a chain then another pearl, chain etc again. Is it ok for this type to be kept in pouch? I am not sure if the jewellery will move ard and I end up making them rub against one another (chain n pearls)....

Before I saw yr post, I put it in the velvet material Necklace box from GOldheart. Is this okay? I didnt put it flat in draw but instead, make it "Stand" so no more worries abt friction etc. Think ok right? I have another set i just dump together in a case but under 1 compartment. Other necklaces is in another compartment. THat one is cheap kind (flat, small size of pearls)........ maybe should listen to happybean and try to do it into earrings.

When u mentioned pouch where did u go n buy them or u just mean those fabric pouch?

great grandmother......... that means the pearls are v old already!!! thinking of those big, luster pearls necklace...

I just google n read up abt akoya pearls......... now mainly from China. Even Japan co. bought from CHina, restring it and labelled as 'made in japan'......
(tried to find the link but i lost it)

http://reviews.ebay.com/Be-careful-o...00000006066718 )another one. not the 1st one i read)

[happybean]

just me, but, of late, i base my storage options on the sentimental value of the pearls to me. eg, i have some opera length pearl necklaces which i've found don't fit well into boxes cos i have to coil them a few times and then the lid can't close or having several boxes take up too much space, so i have them stored in drawstring pouches that the shops i go to gave me for free. but while i like them and wear them quite alot, they don't really hold sentimental value for me, so i'm ok with storing in pouches.

other pearls which are of more sentimental value to me, i keep in lined boxes as i'm concerned that keeping them in pouches will cause rubbing against each other (and cos i'm quite rough when i rifle through my accessories drawers ) most times these boxes are provided to me by the shop, so i'm not sure what they are made of exactly, but so far so good maybe if you are very concerned about storage, can call them to ask for suggestions and whether they now have boxes in stock?

[lily25]

When u mentioned pouch where did u go n buy them or u just mean those fabric pouch?

I make my own pouch from very soft & thick - ish fabric. You can buy from any jewelry shop pouches too, but I like making mine.

[VinLongo]

happybean
they only come to sg 1-2x per yr. have to check next time round already luckily i only have very little pearl collections else it will be tough for me.

lily25
ah ok thanks! Will try to check from them.

[lily25]

My pearl necklace I was telling you about, it's so pretty I just love it...



Also my new pair of pearl studs, that mom got me as a replacement, after my ex maid stole my previous ones before she was fired.

[chiyochan]

Very much pearls, lily25!

What's the size of your necklace? The lustre is very nice!

[chiyochan]

My latest stash, got them yesterday!

[Pinkieoreo]

Need some input from you ladies.
Checked out this pair of pearl earrings at Goldheart and it's priced at 500 odd for size 9mm. Am wondering if pearls sold at local jewel chain is reputable as to compared to those pearls sold at FEP and Lucky Plaza. Any advice ?