Free Article Directory » Several Ways To Take Proper Care Of Real Pearl Necklaces

Several Ways To Take Proper Care Of Real Pearl Necklaces

11.01.2010 | Author: Manuel Vintagoli | Posted in Jewelry

A pearl necklace is something that most women love to have in their jewelry box. They have been a popular accompaniment to formal wear for many years and are a favorite to wear with business wear today. Pearl necklaces are kept and become family heirlooms and with proper maintenance the necklace can look as beautiful and pristine as it did when it was purchased.

There is an old saying that says pearls are the last thing you add to your outfit and they are always the first thing that comes off. The reason for this is that you do not want to get anything on the pearls that would compromise their beauty and sheen. Hair spray is something that should never be applied while a necklace is on because it can stick to the pearls and make them loose their shine. Body sprays will cause the same problem so it is best to put the necklace on when you are ready to go out the door.

When you purchase a necklace there is often times you will find a soft cloth that comes with them so that they can be cleaned after wearing. If your set did not come with one you should find a soft cloth and keep it with the pearls when you store them so they can be cleaned. A baby diaper makes a good pearl cleaning cloth. It can be stored in the box right with the pearls. The fabric should not be scratchy at all because you do not want to damage the pearls. When you wear your pearls the oils from your skin collects. You use the cloth to remove excess oil before you return them to storage. A build up of body oil on pearls can cause them to dull. If you feel the body oil is excessive you may dampen the cloth before you wipe them down.

Still, pearls seem to get more and more beautiful the more they are worn and that is because of the oils in the body. Just enough body oil seems to make them shine. This, of course, only applies to real pearls and they are a natural substance. Apparently, even if you wipe the pearls down before you put them away some of the body oil is absorbed into the natural pearl and causes it to shine. You can dampen the cloth a bit if you desire. You just do not want excess oil to collect.

Pearls should be stored in a box that they were sold in when not in use. These boxes are frequently lined in velvet or satin. If you do not put pearls in a box and just place them in a jewelry box with the rest of your jewelry, you can do harm to them. Pearls are soft and can be scratched by the hard surfaces of other jewelry If you do not have a box to put them in get a cardboard jewelry box and put cotton batting in it to protect the pearls.

Pearl necklaces should be inspected by a jeweler in two year intervals if they are worn on a constant basis. The thread is in danger of fraying and if it does the pearls should be restrung. Silk thread is used to make necklaces and the pearls are knotted onto the thread so that pearls will not fall off all over if the thread breaks. Necklaces that are only worn for special occasions can be in good shape for every without restringing and usually one that is worn often can go a bit more than the two year period.

Pearls should never be worn when bating. Soap can be caustic and scratch the pearls and the dampness can damage the thread. Never swim with your pearls on either or they will become dull and lifeless. Chlorinated water is not something you want to get on your pearls.

Some necklaces come in a soft velvet bag and if yours did be sure to never put anything heavy on top of them. Pressure can make pearls change shape and they might not sit right on the neck anymore.

You will have a great necklace to pass down through the generations with just a little bit of maintenance There is always a chance pearls can change color through the years but if you keep them out of bright sunlight that is not likely to happen. Maintaining them well will ensure your grand daughter or great grand daughter will be able to wear them at their wedding.

Pearl necklaces are classic pieces of jewelry that is appreciated by many woman. A pearl necklace has been popular for a very long time and goes with just about anything from that mini black dress, a formal gown to a business suit.