Pearl accessories, often worn at weddings, funerals, and other ceremonial occasions, are a necessity for adult women. Many may have received them as gifts from close friends as a coming-of-age celebration or a new job offer. In this article, we will introduce how to care for and store pearl accessories to ensure they last a long time.
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How to care for pearl accessories
Although pearls are a type of jewelry, they contain organic matter because they are produced by living creatures. Although the precautions to take are slightly different from those for inorganic minerals and metals, the basic care method is quite simple.
All you need to do to care for pearls is wipe them!
The basic care for pearl accessories is to wipe them with a soft, dry cloth after use. Examples of "soft cloths" that can be used to care for pearls include the following:
- Pearl-specific cloth
- Jewelry cloth (non-abrasive)
- メガネ拭き
Many jewelry cloths for metals contain abrasives, but using them on pearl products will scratch them and have the opposite effect. If you're not sure whether the cloth you have is suitable for pearls, get a cloth specifically for pearls.
PochipBasic care procedures for pearls
If there are any stubborn stains that won't come off with a dry wipe, gently wipe them off with a damp cloth that has been wrung out. The key is to dry the item in the shade before storing it in a case to remove any moisture, such as sweat, that may have accumulated while wearing it.
- Gently wipe with a damp cloth that has been wrung out (optional)
- Wipe dry with a soft cloth
- Dry in the shade in a well-ventilated area
- Put into storage case
Do not expose to direct sunlight or use a hair dryer to dry quickly, as this can cause discoloration, so be sure to dry in the shade. Leaving it with dust on it will also cause it to lose its luster, so be sure to store it in a case after cleaning.
Pearl accessories should not be washed with water.
It's tempting to wash pearl accessories after sweating a lot or when they have stubborn stains, but washing them with water is strictly prohibited. Pearls' main component, calcium carbonate, is a substance that does not dissolve easily in fresh water, but it is vulnerable to acidic water that comes into contact with air and sebum.
In particular, when it comes to necklaces, water that gets into the gaps between the beads or is absorbed by the threads takes a long time to dry, so please avoid washing them with water.
If your pearl accessories have discolored
If you leave pearls uncleaned and dirty, the surface of the pearls may change and turn yellow. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to restore discolored pearls on your own. Please consult the after-sales service of the store where you purchased the product or a professional cleaning shop that specializes in pearls.
By the way, even if there are no problems, it is recommended that you regularly perform maintenance such as changing the string on your necklace every 2 to 3 years.
How to store pearl accessories
When you're done using pearl jewelry, store it in a case with a lid. Paulownia wood boxes are often used, as they have excellent humidity-regulating and insect-repellent properties, but in recent years, special storage cases called "pearl keepers" have also become popular.
PochipFollow the correct care and storage methods to keep your favorite items in good condition for a long time!
Caring for pearl accessories is not difficult, but once discoloration occurs, it cannot be restored on your own. By following the correct care and storage methods, you can extend the life of your precious jewelry.
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