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 in 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. 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. 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 rough fabrics which may 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 by a jeweler 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. 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!) Use a soft cloth when washing, or a very soft brush (such as a baby hair 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 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. DO NOT CLEAN PEARLS WITH -commercial jewelry cleaners -an ultrasonic cleaner -steam -detergents, bleaches, powdered cleansers -baking soda, or ammonia based cleaners -toothbrushes, scouring pads, or abrasives Proper Care and Cleaning Will Keep Your Pearls beautiful