Susan Miller

·Master of Fine Arts in Jewelry Design, Pratt Institute, 2012

·Bachelor of Arts in Gemology, University of California, Los Angeles, May 2005

·Editor-in-Chief, White Victoria (2018 - present)

·Write and research feature articles and profiles for print and online publication

·Contributing Writer, Modern Jeweler and Ornament

·Write and publish freelance articles for IGS and WSJ Magazine

·Jewelry Appraiser (2012 - 2020)

pearl jewelry

Pearl surfaces are delicate, soft in nature, and sensitive to heavy impacts. Even the natural skin oil, sweat, and chemicals damage the pearl’s color and luster. 

Only special care protects delicate and sensitive jewelry from damaging factors. If you follow the proper storing guide, it can prevent dullness or scratches while storing.

Want to store mystic pearls for decades? Scroll through our guide and follow simple tips to add sparkle to your jewelry wardrobe.

Why Are Pearl Jewelry Special To Store?

pearl jewelry

Pearls breathe to avoid dehydration in storage,otherwise, the pearl surface turns yellowish and forms cracks quickly. Besides, the soft, delicate surfaces are sensitive to chemicals or sweat. Hence, special care can maintain a pearl’s beauty for decades.

Further, a tiny impact with metal pieces causes severe damage to the pearl surface. So, keep pearl pieces in unique pouches to avoid scratches and damage.

Quick Ideas To Store Pearl Jewelry

pearl jewelry

While storing pearl jewelry, keep pieces clean and separated to avoid damage. Let's dig into some ideas to store pearl pieces.

Clean Before Storing

Due to the alkali nature, pearls react with acidic chemicals. Whether it’s a perfume or hairspray, few droplets can erode the surface. Even sweat, and body oil discolor pearl and diminish luster quickly. 

If you avoid wipes before storing, chemicals will damage the pearl’s surface. White Victoria suggests using a dry or damp cotton towel to clean the sweat or chemical traces. Wipe pearl pieces once you get back home to enjoy the luster for decades. 

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Keep Pieces Separately

Storing causes severe damage when keeping pearls with metal or gemstone pieces. The sharp edges of metal pieces scratch the pearl’s delicate and soft surface. Hence, store pearls separately from gold or silver pieces to avoid minor scratches.

pearl jewelry

However, a chunky pearl pendant with a metal chain flat may lead to severe scratches. So, hang chunky pieces on jewelry stands to store pearl necklaces or pendants without metal marks.

Try Silk Storage Bags

Pearl can’t breathe on plastic bags or sealed pouches as these jewelry containers are airtight. Once the pearl starts to dehydrate in storage, it becomes yellowish and forms numerous cracks. 

pearl jewelry

To avoid drying out, use silk storage bags to store pearls. Further, try travel silk pouches to carry chunkier designs on vacation. 

Store In Original Boxes

Even though you’re using silk pouches, a storage box is crucial. If the storage box is airtight, the silk pouch won’t help breathing the pearl. Hence, use an original box to store pearl pieces without any damage

pearl jewelry

In contrast, avoid keeping pearls in safety deposit boxes to prevent drying out. Take the pearl out in a few months to check its condition and luster. Use unique jewelry travel bags to take out chunky designs on long trips or holidays. 

Flat Vs Hung Storing For Pearl Jewelry

Storing methods depend on the pearl jewelry design and settings. Single or multiple strands require flat storing, while chain or metal necklaces prefer hung ideas.

Flat-storing pearl pieces keep silk thread safe from stretching or fraying. As a result, storing pearl necklaces or bracelets in pouches or bags offers years of longevity. 

pearl jewelry

However, inspect the silk thread in 3-4 months to avoid scratches by loose pearls. Don’t hang silk threaded pieces, as these pearl strands are vulnerable to stretching.

In contrast, a chain pendant or necklace won’t stretch while hanging. Besides, the metal chain creates scratches on the delicate and soft pearl surface. To avoid scratches in stored conditions, hung metal pieces on jewelry stands.

Further, avoid hanging multiple pieces on a single clip as the collision causes severe damage. Hence, pick a jewelry stand with various clips to hang a few metal pieces in one stand.

Tips To Care Pearl Jewelry For Decades of Shine

pearl jewelry

With some simple tips, you can preserve the shine of pearl jewelry for decades. 

Wear pearls after 5 minutes of applying personal care products to avoid chemical traces. 

Cleaning pearl pieces after every use can prevent discoloration, fading, and cracking.

Use a dry or damp towel to clean the chemical traces and store pieces in silk storage bags.

Wear pearl jewelry frequently to avoid stretching out and surface cracking.

Never store jewelry in plastic bags or sealed pouches to keep pearls hydrated and lustrous.

Store metal jewelry and pearl pieces on separate pouches to avoid scratches on soft surfaces.

Use the original box to store pearls without damage on a long trip or holiday.

Conclusion

pearl jewelry

Soft, delicate pearl surface is sensitive to body oil, sweat, chemicals, and minor impacts. Cleaning pearls, keeping pieces separate, and using breathable pouches can ideally store jewelry.

Further, proper storing methods and storing tips keep pearls durable and lustrous for decades. So, store mystic pieces with extra care for the infinite sparkle in your mystic collection.