I Regret Leaving My Pearls Untouched for 7 Years...! The Correct Care and Cleaning Methods for Pearls

2021.04.30 published

I haven't used it that many times.

It's a story from the past.....

I received a pearl necklace and earrings from my mother as a coming-of-age gift. (I was so happy! I hope to give something that can be used for a long time when my daughter reaches her coming-of-age ceremony.)

It's been seven years since I received them.

I usually don't wear them, and I only put them on for special occasions. Like at friends' weddings, funerals, anniversary dates, and family meetings.

When I wasn’t using them, I kept them in a box and treated them with care...

Recently, I thought, "I want to wear them at the wedding," and when I took them out for the first time in a while and examined them closely, I was shocked.

The shocking dirtiness. I reflect on neglecting them...!

Until now, I hadn’t looked closely, so I didn’t realize, but upon closer inspection, it was shockingly dirty.

The shiny appeal of the pearls was completely absent.

They were cloudy and had many small scratches. I'm not quite sure, but it seems there are beige stains too. (Foundation...?)

This photo was taken with a DSLR. The glossy appearance of the pearls is completely gone, as if they have been treated carelessly.

(I truly thought I had been taking good care of them...).

This photo was taken with an iPhone. The red circle just indicates dirt, but it looks bumpy.

The original shine of the pearls is evident here. It's clear at a glance from the photo...

Precious pearls that my mother bought for me.

I reflected on how dirty they had become, and I decided that from now on, I would take proper "care" so I could wear them at the wedding.

＜About Pearl Terminology＞

Before cleaning the pearls, I researched a bit and found out that there are specific terms related to pearls that I’d like to introduce.

First is "nacre." Pearls are formed by layers of nacre wrapped around a nucleus at their center. The thicker this nacre layer is, the more beautiful and rich the colors become.

Example usage: "This pearl has thick nacre and is nice!"

"Luster" is also an important term. Luster refers to the "shine" of the pearl itself.

Example usage: "This pearl has a solid luster!"

Note: Generally, pearls that are said to be "thick-nacred" and have "good luster" (shine) are considered superior.

Cleaning pearls isn’t about processing them from above but rather wiping away dirt (or buffing the nacre) to bring out their original "luster."

There is also the term "blemish." This refers to natural protrusions or depressions formed within the shell. As these are natural to the pearls, they cannot be removed through cleaning.

Pearl Care and Cleaning Methods

＜Daily Care＞

To keep pearls clean, it is important to "wipe" them regularly. The calcium carbonate on the surface of pearls is sensitive to acidity, and if sweat, sebum, or cosmetics remain on the surface, they gradually dissolve, causing bumps and leading to the loss of "luster." That’s quite scary.

After wearing the pearls, immediately wipe them with a cloth, and store them sealed in a dark place with stable humidity and without oils.

(Storing them with other metals can cause rust, so please be sure to store them in a dedicated case separate from other jewelry.)

For everyday use, the “Pearl Glossy Cloth” sold by the Pearl Science Laboratory (a research institute that has been engaged in pearl quality analysis and R&D since long ago) is recommended.

- Removes surface dirt

- Enhances luster

- Provides protective function

- Prevents scratches

All these can be done with just one cloth.

After wearing them, be sure to wipe them with the cloth before storing.

➡【498 yen】Pearl Glossy Cloth

＜Care Every Six Months＞

Every six months, polishing the pearls can restore the luster they had when purchased by revealing a new nacre layer.

The “Pearl Refresh Cloth,” also developed by the Pearl Science Laboratory, can polish at a level of 0.5 microns (1 micron = 1/1000 mm), which is a change imperceptible to the naked eye.

➡【660 yen】Pearl Refresh Cloth

Even if you buy both the Pearl Glossy Cloth and the Pearl Refresh Cloth, it will be around 1,200 yen, so it’s a good idea to get them.

＜About Pearl Esthetics＞

If you find that even after cleaning them with a cloth, the luster doesn't return to the original shine when purchased… you can also have pearls cleaned at a "Pearl Esthetics" specialty store.

Broadly speaking, the methods of pearl esthetics involve two techniques developed by the Pearl Science Laboratory: "Micro-Permanent Processing" and "PS Processing."

(Many jewelers advocated for Micro-Permanent Processing.)

“Micro-Permanent Processing” strengthens the nacre layer to prevent discoloration and aging. This enhances the durability of the pearls and prevents quality degradation from the inside.

“PS Processing” is a technique that strengthens the surface of the calcium carbonate that forms the nacre.

You can find a list of agencies conducting pearl cleaning and esthetics on the Pearl Science Laboratory's website. Please inquire with your local jewelry store. (Cleaning typically costs between 10,000 to 20,000 yen.)

➡ Pearl Science Laboratory's Cleaning & Esthetics Agencies

You can see before-and-after examples here.

Let’s Use Pearls Beautifully♡

I introduced the methods for caring for and cleaning pearls.

I’m embarrassed to admit that I had never taken care of them for seven years (not even a light wipe), which left them in a sad state, but

after properly polishing them with the dedicated cloth, their shine returned just as it was when I received them.

These are important pearls that I will wear for decades to come. Although I had neglected them for seven years, from now on I plan to care for them properly and treat them with great care.＊