When taken care of properly, pearls will last for many generations.
Because pearls are relatively soft, ranging 2.5 to 4 on Moh's scale of hardness (1-10, 10 is the hardness of a diamond) they should be stored in a cloth pouch or wrapped in a piece of soft cloth. Since most stones and metals are harder than pearls, storing your pearls together may scratch them. Most pearls of value are knotted between each pearl to protect them from continual rubbing against one another.
They can be damaged in other ways:
- Dressing - Put on pearls after you have applied your makeup, hairspray and perfume. Chemicals in these products can be harmful.
- Remove pearls before bathing or swimming. Chemicals or minerals in the water may harm the pearl or deteriorate the cord they are strung with.
- After you have worn your pearls, wipe them gently with a soft clean cloth. Over time, the slight acid in your perspiration can have an abrasive affect them.
- If you find it necessary to clean your pearls, do not use ammonia-based cleaners, detergents, bleaching agents or powdered cleaners. Don't use abrasive materials, scouring pads or stiff brushes. Gently wash in water with a mild soap and dry them with a soft cloth. Lay necklaces flat to dry. Do not hang or wear them when wet, since this may stretch the cord.
- Don't keep pearls in a sealed plastic bag. Pearls are organic and need to breathe. Long exposure in sealed bags, in direct heat or sunshine may dry, crack or discolor pearls.
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