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PEARL is often considered a gemstone, although it is not a mineral. Rather, pearl is a composite of the mineral Aragonite (Calcium Carbonate) and the organic compound conchiolin (a protein). The combination is called nacre, or mother-of-pearl. In some cases, there is a mixture of the mineral calcite (another mineral composed of Calcium Carbonate). In pearl oysters and freshwater pearl mussels, nacre forms the inner lining of the shell. In most other mollusks the shell has an appearance more like porcelain and lacks the luster and iridescence of mother-of-pearl.
Can pearls be cleaned? Yup!
Every day general care:
- A Cotton cloth can clean soiled pearls, when used meticulously and with immense care. It is advisable to wipe clean your pearl jewelry after every use, to save yourself from an exhaustive cleaning session later on. Use Warm Water.
One method of cleaning pearls
- Place soiled pearls, either loose or still in a necklace, bracelet or earrings into a pantyhose leg or a piece of bridal veil fabric and secure ends so pearls ...
- Fill a sink with warm water and mild shampoo.
- Place "bag" of pearls into water and shampoo mixture and gently massage the pearls with the bridal veil fabric or pantyhose, being careful not to put stress on the …
Please note, do not do this with pearl stud earrings where the pearl is glued onto the post.
How to care for cultured pearls?
- Only use jewelry cleaners labeled as safe for pearls.
- Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.
- Never steam-clean pearls.
- Never use (or expose pearls) to dish or wash detergents, bleaches, powdered cleansers, baking soda, or ammonia-based cleaners (like Windex).
- Never use toothbrushes, scouring pads or abrasive materials to clean pearls.
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