Once you have begun your collection of pearls, you can maintain the luminous glow of necklaces, bracelets and other personal pieces easily if you take a little time to clean and store them properly. Here’s what to keep in mind: Avoid exposure to cosmetics, hair spray and perfumes. Put on your pearls after preparing to dazzle the world! When you take your pearls off, place them in a soft bag (such as one of our satin-finish pouches) or wrap them in smooth fabric. Clean them lightly after each wearing: simply wipe with a soft cloth, dry or water-dampened. This prevents a buildup of oil and perspiration, which can eat away the nacre over time. Don’t let pearls get wet while swimming, bathing, or washing dishes. Rough surfaces can scratch them. Keep your pouch handy to avoid the temptation to throw your pearls in a purse or travel bag when in a hurry! Temperature and humidity affect pearls. Prolonged dryness and heat cause dehydration and cracking of the beautiful nacre. Pearls can be damaged by: chlorine; ammonia; vinegar; lemon juice. Cleaning: Pearls can be cleaned by a professional jeweler. You may also clean them yourself by gently washing in water and a very mild soap, such as Ivory liquid. Wipe the piece with a soft cloth, detailing areas around drill holes. Lay the pearls flat in a moist kitchen towel; when the towel has dried, so have the pearls. Wearing pearl strands while wet, or hanging them to dry, will stretch and weaken the string. Don’t use commercial jewelry cleaners unless you know they are safe for pearls. They may contain ammonia. Avoid detergents, baking soda, cleansers, bleaches or any ammonia-based cleaning substance. Pearls can be scratched by scouring pads and other abrasive materials, and even toothbrushes. Use only a soft cloth. Don’t steam clean or use an ultra-sonic cleaner. This can cause damage or color loss. Long-term care: To insure that the string is good and mountings secure, have a jewelry professional check your pearls every six months to a year (depending on wear). We will be glad to do this for you! When it’s time to restring, the piece should be strung with silk, with a knot between each pearl. A safe deposit box or vault can be extremely dry. If you’re storing pearls for a long period, place a damp cloth near them, and refresh as needed. Avoid sealed plastic bags. We are always happy to answer your questions about pearl care. Contact us at Treasures@Soji.com or call Toll-Free: 800-675-1706.