HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PEARLS
Your vintage man-made pearls are fragile, handle them with care. They are over 70 years of age already when you receive them.
Your pearls will stay cleaner if you put them on after you've applied your makeup and perfume.Do not spray perfume, hairspray or apply any makeup or moisturisers on the area where your pearls make contact with your skin or whilst applying these products.
Do not spray perfumes, hairsprays directly on to pearls.
Wipe your pearls gently with a soft, lint-free cloth as soon as you take them off.
NEVER store your pearls in a plastic bag. Some plastics contain chemicals that will cause the surface of your pearls to deteriorate. Keep your pearls straight if possible and wrap in a soft natural (undyed) material.
Never clean your pearls with solutions that contain ammonia or harsh detergents.
Do not put pearl jewellery in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Do not use abrasive cleaners or rub pearls with abrasive cloths. This will wear away the coating, leaving you with a plain looking bead.
Do not wear your pearls in the bath or when swimming as the thread will stretch and weaken and may break.
Do not sleep with pearls on.
Storing Pearls
Don't store your pearls with other jewellery, because they will scratch easily when metal or gemstones rub against them.
Restring
....your pearl necklace periodically as the silk cord or thread may become worn and break. Examine the thread that is visible between the pearls, if the thread is no longer white and looks greasy or grey and there is dirt accumulating near or at the drill hole of the pearl, it is advisable to have them restrung for safety and before it becomes impossible to remove the dirt which causes the thread to become stuck in the drill hole.
The same ultra-dry atmospheric conditions such as found in safety deposit boxes and heat will damage your pearls.
A little care invested in your pearls will pay off in the long run.