How Do You Clean Vintage Pearl Jewelry?
Pearls are by nature more delicate than most other types of jewelry, and require special care in storage and cleaning. While most jewelry can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner, pearls require a different treatment. If handled or cleaned improperly, your vintage pearls can break or the nacre (the iridescent coating secreted from the clam) can wear off. You can safely clean your vintage pearls in a few simple steps, restoring them to their original beauty. Place your loose or strung pearl jewelry into one leg of a pair of clean pantyhose. Tie a knot close to the pearls to keep them in place. Close the drain in your sink and sprinkle in a small amount of mild detergent such as Ivory Flakes. Fill the sink with warm water. Gently add the pantyhose containing your pearls into the warm water bath. Swirl them around in the water. Be careful not to grind or rub the pearls together directly. Remove the sack from the water bath and untie the knot. Remove your pearls and lay them out on a towel
