When pearls are exposed to sunlight, they can become yellow or brown. This is due to a chemical reaction that takes place between the pearl’s water and the sun’s light. There are a few things you can do to preserve your pearls: store them in an airtight container, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, and use a pearl treatment.
What are yellowing pearls and what causes them?
Yellowing pearls are caused by a build-up of calcium carbonate on the pearl’s surface. This discoloration can be caused by a number of factors, including wearing the pearls in contact with skin lotions, oils, or makeup, or by storing them in an environment with high humidity. While yellowing is not harmful to the pearls and does not affect their value, it can be unsightly and may diminish their beauty. There are several ways to remove the built-up calcium carbonate and restore the pearls to their original color, including using a toothbrush and vinegar solution, or commercial cleaners specifically designed for pearls.
Are Yellowing Pearls Fake?
Turning yellow is a natural part of the aging process for pearls. As an organic gem, a pearl responds to its surrounding conditions. Pearls undergo changes in both appearance and composition as a result of various natural processes.
Fortunately, if your pearls are undergoing a color change, you can rest assured that they are authentic. Unlike natural pearls, imitations do not undergo a chromatic transformation.
How to identify if your pearls are yellowing?
The first step in identifying if your pearls are yellowing is to inspect them thoroughly. A pearl that has just been bought and has not yet been worn can be slightly yellowish, but this color usually fades after several days of wear.
If your pearls have a darker shade of white than they did when you first bought them, chances are they’re yellowing. The best way to tell if your pearls are actually yellowing is to compare them with other pearls that have not been worn. If you notice any difference in coloration, it’s likely that your pearls have turned yellow.
Yellowing is a natural process that occurs over time as the pearl absorbs oils from human skin and other substances in its environment. The rate at which this happens varies depending on how often you wear your pearls and how closely you care for them after each wearing (i.e., cleaning).
How Does Yellowing Impact Pearls?
Yellowing can impact pearls in several ways. First and foremost, it can affect the overall appearance of the pearls, making them look less attractive and less valuable. Yellowing can also indicate that the pearls are not being properly cared for, which can affect their durability and lifespan.
Yellowing can also occur as a result of the pearls being exposed to harsh chemicals, heat, or sunlight, which can cause the pearls to become discolored or faded. This can lead to the pearls losing their luster and becoming less valuable.
If you notice that your pearls are yellowing, it’s important to take steps to prevent further yellowing and to properly care for the pearls to help preserve their beauty and value. This can include storing the pearls in a cool, dry place, avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals and heat, and cleaning and caring for the pearls on a regular basis.
Can You Prevent Your Pearls from Turning Yellow?
There are several steps you can take to prevent your pearls from turning yellow:
1.Store your pearls in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
2.Avoid exposing your pearls to harsh chemicals, such as hairspray, perfume, and cleaning products.
3.Clean your pearls regularly with a soft, dry cloth. If they are particularly dirty, you can use a soft cloth dampened with a mixture of mild soap and water. Be sure to rinse the pearls thoroughly and pat them dry with a soft cloth.
4.Avoid wearing your pearls when participating in activities that may cause them to be bumped or damaged, such as sports or household chores.
5.Have your pearls restrung periodically, as this will help prevent the string from breaking and the pearls from becoming damaged.
By following these simple steps, you can help keep your pearls looking beautiful and lustrous for years to come.
How to clean pearls that have yellowed?
The desire to restore their original brilliance is a constant companion for those who possess pearls that have become yellow. While reversing the yellowing process is achievable and rather straightforward, it is important to note that the success of such an attempt is dependent on how long the yellowing has persisted.
It may be too late to reverse the process if it has been going on for a long period. If the yellowing has occurred rapidly, however, you may use the cleaning techniques described below to undo the damage.
1. The Sunlight Treatment
Here, after giving your pearls a good scrub and rinse, you’ll want to expose them to bright sunshine for at least an hour and up to a day.
The aim is to expose them to sunlight for as long as possible, ideally till you see a color shift. Thankfully, this technique may restore the pearly white hue often associated with high-quality pearls.
Keep in mind that real pearls might fade if exposed to extremely intense lighting over extended periods of time, so you shouldn’t do this too often.
2.Using Lukewarm Soapy Water
When you do this, you safeguard the nacre (the outer layer) and the shine of your pearls by removing dust and grime from their surface.
Avoid using dishwashing detergents and soaps on pearls while cleaning them with lukewarm soapy water.
If you want to get the finest results, use pure soap or soap flakes instead. Here is how to clean a carpet:
First, make sure your jewelry is in excellent shape.
Before anything further, check to see that each pearl is undamaged and securely strung on the silk thread with knots in between. Here, check that the clasp closes securely and that the silk hasn’t stretched too much between the pearls.
In order to ensure that the fragile pearls are not harmed in the cleaning process, it is important to examine each one for signs of damage.
Second, clean the pearls with a cotton towel and lukewarm soapy water.
To carefully clean the pearls, soak a tiny piece of white cotton batting or a cotton towel in a bowl of soapy lukewarm water.
While you’re at it, avoid straining and weakening the silk thread by avoiding prolonged soaking of the pearls or attempts to pop your necklace or bracelet while submerged in water. Keep changing the water until the pearls seem clean.
Once you’ve finished washing the pearls, wipe them off with a moist cotton towel to remove any remaining soap residue. This will keep their shiny covering intact and preserve their longevity.
Third, properly dry and store the pearls.
Next, lay down a clean, dry, and soft white cotton fabric to protect the pearls. By following these steps, you may clean the yellowing off of your pearls. If you want to ensure that your pearls are totally dry, you should leave them on a cotton towel for at least 10 minutes.
This enables the pearls to dry normally, keeping their lustrous shine and preserving the pliability of the silk thread.
At Last
Yellowing pearls are a common issue that can be caused by a number of factors. If your pearls have started to yellow, there are several things you can do to restore their color. However, if the pearls are severely yellowed, they may need to be replaced. Follow these steps to restore your pearls’ color and keep them looking beautiful for years to come.
