[Steppes] questions about pearls

[Betsy Marshall]

Is the necklace on knotted silk? or something similar? the Industry
recommendation is to have them re-strung every year or two-
the showering might accelerate the fiber breakdown.
Jewelers use a two part epoxy for pearls, takes a special
chemical to remove them for repairs and such
(pin, ring brooch) but for costume jewelry- no way of telling.
if you are not wearing them they need to have separate places
to stay where they will not knock or rub against other jewelry-
Individual bag or compartment, as pearls themselves are quite soft
and scratchable.(compared to metal and gems...)
here is some good advice on cleaning:

http://www.1earth.com.au/collect/cleaning_pearls.html

hope this has been helpful, pyro

-----Original Message-----
From: steppes-admin at ansteorra.org [mailto:steppes-admin at ansteorra.org]On
Behalf Of Karen Calhoun
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2002 7:26 AM
To: steppes at ansteorra.org
Subject: [Steppes] questions about pearls


I am in need of "care and feeding" instructions for pearls.  Over the years,
I have been given a few necklaces with pearls and I've recently come to very
much like one of them but want to take good care of it so that it will last
for many years to come.

So here we go:

Can I wear the necklace daily without damaging the sheen of the pearls?

Do I need to condition the charm or wash it with a special soap?

Can I wear them in the shower (this is for the ring...)?

How trustworthy is the glue used to attach the pearls to the assorted
charms/ring?

Any help would be appreciated....

Best Wishes for the holiday season.

Katya/Karen Calhoun

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