Scratched Pearls...can they be fixed?

[kdmartinez]

I recently received a ring with a black pearl and today (the first day I wore it) the pearl was accidentally hit and it popped off the setting, it then proceeded to roll down the street! I was able to grab it but the pearl has many scratches and dents on it from hitting the pavement and I'm hoping against hope that the jeweler will be able to buff them out? Does anyone have any advice on the best way to repair it or is it a lost cause.

[jshepherd]

I am so sorry to hear that. Unfortunately if the dents and scratches are not superficial and actually have damaged the nacre, there is nothing that your jeweler can do about it.

I am concerned that the pearl came off the post, however. Maybe you should take this up with the retailer.

[Ashley]

I also have a solitare pearl ring; I love it so much, but it is Highly susceptible to getting bumped and scratched so I try not to wear it everyday. During the first week that I wore it out, the pearl also came off the post (Thank goodness I found it too, as it has a very unique Aqua color that I fell in love with at first sight!).

I remounted it, but before that I had our designers file notches or grooves in the mounting post so that there was a more "gritty" surface for the pearl to adhere to. I haven't had any problems since then!

When you take the pearl and mounting back to your jeweler, ask them if they couldn't do something similar (literally, it will take him 5min or less) for added security in the future.

[Valeria101]

With a gift this may be tricky, but such unusual damage occurring on a new piece... I would bring it back to the seller and expect repair or replacement. It may now work, but this could also be way easier than you might think - depending on what the seller makes of it. Most would service manufacturing defects - and I imagine that there must have been some for the pearl to leave the post so easily. Usually it is a pain in the b^%% to take pearls off posts even when you need to

2c

Wouldn't try to repair the pearl. Even with a solid pearl (i.e. all nacre - natural, keshi or tissue nucleated etc.) would be one dicey and traumatic exercise unless those are just the tiniest scratches.

[kdmartinez]

Thanks to everyone who responded...I've been pacing around my office wondering what to do all morning! The pearl was gifted to my boyfriend who had it set for me so I can't get that replaced and it seems as if the nacre has been damaged so I guess there's not a lot I can do. The only silver lining is that I think if the jeweler can buff out some of the superficial scrapes I may be able to have them reset it so the worst of the damage is hidden. I will take your advice and suggest that the jeweler add grooves to the base of the setting for a stronger hold.

Thanks again for all your help everyone, this is the only site I found that offered real information about proper pearl care etc...

[Ashley]

Anytime! We all wish you the best of luck!!!

[Josh]

Hi KD,
I may be too late on this post but here's to hoping. If your pearl was legally exported from Tahiti (which I imagine it was) it has nacre to spare. It can be repaired by a sufficiently skilled "skinner". The problem with straight buffing is that it will heat the pearl which WILL damage it. It won't show the damage right away but will "die" before too long if overheated.