Scratches on pearls
I noticed there are now very faint scratches on my pearl bracelet. Is it normal or am I too rough? I have only worn it for 3 days and am very surprised to see scratch marks appearing....
pearl bracelets are not meant for everyday wear, is this true?
many thanks for thoughts on this!
Third-graft Pearl
Senior Pearl-Guide.com Pearl Expert
Freshwater pearls are generally softer than other pearl types. However, I've noticed scratches on all my pearls after wearing them a few times. I'm suspecting it's because I like wearing sequined tops. My mother has knocked one of my tahitian bracelets when she was at the malls. I think it's just part and parcel of the nature of the pearls. You can't really avoid it. Try to be careful, but pearls are meant to be worn and with reasonable nacre it should last many years. However, if you want perfect pearls the only way to do it is to keep it in a glass case.
Aspiring ninja. Go Storm Shadow!
Pearl Knotting & Wire Expert
Senior Pearl-Guide.com Pearl Expert
What kind of pearls are they? Just curious. I think pearls on the mohs scale are only a 2 or so, very soft. Unfortunately, bracelets take quite a beating under normal wear. Just be cognizant of it when you wear it and don't wear it playing basketball (my niece, duh!).
Pretty Panda pic by nlerner on her U.S. excursion last year, San Diego Zoo.[/SIZE][/SIZE]
Originally Posted by Orangetree
Hi,Orangetree!
that is one of the reasons why I never have bought or made myself a bracelet, I just feel it is too harsh on the pearls and one is not always able to be careful even though it would be necessary! The same goes for pearl rings.
If you want to keep the pearls nice and almost without scratches you shold invest in a pendant, a necklace or a brooch.
Hi Orangetree,
In my 30 years of making jewelry I have never made a pearl bracelet. I just couldn't stand the thought of the beating those poor pearls were going to take on someones wrist. Maybe if you wear it infrequently it will last but other than that pearl bracelets never fit with my goal of making jewelry to last a lifetime.
DFrey
Pearl Knotting & Wire Expert
Senior Pearl-Guide.com Pearl Expert
What kind of pearls are they?
Pretty Panda pic by nlerner on her U.S. excursion last year, San Diego Zoo.[/SIZE][/SIZE]
Pearl Enthusiast
Senior Pearl-Guide.com Pearl Expert
When I buy pearls to string for myself (I like matched sets), I select the very nicest ones to make dangle earrings, then the next best for my necklace, then the more flawed ones for my bracelet.
One doesn't usually see people's bracelets close up, and small scratches and flaws are not so visible from the usual viewing distance.
My advice is to be selective about what activities you do while wearing pearl bracelets (I wouldn't do housecleaning with them on), and then enjoy them and don't worry about hard-to-see scratches that develop.
Hi All,
If you do a forum search on "sunshine cloth" you will find previous discussions of using it for removing fine scratches on pearls. I personally do love pearl bracelets, but usually save them for special occasions, going to dinner and such. And would not purchase them in the finest round pearls, or make them in that either. Scratches are just going to happen now and then, that's why freshwaters are so great to have at the lower cost. We can pretty much lavish outselves in them----IMHO---
Pattye
so many pearls, so little time
I've made several close-fitting multi-strand FW pearl bracelets with jewelled clasps. I do a lot with my hands, so am afraid to wear a pearl ring, but I've had good luck with these bracelets. I think the fact that they fit snug around my wrist helps avoid damage, since they don't move around or bump into things.
For a less structured style, something strung on an elastic cord (like the stretch bracelets offered by PP) may have the same advantages, assuming a fairly close fit is achieved, though elastic could stretch out over time if the bracelet is taken on and off frequently.
Just a thought...
Sheri
thanks for your thoughts!
My pearls are freshwater lavendar pearls (posted a pic in the cultured pearl thread). They are very pretty.
I have kept them away, will be wearing them less frequently. The bracelet is becoming a bit loose, am thinking of re-stringing them. I make jewelry so re-stringing is no problem to me.
Will check out the "sunshine cloth"! Sounds interesting.
I'm thinking of getting a freshadama pearl pendant and then next year Tahitian pearl pendant. Heh heh! so happy!
Merry christmas to all in advance!
Pearl Enthusiast
Senior Pearl-Guide.com Pearl Expert
I've seen the Sunshine cloth in the Rio Grande catalog.
Third-graft Pearl
Senior Pearl-Guide.com Pearl Expert
The thing is, I can't see the scratches unless I examine it in really bright light, so I'm not bothered. I mean really bright, because under bright fluorescent lighting I would be unable to see it, but if I go into my bathroom with the spotlights and really squint I'd see very minor scratches. I'm not that rough with the pearls, really. I think the sunshine cloth is a good idea, but only when it's really significant. You can't really buff the pearls after every use. You'd just wear it out quicker.
Aspiring ninja. Go Storm Shadow!
Hello,
Pearls Bracelets are my favorite because I have the pleasure to see a lot at the same time though necklace and earrings , you need a mirror to see them
I like to wear several bracelets all together mixing Tahiti and keshis.
I don't get any scratches because I never wear them the hand I write with (so put it on on left hand if you are right-handed and reverse)
Enjoy your bracelets !!
Hi Cliclasp,
Thanks for the gentle reminder to wear bracelets on the opposite from our writing hand. So common sense! I am so used to my watch on the left (I am right-handed), and my watch is stainless, so don't wear gemstones on that side usually, just pop the bracelet on the right! Now I will switch my watch over and wear pearls on the left, thanks!
Also like my necklaces longer, ropes right now, so I can see them too!
Pattye
so many pearls, so little time
oh yes! thanks for the lovely reminder! and thanks to Cliclasp too
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