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

Thanks

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.

 

[knotty panda]

Yikes! Dead pearls! Josh, can you explain heating to me, please? Are we talking about mechanical buffing friction? What does a dead pearl look like? Overheated? What temperatures can a pearl tolerate? Is it associated with it's depth of nacre? You didn't expect all these questions, did you. This is just the beginning, I have a feeling.

 

[Caitlin]

Hi Josh
My understanding of a dead pearl is one that has lost its luster, become chalky or waxy....Is that what you mean?

 

[Josh]

Hi Knotty and Caitlin. Yeah, pearls die from excessive heat. They lose their color, luster and orient. Fifteen years ago on one our first harvests we buffed a few with a polishing wheel. They died months later and looked hideous. I don't know the temperature that needs to be respected but I can tell you that they became too hot to hold in your hand.
Skinning is not hard but you have to go VERY slowly. I could tell you how but then I'd have to change my name, get a nose job and send my family into hiding.

 

[knotty panda]

Would that be like a witness protection program? The reason I'm so curious is, I've been experimenting with microwaving pearls to loosen glues. One side effect I haven't encountered is blossoming. But others have described something like that. This bloom appears on the pearl after microwaving, but it's easily removed. I wonder if perhaps this would indicate the pearl was excessively heated and the effects aren't apparent until months later. I'm sure you don't "nuke" your beauties.

 

[Josh]

Ooooh. Nuking sounds dodgy for sure. We have had our share of radiation with the French nuclear testing down here so no, we haven't tried that one. I like that searching spirit though. I would definitely hold off for a few months to see how they go. Let us know will ya?

 

[knotty panda]

"Dodgy" Ooooo, I love your accent! Nuking is American slang for microwaving. Sorry to confuse.

 

[Caitlin]

I have yet to nuke a pearl, but I would put it in water first. You didn't say, but I am sure you would. The molecules (or something) get very agitated internally in a microwave. That's why it kills living things like bugs or cats ....or pearls? unless it is heated in water.

And when the damage doesn't show up for months one could have a line of customers with one dead pearl who would never think it was the restringing that killed the pearl because it is so removed in time.

 

[Josh]

Ahahaha! I love how a thread on scratched pearls degenerated to microwaved cats and bugs.

 

[Caitlin]

And then to critiques on the thread itself........ I have been looking to see how this thread could be split, but it is a logical progression and your use of the word "dead" pearls was what took it "off track".....anyway KD seemed to be done with this thread.
Actually knotty may have hit on something talking about the "bloom" on nuked pearls. She has had other great ideas that need to go in another thread......
This is what you said

It won't show the damage right away but will "die" before too long if overheated.

If pearls are "alive" then a nuke job may not be good, maybe it boils the conchiolin? If not in water, nuking it will be sure to overheat the pearl....

Foir that matter, how hot is overheating?

 

[Valeria101]

Ooooh. Nuking sounds dodgy for sure. We [...] haven't tried that one.

I don't know anymore if radiation was/is ever used to treat pearls, but what it does to them is no secret. Here's one example resulting from an unrelated experiment carried out by GIA:

LINK

Rumors about some related procedure used specifically to darken pearls have been dismissed 'round here as bogus. And I have yet to find any substantial report elsewhere anyway.

 

[Caitlin]

Here is a thread on ungluing pearls and the use of the microwave

The pros all seem to recommend attack. Terry says be sure to use water if you use a microwave.

 

[Caitlin]

Hi Ana
Are you saying that pearls are being radiated for commercial purposes? I though that I heard they are not being radiated for commercial purposes, not that it isn't possible.....

 

[Valeria101]

Hi Ana
Are you saying that pearls are being radiated for commercial purposes?

NO.

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