Do pearls absorb moisture?

[bluelotus777]

Hello,

I have heard that a bit of water (such as the moisture that comes from the skin) is good for pearls, does that mean that pearls absorb water from the environment?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Pearls can dry out and be damaged if kept in a too-dry environment (like a safe deposit box) for an extended time. So then logically they must be able to absorb a little bit of moisture.

 

[CortezPearls]

Yup! Pearl can and will absorb water...its not like they can become "waterlogged" but they do absorb water from your skin or if you place them in water.
This would be the basis for the "maeshori" treatment: you soak pearls in distilled water until they absorb as much water as possible on the outer layers and then it's easier to polish them.

 

[bluelotus777]

very interesting, thanks!

 

[Katbran]

Thanks Douglas... I might give mine a little water bath !