lavenderjade
New member
Thanks for the link Pearl Dreams, there are a couple I could go for. Most of them say 'silk like' so are not real silk. I guess cotton would do either as that is a natural material?
If you have a Container Shop near you , they have a ton of jewellery storage items...at least they did last year when I was in the one in Charlotte NC. They had a little soft zip box shape with different compartments in it .. like 5 inches square? ... and also the flat compartmentalised velvet stackable trays.
Pearl Dreams
Pearl Enthusiast
Ooh, I like those Stackers.
Cotton tends to be softer than the coarse type of linen. "Natural materials" alone is no guarantee of softness, though-- look how scratchy wool can be!
Cotton tends to be softer than the coarse type of linen. "Natural materials" alone is no guarantee of softness, though-- look how scratchy wool can be!
lavenderjade
New member
Lol!! I know, I would never wrap my pearls in wool...silk or soft cotton it is...
JerseyPearl
Active member
The Container Store sells jewelry component storage pieces. I've purchased several.
http://www.containerstore.com/shop/jewelryStorage/stackersPremiumJewelryStorage
http://www.containerstore.com/shop/jewelryStorage/stackersPremiumJewelryStorage
Pearl Dreams
Pearl Enthusiast
Here's another idea-- a microfiber drawstring pouch sold for storing sunglasses.
I bought a few at Walmart's optical department last summer (and have sunglasses in them) but there's no reason why they could not be used for pearls. I see some on Amazon and other places online.
I bought a few at Walmart's optical department last summer (and have sunglasses in them) but there's no reason why they could not be used for pearls. I see some on Amazon and other places online.
lavenderjade
New member
Cool idea pearl dreams! I have a couple of those lying around, never thought of that!
JerseyPearl
Active member
Katbran, ContainerStore often runs 20% off sales...but you might also try Bed Bath and Beyond. I haven't seen them in the stores, but they may have something similar on line. I LOVE the Container Store and find they always have EXACTLY what I'm looking for...so I figure that saves me money (not buying stuff that I don't really want)!
I found these on BBB, but they don't seem quite as nice...the tops are just single trays inverted and don't seem to have a true lid http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/sto...-jewelry-trays/125758?Keyword=jewelry+storage
I found these on BBB, but they don't seem quite as nice...the tops are just single trays inverted and don't seem to have a true lid http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/sto...-jewelry-trays/125758?Keyword=jewelry+storage
Rebecka
New member
What is the best way to store your pearls at home? Which materials can you use? Which shouldn't you use?
I've understood that pure silk is a good option, but I am confused over linen and cotton. I've been advised by jewellers in Sweden to store pearls in linen, but never cotton. But after reading this thread it seems to be as if pearls can be stored in cotton, but not always linen.
I feel a bit daft, please educate me
I've understood that pure silk is a good option, but I am confused over linen and cotton. I've been advised by jewellers in Sweden to store pearls in linen, but never cotton. But after reading this thread it seems to be as if pearls can be stored in cotton, but not always linen.
I feel a bit daft, please educate me
Pearl Dreams
Pearl Enthusiast
Just use any fabric that is soft and smooth. Avoid rough fabric due to its abrasive effect. Wool has scales (imbrications) like human hair does, so avoid wool.
Different things make for coarser fabric. The coarseness of weave (a fine weave is softer); the twist of the thread (loosely-twisted is softer), the pattern of the weave (a satin weave is smoother).
Don't overthink it. If it feels soft and smooth, your pearls should be okay.
Different things make for coarser fabric. The coarseness of weave (a fine weave is softer); the twist of the thread (loosely-twisted is softer), the pattern of the weave (a satin weave is smoother).
Don't overthink it. If it feels soft and smooth, your pearls should be okay.
GemGeek
Pearlista
Not sure if it was already mentioned, but use something that was freshly washed or stored away from dust. A hand towel that has been out in the open would collect some dust and that is made up of abrasive grit, mostly bits of quartz. Any softer gemstone could be scratched by dust embedded in a cloth.
Purranha
New member
Hi Everyone!
I'm a long-time lurker and first time poster. Wanted to say a big THANK YOU for all the wonderful & informative posts here on the P-G forum, and of course, for all the amazing drool-worthy eye-candies, too! I have quite a few questions so please help!
1) I wanted to confirm that it is ok to store pearls in a safety deposit box in dryer areas as long as I keep a small jar of water in the box too, yes?
2) Of course most pearl pieces are set with gold-based metals. But when we end up with pieces set in silver, the dilemma is that silver tarnishes faster in humidity, but pearls need humidity! Any suggestions on what to do in this case? Make sure pearls have enough humidity and just clean the tarnish off of the silver regularly?
3) Any recs on pearls safe tarnish remover products? I've seen sunshine cloth being posted on this forum. What about Jewel Brite. Are those ok to use?
4) Any recommendations for a good pearl re-stringing person in NYC/Manhattan? I see that lots of ladies on the forum re-string for clients, but seems like most people are located on the West Coast. Any Manhattan pearlers here?
5) I saw the post on John Tu, any recs for similar pearl suppliers in Manhattan?
Thank you all SO MUCH in advance!
Paula
I'm a long-time lurker and first time poster. Wanted to say a big THANK YOU for all the wonderful & informative posts here on the P-G forum, and of course, for all the amazing drool-worthy eye-candies, too! I have quite a few questions so please help!
1) I wanted to confirm that it is ok to store pearls in a safety deposit box in dryer areas as long as I keep a small jar of water in the box too, yes?
2) Of course most pearl pieces are set with gold-based metals. But when we end up with pieces set in silver, the dilemma is that silver tarnishes faster in humidity, but pearls need humidity! Any suggestions on what to do in this case? Make sure pearls have enough humidity and just clean the tarnish off of the silver regularly?
3) Any recs on pearls safe tarnish remover products? I've seen sunshine cloth being posted on this forum. What about Jewel Brite. Are those ok to use?
4) Any recommendations for a good pearl re-stringing person in NYC/Manhattan? I see that lots of ladies on the forum re-string for clients, but seems like most people are located on the West Coast. Any Manhattan pearlers here?
5) I saw the post on John Tu, any recs for similar pearl suppliers in Manhattan?
Thank you all SO MUCH in advance!
Paula
Pearl Dreams
Pearl Enthusiast
1. I suppose you can store pearls in a safety deposit box with a jar of water, but it seems to me the extra moisture would not be good for the important documents you are also probably storing there.
If you are just putting them in the box for a short time (for example, if you are traveling and don't want to take them with you), the dry air will not be a problem. It's long term storage that is an issue.
The way I see it, pearls that are in a safe deposit box are not being worn and enjoyed. Better to find a safe place to keep them at home.
2. I don't think it's humidity that causes tarnishing so much as exposure to air. Tarnish is oxidation. My silver jewelry tarnishes less quickly if kept in a case or drawer. You can buy little anti-tarnish paper squares to tuck into your jewelry box, too.
When the findings eventually tarnish, I use a Sunshine cloth. If the strand has silver spacers as well, I restring, taking the opportunity to clean the silver.
3. I don't think there is any silver cleaner that is safe for pearls.
4. Not an answer to this question, but I urge you to try restringing yourself! It is the least expensive way by far, and Pattye's slippery Serafil thread makes it a cinch to place the knots correctly.
4.
If you are just putting them in the box for a short time (for example, if you are traveling and don't want to take them with you), the dry air will not be a problem. It's long term storage that is an issue.
The way I see it, pearls that are in a safe deposit box are not being worn and enjoyed. Better to find a safe place to keep them at home.
2. I don't think it's humidity that causes tarnishing so much as exposure to air. Tarnish is oxidation. My silver jewelry tarnishes less quickly if kept in a case or drawer. You can buy little anti-tarnish paper squares to tuck into your jewelry box, too.
When the findings eventually tarnish, I use a Sunshine cloth. If the strand has silver spacers as well, I restring, taking the opportunity to clean the silver.
3. I don't think there is any silver cleaner that is safe for pearls.
4. Not an answer to this question, but I urge you to try restringing yourself! It is the least expensive way by far, and Pattye's slippery Serafil thread makes it a cinch to place the knots correctly.
4.
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Purranha
New member
Thank you so much Pearl Dreams!
Haha I scan most of my important documents and store them electronically. Sadly I live in Manhattan (shoebox sized apt) so it is difficult for me to have a proper drilled-into-the-concrete-floor type of safe storage at home. So I have a safety deposit box at a bank branch across the street from my apt and I rotate my babies periodically. I get a bit nervous when I keep everything at home...
And don't worry all my pearls get rotated and get lots of wear when they are at home, no one is being neglected!
Ok will give Sunshine cloth a try and have bookmarked your stringing tutorial, but will take some time for me to get my act & supplies together to start practicing! Oh boy, I'm gonna have to lock Purranha (my kitten) up in the bedroom when I eventually attempt to re-string the pearls lol...
Paula
Haha I scan most of my important documents and store them electronically. Sadly I live in Manhattan (shoebox sized apt) so it is difficult for me to have a proper drilled-into-the-concrete-floor type of safe storage at home. So I have a safety deposit box at a bank branch across the street from my apt and I rotate my babies periodically. I get a bit nervous when I keep everything at home...
And don't worry all my pearls get rotated and get lots of wear when they are at home, no one is being neglected!
Ok will give Sunshine cloth a try and have bookmarked your stringing tutorial, but will take some time for me to get my act & supplies together to start practicing! Oh boy, I'm gonna have to lock Purranha (my kitten) up in the bedroom when I eventually attempt to re-string the pearls lol...
Paula
LLoydsJewelry
New member
I too recommend restringing yourself. I have a thread posted using the no tools Japanese method that might work for you.
I don't have any experience with the value of added water to store pearls. I have seen that suggested by others.
A misconception about tarnish on silver is that oxygen combines with the silver. The actual culprit is sulfer compounds produced by combustion (autos, fires & More) that is present in the air. A safety deposit box would have some air circulation. Use a zip lock plastic bag inside your safety deposit box. This limits the amount of ambient air circulating around your silver item. Add an anti-tarnish strip. They will not affect your item in any way. They will absorb the culprits ( sulfer compounds) before they affect you silver.
If you want to add a wet cloth inside the zip lock, it would probably be fine to do so. Humidity is less likely to cause problems than circulating air.
Sunshine cloths are great for cleaning silver. Use them as soon as silver begins to not shine. Grayish coloring means tarnish is beginning.
Lloyd Patterson
Gemologist GIA certified.
I don't have any experience with the value of added water to store pearls. I have seen that suggested by others.
A misconception about tarnish on silver is that oxygen combines with the silver. The actual culprit is sulfer compounds produced by combustion (autos, fires & More) that is present in the air. A safety deposit box would have some air circulation. Use a zip lock plastic bag inside your safety deposit box. This limits the amount of ambient air circulating around your silver item. Add an anti-tarnish strip. They will not affect your item in any way. They will absorb the culprits ( sulfer compounds) before they affect you silver.
If you want to add a wet cloth inside the zip lock, it would probably be fine to do so. Humidity is less likely to cause problems than circulating air.
Sunshine cloths are great for cleaning silver. Use them as soon as silver begins to not shine. Grayish coloring means tarnish is beginning.
Lloyd Patterson
Gemologist GIA certified.
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Pearl Dreams
Pearl Enthusiast
Well, that makes sense LloydsJewelry-- I know I smell a lot of sulphur when using hot water + washing soda (with silver items submerged and laid on an aluminum foil sheet) to clean my silver.
I only use that method for items that can take the heat and that don't have a patina I wish to preserve.
I only use that method for items that can take the heat and that don't have a patina I wish to preserve.
JerseyPearl
Active member
You should really try to do this yourself. Just make sure that you lay out the pearls exactly like they are currently strung, if you like them that way. If I can string pearls, anyone can...I am a complete klutz and have no artistic talent whatsoever.
ETA: from an environmental perspective, the addition of water might actually cause mold spores to grow. If you rotate your jewelry often, the ambient humidity is likely sufficient for the pearls. I have never had a pearl crack due to dryness. I might worry if I had a strand that cost $50k, but not for one that costs maybe a couple-three thousand.
ETA: from an environmental perspective, the addition of water might actually cause mold spores to grow. If you rotate your jewelry often, the ambient humidity is likely sufficient for the pearls. I have never had a pearl crack due to dryness. I might worry if I had a strand that cost $50k, but not for one that costs maybe a couple-three thousand.
Pearl Dreams
Pearl Enthusiast
JerseyPearl, a big plus for me in restringing is being able to rearrange the pearls!
But you make a very good point, for those who like the arrangement of their pearls just the way it was when they received them.
But you make a very good point, for those who like the arrangement of their pearls just the way it was when they received them.