Proper Care of Pearls and Opals
Question:
What does "dehydrated" mean when it comes to certain types of semi-precious stones and pearls?
-Lorraine in Alamosa, Colorado
What does "dehydrated" mean when it comes to certain types of semi-precious stones and pearls?
-Lorraine in Alamosa, Colorado
Instructions
Answer:
The pearl is one of my favorite gemstones, and is also one of my birthstones, so I pride myself on knowing a bit about this gem!
The pearl is one of my favorite gemstones, and is also one of my birthstones, so I pride myself on knowing a bit about this gem!
Pearls Pearls are a natural material formed when an irritant enters a living oyster.
To protect itself, the oyster coats the irritant with a secretion called nacre the same material it uses to grow its shell.
The irritant becomes trapped inside this coating, and over time, forms a pearl.
If pearls are stored in very hot, dry conditions, moisture evaporates from the nacre.
This causes the pearl to lose its luster, dull its color, and develop cracks in the outer nacre layer.
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to restore a damaged pearl.
The best storage for pearls is in silk where air can circulate and pearls can "breathe." You can read more about this organic gemstone in the article, For the Love of Pearls!
To protect itself, the oyster coats the irritant with a secretion called nacre the same material it uses to grow its shell.
The irritant becomes trapped inside this coating, and over time, forms a pearl.
If pearls are stored in very hot, dry conditions, moisture evaporates from the nacre.
This causes the pearl to lose its luster, dull its color, and develop cracks in the outer nacre layer.
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to restore a damaged pearl.
The best storage for pearls is in silk where air can circulate and pearls can "breathe." You can read more about this organic gemstone in the article, For the Love of Pearls!
On the other hand, opals are filled with water.
Solid opals should be stored in a plastic bag with a damp cotton ball for long-term care.
Opal doublets and triplets don't need to be kept damp.
In fact, prolonged exposure to liquids can cause their layers to separate and develop a foggy appearance.
Solid opals stored in very hot, dry conditions can dehydrate, leading to cracks and crazing.
All opals should be kept in padded pouches when not worn to protect them from scratches by other jewelry.
Solid opals should be stored in a plastic bag with a damp cotton ball for long-term care.
Opal doublets and triplets don't need to be kept damp.
In fact, prolonged exposure to liquids can cause their layers to separate and develop a foggy appearance.
Solid opals stored in very hot, dry conditions can dehydrate, leading to cracks and crazing.
All opals should be kept in padded pouches when not worn to protect them from scratches by other jewelry.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Materials
11-13mm Large Hole (1.2mm) White Baroque Fresh Water Pearls - Pack of 10
A8-01
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $16.57
- Gold Club Price: $12.43
13-14mm Large Hole (1.2mm) Square Baroque Fresh Water Pearls - Pack of 20
A8-02
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $16.67
- Gold Club Price: $12.50
5-5.5mm Large Hole (1.2mm) White Potato Fresh Water Pearls - Pack of 20
A8-05
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $6.57
- Gold Club Price: $4.93
5-5.5mm Large Hole (1.2mm) White Rice Fresh Water Pearls - Pack of 20
A8-08
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $8.67
- Gold Club Price: $6.50
6-7mm Large Hole (1.2mm) Natural Double Shine Fresh Water Pearls - Pack of 20
A8-06
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $15.37
- Gold Club Price: $11.53
6.5-7mm Large Hole (1.2mm) White Potato Fresh Water Pearls - Pack of 20
A8-04
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $20.57
- Gold Club Price: $15.43
6.5-7mm Large Hole (1.2mm) White Rice Fresh Water Pearls - Pack of 20
A8-07
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $18.27
- Gold Club Price: $13.70
8-10mm Large Hole (1.2mm) White Double Shine Fresh Water Pearls - Pack of 20
A8-03
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $18.97
- Gold Club Price: $14.23
Tools
Ionic Cleaning Machine
CLN-520.10
- CLN-520.10
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $128.97
- Gold Club Price: $96.73
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- Category: General Education
- Technique(s): Design
Dale Armstrong
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