Did you know that pearls can change colors? It’s something that can happen over time. White pearls slowly turn yellow as they age. Many people don’t understand how this happens, or how to prevent it. Read on to learn everything you need, and want, to know about yellowed pearls!
Is this weird? What do yellow pearls mean?
Like many things in life, pearls age. As these precious gems age, they go through a natural process that changes the composition of the organic substances that make them up. This causes them to change color. Yellow pearls typically indicate that pearls are real, since artificial pearls don’t normally change color.
Naturally Yellow Pearls
While natural white pearls can yellow with age, there are such things as naturally yellow pearls. These naturally yellow stones are yellow not because of their age but because of the way they have been cultivated. Yellow pearls are advertised as such, and they look like fresh pearls, not the dull yellow color of older pearls. Pearl colors are important to understand before purchasing this type of exquisite jewelry.
Why does it happen?
Pearl jewelry usually turns yellow as time passes because they dry out. If there is no air circulation and moisture where pearls are kept, their organic composition begins to change, which results in that yellowing. Typically, the way pearls are stored can lead to them becoming dried out, which in turn leads to yellowed pearls. These precious stones that become yellow are often stored in sealed plastic bags, put in places where the air is hot and dry, and aren’t worn frequently.
Reversing the Process
Many people who have yellowed pearls desperately wish to whiten them again. However, being able to whiten them would depend on how long the yellowing has been going on for. If too much time has passed, there may not be a way to undo the damage to the jewelry. It’s much harder to reverse the process than it is to prevent the pearls from turning yellow in the first place.
What else happens when they yellow?
Aside from no longer looking fresh and perfect, yellowing pearls also causes a loss of durability. This is due to the fact that the pearl is dried out. Once the pearl has dried out, the pearl becomes brittle and the pearls themselves may crack, causing fractures on the surface nacre.
Yellowing Prevention
When it comes to pearls turning yellow, prevention is the best cure. Learn all about how to take care of your pearls before you purchase them and simply don’t allow your pearls to dry out! Don’t store them in plastic bags; don’t keep them in closed spaces such as boxes or safes; don’t put them for a long time in places where it’s hot and there’s no air circulation.
Another important piece of advice to remember is that you should wear your pearls regularly to keep them from drying out. The contact with your skin provides them with natural oils that your pearls absorb, keeping them moisturized. For example, if you wear your pearl necklace every couple of weeks, that can help its pearls to retain their color.
Avani Jewelry includes a pearl care guide, luxurious storage pouch, and a polishing cloth to keep your pearls in great condition so they can last you a lifetime.
