How Sweat Can Cause White Spots on Pearls

As a pearl enthusiast, you might already be familiar with the importance of keeping pearls clean. But did you know that even something as natural as sweat can damage your pearls? Let me share an interesting case that highlights why this seemingly small detail matters.

A seasoned pearl retailer had a batch of pearls sitting in their store for about two or three years without any noticeable changes. However, after selling the pearls to a customer, the customer reported white spots appearing on the pearls after just a little over a month of wear. What made this case intriguing was that these white spots couldn’t be removed, no matter how much the customer tried to clean them.

After careful analysis, it was discovered that these spots were caused by the customer’s sweat. Sweat, being slightly acidic and sticky, doesn’t evaporate quickly from the pearl’s surface. Since pearls are primarily composed of calcium carbonate crystals, long-term exposure to weak acidic substances like sweat can lead to a chemical reaction that slowly dissolves the pearl’s outer layer. Over time, this causes visible damage in the form of stubborn white spots.

So, what can we learn from this? If you want your pearls to last, it’s essential to wipe them down after wearing, especially if they’ve been in contact with sweat. This simple step can prevent long-term damage and keep your pearls looking as beautiful as the day you bought them.

In short, sweat and pearls don’t mix well, and it’s always a good idea to give them a little care after each wear. Consider this a friendly reminder: a quick wipe now can save your pearls from a lot of unnecessary damage later!