Tips for pearl storage?

[Former_Member]

Hi all. I have a question for all of you jewelry artists out there who use pearls. I've recently come into possession of a relatively large quantity of pearls. They are a variety of different colors and I'm excited to use them in some new designs. My question is how should I store them? I have my grandmother's pearl necklace in my jewelry box and it has it's own separate cloth pouch and I'm careful not to let it get too dry/wet or bang against itself since I know pearls are relatively soft and susceptible to changes in temperature or humidity. So I know that component.

But what do I do for my box of pearls? Right now they're in plastic bags separated by color which I know is the worst way you can store pearls, especially when it gets super hot and humid here in the summer time. Ideally I'd like to store them in a way where I can see the colors, but I don't know if I have the wall space to string them and hang them or if that would even be the best way to store them. Does anyone have any thoughts? : / How do you store your pearls? Thanks in advance. :)

[HeidiDiCesareDesigns]

I use tons of pearls and honestly I keep them in zip lock bags. I've never had any problems with storing them that way. Usually things like hair spray, creams and lotions and perfume are bad for pearls, but I've never heard that it's bad to store them in plastic bags. I have them in plastic bins too so I can see the colors.

[UrbanCoutureJewelry]

I keep them stored separate in plastic bags so I don't mix them with other beads or other colors. They can get scratched easily too so it's good to keep them separate. Dry air is worse for pearls so the humidity does help. Because the air is so dry out here I also keep them in a sealed plastic storage bin.

[LovgrenandDaughter]

From my personal pearl jewelry (make them for myself) , do you know if they are dyed fresh water? Just be aware that over time the dye may flatten in color luster. Air exposure, my very acid skin, perfume, hair products, etc are tough on the very dyed ones. And yes I do the gentle clean and dry to try to avoid.

Love, love, love pearls. Enjoy! and the knot tying tool is such a fabulous invention!

[Former_Member]

Thanks for all of your suggestions, everyone! It's good to know that everyone's been fine storing them in plastic bags. I had just read on a few different jewelry forums online, that ziplocs are generally not advised. I guess I'll keep them in plastic bags for now and just be on the look-out for other methods that might make me less nervous. :)

Also, thanks Kristin for the fyi re dye flattening. I have about 3 colors that are dyed, but the rest are natural. I'll keep a closer eye on the dyed ones.

Thanks again, everyone! :)

[weekendjewelry1]

Annie, if you have any issues, would you come back here and mention it? I'm like the others above, I've stored pearls for years in clear ziplocks, or clear plano boxes (the see-through or translucent kind with small dividers, hardware-box-style). I've never had any problems with them. So if it turns out there's some agent that's hurtful, please do let us know!

(I do keep them in a room where there's never perfume, room deodorizers, etc).

[Former_Member]

Hi Jen. I will, for sure, let you know if I have an issue. So far so good though, and hopefully it stays that way. Thanks again, everyone. :)