Caring Tips to Keep Your Genuine Navajo Pearls Sparkling Forever

Keep Your Genuine Navajo Pearls Sparkling Forever

You were drawn to the unique beauty of genuine Navajo pearls and invested in these special pieces of jewelry. With a little care and maintenance, your #navajopearls can remain stunning heirlooms to treasure and pass down for generations.

The Allure of Authentic Navajo Pearls

Genuine Navajo pearls have an organic, irregular shape that sets them apart from mass-produced cultured pearls. Skilled Native American artisans carefully hand-pick each pearl and set them into exquisite #sterlingsilver settings.

The result is jewelry bursting with the culture and heritage of the Navajo people. From delicate strands to bold statement necklaces and earrings, these pieces connect the wearer to traditions stretching back centuries.

Caring for Your Sterling Silver

Most genuine Navajo pearls are set in .925 sterling silver. This popular precious metal alloy is 92.5% pure silver blended with copper for durability.

#925sterlingsilver develops a unique patina over time. While some love the vintage look, you may prefer keeping your jewelry with its original shine. Luckily, sterling silver is relatively easy to clean at home.

1. Use a Silver Polishing Cloth

Silver polishing cloths contain mild abrasives that remove tarnish and oxidation. Simply rub the cloth over dull sterling silver to restore its brilliance. Polishing cloths are safe for all pearls and gemstones.

2. Try a Silver Dip

Silver dips quickly dissolve tarnish for a deeper clean. Submerge pieces for 1-3 minutes, rinse in water, then buff dry with a soft cloth. Use dips formulated specifically for sterling silver jewelry.

Protecting Your Genuine Navajo Pearls

Caring for genuine Navajo pearls centers on being gentle. Unlike diamonds, pearls are relatively soft—around 2.5-4.5 on the Mohs scale. Everyday wear slowly erodes their nacre coating over time.

1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Prevent damage by keeping pearls away from chlorine, perfume, hair spray and other harsh chemicals. Take jewelry off before swimming, cleaning or applying cosmetics.

2. Store Properly Between Wears

Place pearls in a soft pouch or jewelry box liner to prevent scratches. Don't toss them in a drawer with other gemstones and metals that could nick their delicate surfaces.

Genuine Navajo Pearls Last a Lifetime

With occasional cleaning and proper care, your authentic Navajo pearl jewelry will sparkle indefinitely. Follow these tips from @StockyardStyle to keep your #sterlingsilver fresh and protect those lustrous pearls.

Let your genuine Navajo pearls become true family heirlooms. Pass them down to future generations with stories of how and where you acquired each unique piece.

FAQs

How often should I clean my sterling silver Navajo jewelry?

Sterling silver tarnishes over time when exposed to air. Clean your Navajo jewelry as needed, such as when it starts looking dull or dirty. Frequent cleaning (such as weekly or monthly) will keep sterling looking freshly polished.

What’s the best way to store Navajo pearl jewelry?

Store pearls and sterling silver jewelry separately in soft cloth bags or lined boxes. Pearls are delicate and can be scratched by harder metals and gemstones. Keeping them separated protects their soft nacre coating.

Can I wear Navajo pearls daily?

Pearls are relatively soft gemstones, rating 2.5-4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Friction from everyday wear slowly erodes their outer nacre layer over time. For durability, save your Navajo pearl jewelry for special occasions vs daily wear.

How do I know if my Navajo pearls are real?

Genuine Navajo pearls have small irregularities like dimples, grooves and bumps. They reflect light uniquely. If you purchased from a reputable Navajo artisan dealer, an appraisal or certificate of authenticity verifies they are natural pearls.