How to Clean Coral: Helpful Tips for Caring for Your Precious Jewelry

Coral cleaning

Coral is one of the most fascinating and prized organic gems in jewelry . Its warm color and smooth surface make it a unique material for creating necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. However, precisely because of its natural origin and delicate nature, coral requires special care to preserve its beauty over time.

In this article, we'll explain how to clean coral safely and effectively, avoiding harsh methods that could damage it.

Why is Coral Delicate?

Coral is an organic substance composed primarily of calcium carbonate, the same substance that forms shells and pearls. This makes it sensitive to acids, heat, harsh chemical detergents, and impacts. Even simple sweat or contact with cosmetics can dull it over time.

Coral Cleaning: The Basic Steps:

1. Use only warm water and a soft cloth. For routine cleaning, simply wipe the coral gently with a soft cloth slightly dampened with warm water. Avoid any type of non-specific soap or detergent: even gentle products may contain acidic or abrasive substances.

2. For more stubborn dirt: soft-bristled toothbrush. If there is visible residue, you can use a small, very soft-bristled toothbrush, such as a baby toothbrush or a pearl brush. Wet it lightly with warm water and gently brush only the affected area.

3. Dry carefully. After cleaning, immediately dry the coral with a dry microfiber cloth. Do not leave it wet, and especially do not use a hairdryer or other direct heat sources.

What to Absolutely Avoid

• No soaps, alcohol or silver products
• Avoid vinegar, lemon, or any acidic substance
• Do not immerse the coral in water for a long time
• Avoid direct sunlight for prolonged periods

How to Store Coral Properly

In addition to cleaning, conservation is essential to keep the coral's color alive:

• Store it in a lined case, separate from other jewelry to avoid scratches.
• Avoid humidity: Do not store coral in the bathroom or in very humid environments.
• If coral is rarely worn, it is helpful to wipe it with a slightly damp cloth every now and then to keep it hydrated.

Extra Tip: Professional Polishing

If your coral jewelry has lost its luster or has small scratches, we recommend contacting a professional jeweler. Only an expert can polish it without damaging it, using specific tools and pastes.

Conclusion

Caring for coral is simple; you just need to take the right precautions. Treat it delicately, as you would a precious and fragile object, because that's exactly what it is: a small treasure of nature.

Have questions about how to care for your coral jewelry? Contact us! We'll be happy to provide personalized advice on how to best enhance and protect your precious items.