When cleaning diamonds, use a mild detergent or a sudsy ammonia bath. Never let your diamond touch chlorine bleach, as it can pit and discolor the mounting. Make sure your pearls are cleaned and restrung regularly to prevent pearl strings from becoming stretched, weakened, or soiled. Wipe pearls with a soft cloth after each wearing. Over time, perfume, cosmetics, hairsprays, and the oils and chemicals on your skin can erode the quality. To protect pearls from scratches, store them in a soft cloth pouch.