Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Clean a Pearl From a Harvested Oyster

If you're fortunate enough to have found an oyster with a pearl inside, you'll need a way to clean up the harvested pearl. Some stores now do special pearl harvesting that you can participate in, and they will often clean the pearl for you. If they haven't, or if you've come by the oyster while snorkeling or scuba diving, use this technique to remove the grit from the pearl and ensure that it has been disinfected.

Things You'll Need

Shucker
Bowl of water
Rag
Gentle soap
Towel

Instructions

- 1
  Shuck the pearl from the oyster shell, removing the pearl from the muscle tissue of the oyster. If you are unsure how to shuck an oyster, ask a seafood clerk at your grocery store for help.
- 2
  Dredge the pearl through a bowl of clean water to shake off any stuck-on tissue.
- 3
  Wipe the pearl clean with a rag.
- 4
  Mix a few spoonfuls of gentle soap in a bowl of warm water, until the water becomes sudsy.
- 5
  Soak the pearl in the soapy water for a few minutes.
- 6
  Remove the pearl from the soapy water and lay it on a towel to dry.

Other Hobbies