A pearl is a precious item. They are different from any other gemstone because a pearl is “grown” rather than formed by natural geological events. What starts life as a piece of grit or sand in a living oyster shell becomes a true gift from nature to be treasured when they are made into beautiful pieces of jewelry. Pearl are recognized as being special by being the designated stone for one of the major anniversaries – the 30th and pearl chokers and earrings have been the choice for brides on their wedding day for centuries. 

 

While pearls are durable it is important to care for your pearl jewelry carefully to keep them looking as beautiful as when you first bought them. Follow these tips for pearl care to keep them clean and looking lustrous.

Storing your pearls

 

Store your pearls separately from your other jewelry to protect the pearls from being scratched. For safest storage, wrap each piece of pearl jewelry in a soft cloth or place pearl earrings in a soft fabric pouch. Pearls need moisture and can crack if stored in a very dry environment. Don’t place them in airtight storage like plastic bags and if you do store them in a safety deposit box or a dry, hot environment, place a damp cloth next to them to moisten the air. 

Keep pearls away from harmful substances

 

Pearls are sensitive to chemicals, so keep them away from substances such as vinegar, ammonia and chlorine bleach. When you are getting ready to go out, keep in mind that hair spray, perfume and make-up can damage your pearl earrings and necklaces. Apply these cosmetic products before you put on your pearl jewelry to protect your pearls from unnecessary exposure to chemicals. Chemical substances can damage the pearl nacre, which is the lustrous outer shell of your pearls.

Additionally, remove pearls before swimming or showering. Take off pearl earrings before you wash your hair as the chemicals in shampoo can also damage your pearls and remove your pearl jewelry before you exercise to protect them from perspiration. Also, be aware that the acid on your skin can damage the pearls in a necklace slightly. Wearing your pearls regularly will cause your pearls to wear down faster as they absorb the acid from your skin.

TLC after every wear 

After you wear your pearl earrings or necklace, wipe your jewelry gently with a soft cloth before you put them away. If you wear pearls every day, ensure that you take them off at the end of each day and wipe them with gently with a fabric cloth before you store them safely.

Restringing your pearls 

If you wear your pearls often, restring your necklaces and bracelets once a year. Make sure that you have them knotted separately, which will make your string of pearls much stronger and prevent each pearl from rubbing together and wearing down the nacre. Silk is the best type of string to use.

Cleaning your pearls 

When cleaning your pearls, only use jewelry cleaners that are safe for use on pearl jewelry. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner or a steam cleaner. Although you may want to clean the fittings of pearl earrings, rings or pendants, don’t use abrasive means of cleaning your pearl jewelry as toothbrushes and scouring pads will damage the nacre. Even soaps can damage pearls. 

If your pearl strands become wet, do not hang them to dry, as you will stretch the string. Don’t wear them until they are dry, as wet strings can attract dirt. Lay wet pearl strands flat on a damp kitchen towel until both the towel and pearls are dry.