Protect Your Precious Pearls

Every time you put on your pearl jewelry you feel special and beautiful. You know that your pearl accessories add style and elegance to your wardrobe. Whether you inherited a classic pearl strand, recently acquired a stunning pearl necklace or were given a gift of fabulous pearl earrings, you should lavish your pearls with the care that they deserve. Pearl care can be simple and easy if you follow several very important rules.

Pearl Care When Dressing

Pearls have a hard exterior but are actually porous which means that they are penetrable and absorbent. They can be scratched or discolored by skin oils, make up and perfume. Take extra care to apply your perfume in areas that will not come in contact with your pearl necklace, pearl earrings, or pearl bracelet. Always apply your make up and perfume before adorning yourself with your pearl jewelry.

Pearl Care When Wearing Your Pearl Jewelry

• Falling asleep while wearing your pearl earrings as they will rest upon your skin and absorb acidic oils.
• Swimming while wearing your pearl jewelry.
• Washing dishes while wearing pearl rings or pearl bracelets.
• Showering while wearing pearls.
• Applying hand cream or lotion while wearing pearl rings.

Pearl Care: Cleaning your Pearl Jewelry

Your pearl jewelry is made up of delicate pearls. Pearls can be worn frequently but need loving care and attention. When wearing your pearls against your skin the pearls will naturally and slowly absorb oils and acid from your body. These oils and acids will eat away at the pearl resulting in the pearls becoming less lustrous and losing their shape. You can halt the process by gently wiping them with a clean lint-free cloth. You may choose to clean your pearls with a dry or damp cloth but always be sure to allow the pearls to fully dry before you put them away.

Pearl necklaces in particular need to be wiped as described above as they are worn against the skin. Pearl pendants, on the other hand, are generally worn against clothing and can be attended to less often. Avoid wearing your pearl pendant against rough or scratchy material.

Your pearls can be cleaned with mild soap but you should never use abrasive cleaners containing ammonia or other strong detergents. You should not use ultrasonic cleaner or steam clean your pearls. You may clean your pearls with a jewelry cleaning solution but check that it is specifically approved for pearls. From time to time you should clean your pearl necklace or bracelet by taking a toothpick and gently removing the dirt that has accumulated between the pearls. If your pearls are particularly dirty, bring them to your jeweler for a professional cleaning.

Pearl Care: Storing Your Pearls

Your pearls are a precious part of your fashion wardrobe. To avoid scratches, never throw them in a pile with other types of jewelry even in a jewelry box. Your pearls should be stored in a jewelers pouch or wrapped around a soft piece of cloth. Pearls need humidity. Bank vaults can be overly dry and are not the best storage option for pearls. If you live in a desert climate consider wetting your pearls or exposing them to water by placing them beside a container of water.

Pearl Care: Long term Care

Your pearl necklace or pearl bracelet should be restrung every few years. If you wear them frequently they should be restrung once a year. Every few years you should have your pearl jewelry professionally cleaned.

Your pearl necklace, pearl bracelet and pearl earrings will continue to provide you long lasting beauty simply by following the simple pearl care rules as stated above. Enjoy every moment wearing your pearl jewelry and feel confident that your pearls will continue to look as lustrous and shiny as the day you received them.