Pearl Jewellery Care

Pearl Jewellery Care: Keeping Your Pearls Lustrous

Pearls are timeless, elegant, and delicate gemstones that require special care to maintain their natural beauty and luster. Unlike harder gemstones, pearls are organic and more susceptible to damage from chemicals, heat, and rough handling. Here’s a comprehensive guide to caring for your pearl jewellery to keep it looking radiant for years to come.

Care for Your Pearls

Pearls are soft and porous, meaning they can absorb substances from their environment. Proper daily care is essential to prevent damage.

Put Pearls on Last: Always put on your pearl jewellery after applying makeup, perfume, hairspray, and lotion. Chemicals can dull their luster.

Wipe After Wearing: Gently wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each wear to remove any oils or residues.

Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat: Prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight can dry out pearls, making them brittle.

Keep Away from Harsh Chemicals: Acids, household cleaners, and even sweat can erode the nacre (outer layer) of pearls.

Cleaning Your Pearl Jewellery

Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining the shine and quality of your pearls, but it must be done with care.

Use Mild Soap and Water: Mix a few drops of mild soap with lukewarm water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and gently wipe the pearls.

Avoid Soaking Pearls: Never submerge pearls in water, as moisture can weaken the silk thread in pearl strands.

Dry Properly: After cleaning, lay your pearls on a soft towel to air dry completely before storing.

Storing Pearl Jewellery

Proper storage is key to preventing scratches and preserving the integrity of your pearls.

Store Separately: Keep pearl jewellery in a soft pouch or lined jewellery box to prevent contact with harder gemstones or metals.

Avoid Plastic Bags: Plastic can emit chemicals that damage pearls over time. Use silk or soft cotton pouches instead.

Maintain Moisture Levels: Pearls need some humidity to prevent drying out. Storing them in excessively dry conditions can lead to cracking.

Handling Pearl Strands and Restringing

Pearl necklaces and bracelets are often strung on silk threads, which can stretch or weaken over time.

Avoid Pulling on Strands: Tugging on pearl strands can weaken the thread and lead to breakage.

Restring Regularly: If you wear your pearl strands frequently, have them restrung every one to two years by a professional jeweller.

Use Knotted Strands: Pearls should be strung with knots between each one to prevent them from rubbing against each other and to avoid loss if the strand breaks.

Wearing Pearls Often

Surprisingly, pearls benefit from being worn regularly. The natural oils from your skin help keep them hydrated and lustrous. However, ensure they are properly cared for and cleaned after use.