How to take care of pearls

Pearls are formed from an organic and soft material called nacre. Avoid letting them come into contact with anything that may be harmful to organic materials. Store your pearls away from hard gemstones and metals, and avoid letting them come into regular contact with chemicals such as perfumes, hair products, and cosmetics. Avoid exposing them, for long periods of time, to harsh light or heat.

Pearls need moisture and air, so avoid placing them in plastic bags, safes or deposit boxes. The silk threads that pearls are strung on are also organic and can stretch, so lay your pearls flat rather than hanging them.

Your best option for storage is a soft, silky cloth pouch, useful for both traveling and home storage.

Taking care of your pearls is easy and just requires a few simple precautions:

1. Put pearls on after hair spray, cosmetics, and perfumes.
2. Remove your pearls before strenuous activities or bathing.
3. Avoid repeated exposure of your pearls to high heat sources.
4. Clean with a warm damp cloth. Store your pearls in a soft cloth pouch (just like the one included with your purchase).
5. Take your pearls for a check-up once a year.
6. Celebrate the beauty of your pearls by wearing them.

Pearls are a special and elegant piece that is essential in any jewelry collection, due to their natural beauty, purity, and luster.

However, unlike diamonds, sapphires, rubies and other gemstones, pearls are organic and vulnerable to acids, alkali, and high temperatures.

In addition, pearls are strung with pure silk, which is also organic and delicate in nature.

The following tips and suggestions should be considered in order to preserve the quality of your pearls. If well-maintained, pearls can hold their value for many decades to come, and serve as family heirlooms to be passed onto future generations.

Daily Wear Tips

1. Perfume, hairspray, makeup and other potentially harmful chemicals should be avoided on areas where pearls are worn. You should wear your pearls after you have put on your makeup and perform, and also after you are fully dressed so as to avoid snagging.
2. Remove your pearls before cleaning. Cleaning products and water contact are harmful to your pearls and you should avoid contact if at all possible. For instance, take your pearls off before washing dishes or taking a shower.
3. No strenuous activity with your pearls on. Pearls are sensitive to the acids in our perspiration. In addition, pearls should not be worn when swimming in either salt or fresh waters. Water immersion will weaken the pearl as well as the silk string. Remove your pearls first at the end of the day. This can help avoid snagging and other complications. Also, take them off before showering or before proceeding with any other types of grooming.
4. 4. Storage. Avoid storage with other jewelry. Although pearls are exceptionally shock-resistant and cohesive, they are not as hard as many other types of metals or gems. Your pearls should be stored away from other fine jewelry, as they can be scratched by contact with sharp or hard objects.
5. Store Pearls Flat. Hanging pearl strands on a jewelry tree or armoire will stretch the silk thread over time.
6. Allow Pearls to Breathe. Due to the fact that pearls are organic, they tend to dehydrate without contact with the moisture content in the air. Pearls are not suitable for long-term storage in plastic bags, safes or deposit boxes.
7. Avoid storing them in close proximity with Harmful Chemicals. Due to their organic nature, pearls are extremely vulnerable to many types of chemicals.Here is a sample list of things that your pearls should avoid.

• Chlorine
• Bleach
• Vinegar
• Ammonia
• Alcohol
• High Heat
• Rapid Heating or Cooling
• Prolonged Intense or Direct Sunlight
• Insect Repellant
• Fruit Juices
• Any Kind of Acid
• Acetone Nail Polish Remover
• Industrial Strength Liquids
• Cleaners
• Lye

If your pearls happen to come into contact with any harmful chemicals, immediately clean the pearls with a soft, lint free cloth dampened with warm water.

Do not immerse the strand in water, as this will weaken the silk threading. Some light soap can also be used in small amounts to clean the pearls but should be wiped off with a clean damp towel. You may also consider taking your pearls to a reputable jeweler for professional cleaning, maintenance and inspection.

Pearl Maintenance

In addition to the above-mentioned tips for pearl care, we recommend professional maintenance and cleaning for your pearls at least once every two years. This should include general cleaning and inspection, and may also require restringing of the strand.