Pearl Care Information
Pearls are an organic gem and when cared for properly they can last a lifetime. Taking care of your Pearls is very important to ensure they remain lustrous and beautiful for generations to come.
What to Look Out When Wearing Pearls
- Cosmetics, sunblock, perfume and hair spray all contain chemicals that can dramatically dull the lustre of a pearl. It is essential that you apply your makeup and perfume before you put on your pearls. Therefore it is recommended to put your pearls on at least 30 minutes after applying any personal care products and to take them off before getting ready for bed.
- Avoid any situation that will scratch or damage the pearl’s nacre.
- Avoid dealing with acidic things while wearing or storing your pearls. E.g. Exposing pearls to acids such as vinegar or cleaning agents containing ammonia or chlorine, bleaching agents or inks will damage the pearls.
Simple Steps to Protect Your Pearls
- Wiping the pearls with a damp, soft cloth after you wear them will ensure that they remain free of harmful build-up of compounds that may damage the nacre of your pearls.
- Use mild soapy water (recommend organic/gentle soaps) to clean your pearls before leaving them to dry on a soft cloth. (DO NOT use soaps with a lot of chemicals)
- Always keep your pearls separated from hard jewellery items such as rings or bracelets to prevent them from being scratched.
- Store your pearls in a soft cloth pouch or a soft-lined jewellery box.
- Never store your pearls in an air-tight environment such as a zip lock bag. This can dehydrate your pearls, causing them to develop small surface fractures.
When to Have Pearls Restrung
If you wear your pearls often, they should be strung about once a year to prevent strand breakage. We recommend the use of silk thread, but nylon thread is an acceptable alternative. The thread should be knotted between each pearl to prevent all the pearls in a strand from falling off when a break occurs. Knotting also prevents possible damage from the pearls rubbing and scratching each other.
Both nylon and silk thread will soak up the oils from your skin and may turn dark over time. Restringing the pearls with new threads is the best way rather than attempting to wash the thread. Cleaning the thread is not recommended as it may weaken or stretch the knots and the soap may damage your pearls.