The Wide World of Pearls, Our 96th Issue: What is the Best Way To Care for Pearl Jewelry?
Eye Candy
MADAMA MAMA!!
Bit of a tongue-twister, but we couldn't resist! CEO of Pearls of Joy Kevin Canning selected this strand of PSL Certified Blue "Madama" Akoya Pearls to showcase their dazzling pink and green "Aurora Effect" to customers during a special pearls sale. Absolutely showstopping iridescence!
You Asked ...
Every day we receive questions from customers all over the world about pearls. We decided to post our answers here for every one to read!
What is the way to care for pearl jewelry?
Photo courtesy of Town Talk Pearl Care Kits
We Answer:
It doesn't matter if your pearls are brand new, or whether they've been handed down as treasured family heirlooms, learning a little bit about proper pearl care is of the utmost importance to keep them beautiful over the years to come.
Pearls are known as a "porous" gemstone, which means that they soak up oils, dirt and acidic materials rather easily, which can end up discoloring the pearl over time and possibly damaging the nacre.
Read up quickly on our tips and tricks to keeping your pearls beautiful - we have solid recommendations for daily, weekly and long-term pearl care.
Last but not least we’ve included a helpful list of what NOT to do when wearing and caring for your pearls.
Pearl Care "Do's"
Put your pearls on last, after all cosmetics, lotions, hairspray and perfume has been applied.
Remove your pearls before doing any “touch ups” to avoid getting cosmetics or perfume on their surfaces.
Take your pearls off first after your done wearing them. Wipe them down with a soft, very slightly damp cloth to remove any chemical residues.
Show them some love by wearing them regularly. Pearls need moisture in order to maintain their luster and structural integrity. They’ll get all the moisture they need by absorbing some of the oils from your skin.
Store your pearls in a soft cloth or velvet pouch, away from other sharp metals in your jewelry box. This keeps them safe from getting scratched by metal components.
Long Term Pearl Care Tips
Pearl necklaces and bracelets will need restringing once a year if you wear them often, and once every two or three years for less frequent wear. This keeps the silk knots nice and tight, and even more important: clean. There’s nothing worse than dirty, frayed silk.
To give your pearls a moisture boost, feel free to give them a steam bath while you’re showering once every few years. Keep the pearls resting on the counter (not hanging) to avoid stretching out the knots.
Deep clean and polish your pearls to restore color and luster. This should be done every few years or so (more on that later).
As with other fine jewelry you own, look for malfunctioning hardware and ensure that all mountings are secure and not coming loose.
Pearl Care "Dont's"
Avoid going swimming or take showers while wearing your pearls. The chlorine in the water eats away at the nacre, and loosens mountings for pearl earrings, pendants and rings.
Avoid hanging your necklaces and pearl bracelets for storage. This stretches out the silk knots between each pearl and can lead to early strand breakage.
Avoid doing housework in your pearls. The harsh chemicals in most cleaning agents can do severe damage to your gems.
Avoid using ammonia, bleach, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to "whiten" them.
Avoid spraying your pearls with perfumes or hairspray directly. This can discolor them and speeds up the ageing process.
Avoid storing your pearls in airtight plastic bags or bank safety deposit boxes. This dries out your pearls, and can lead to them crumbling away.
Because pearls are porous, over the decades they will begin to “age” and white pearls will slowly turn a distinct shade of cream. This is natural and unfortunately, unavoidable and irreversible once it happens.
The good news is, is that staving off the ageing process is possible with good jewelry care habits. Often pearls will not "age" for decades and it's not something that should be too much of a concern.
With regular deep cleanings and wear, your pearls will retain their moisture, shine and beauty for a lifetime.
Weekly Video
Featured Pearls
7.0-7.5mm Opera Length Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace
This classic necklace features 7.0-7.5mm Japanese Akoya pearls, handpicked for their radiant luster.
The pearls are strung and double-knotted with the finest silk thread.
This necklace is packaged in a beautiful jewelry gift box.