Caring for Pearls

Pearl Care

Pearls are the world's only organic gem, that is they are produced by a living organism, and are mainly composed of a fragile compound, calcium carbonate which can be easily damaged. This means special care is needed to ensure pearls will stay beautiful and last a long time.

Pearls Require Special Care

Because pearls are an organic gemstone, they are different from other gemstones and precious metals. They are softer and more delicate, and they can therefore be more easily scratched, cracked, and damaged. Substances such as perfume, anti perspirants and hair spray -- and even natural body oils and perspiration -- can dull pearls' lustre or cloud their brilliance. For these reasons, your pearls may require a bit of special care.

Be Careful With Cosmetics And Your Pearls

Always apply perfume, hair spray, and other cosmetics before putting on your pearls as this will minimise the amount of these products that comes into contact with the pearls. After wearing your pearls, wipe them with a soft damp cloth to remove any traces of cosmetic products or body oils. Wash the pearls periodically with a mild soap and a soft cloth, to remove any accumulated build-up.

Store Your Pearls Separately

Because of their delicacy, pearls should be stored separately, away from hard jewellery items, to prevent scratches or other damage. If possible, store them wrapped in soft cloth or in a soft-lined container, pouch, or jewellery box.

Have Your Pearls Restrung And Knotted For Safety

To prevent strand breakage, have your pearls restrung periodically depending how often they are worn. Ensure that the strand is knotted between each pearl as this will prevent all of the pearls from falling off the strand in the event the strand breaks. Also, knotting prevents the pearls from rubbing against one another and causing damage. Following these simple steps will ensure that your pearls remain safe, bright and in lustrous condition for many years.

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