Maintaining Your Pearl Jewellery

Pearls have been among the world's most treasured gems for centuries. Yet this ocean gem that makes such beautiful pearl jewellery must be specially cared for if it is to bring joy to its owner over a lifetime.

Unlike a diamond - a gemstone with which pearls are often paired - a pearl doesn't last forever. Saltwater pearls last about 150 years, while freshwater pearls last about 70 years. Since pearl jewellery is made with organic gems, it must be treated with great care.

For instance, pearls will not endure any acidic environment. Pearls also can be easily scratched or broken, since they're made from the inside of a mollusk shell known as mother of pearl, which is relatively soft. In addition, body secretions and cosmetics, such as perfume or make-up, can dull the lustrous surface of pearl jewellery.

Hence the best care you can give your pearl jewellery is to treat it gently. If you wear perfume, let it dry on your skin before donning your pearls. Put on all make-up before you put on your pearl earrings and/or necklace. When you return home, taken off your pearl jewellery first, and wipe it gently with a soft tissue to clean it of dust, perspiration and cosmetics. Then store your pearl jewellery, preferably wrapped in a separate box away from your other jewelry.

Once in a while, wash your pearl jewellery in warm water with a gentle soap. Dry it using only a very soft tissue, to avoid scratching the surface.

Another way to care for your pearl jewellery is to have its thread replaced annually by a jeweler. Ask the jeweler to tie each pearl separately; this will help keep your pearls from falling onto the floor and breaking if the necklace should break (and they do!).

Keep your pearl jewellery out of sunlight and away from heat. Exposure to direct sunlight or a home heating vent will dry the pearl, causing it to change color or lose its luster. Every two or three years, polish your pearls with a drop of olive oil and a soft tissue.

On the other hand, don't wear your pearl jewellery when swimming in a pool or the ocean. This may seem like odd advice, since pearls are born in the sea, but pools contain chlorine that will damage the pearl, and these days both saltwater and freshwater bodies can be polluted. And if they're posted as polluted, why are you swimming in them?

Finally, forget the image of a 1950s housewife vacuuming the carpet in her dress and pearl jewellery. Cleaning chemicals can be as harmful to your pearls as any other pollutant. Besides, who wants to wear her pearl jewellery when doing housework?

A pearl is a beautiful gift from mother nature and should be cared for with the utmost respect and adoration. Pearls make stunning organic jewellery and offer a more natural and modest look. However some designers have created extremely elaborate, fashionable pearl jewellery which will be exciting to wear at a more formal event.


Pearl Jewellery

Real Pearl Jewellery