Pearls are highly treasured gems and require tender loving care in order to ensure that their beauty and luster will last for generations to come!

Organic by nature, pearls are grown in water from living cells of a living creature. As living organisms containing water and protein, like the oysters which give birth to them, pearls require moisture. As softest of all gems, pearls are also vulnerable; sensitive to chemicals, acids and pollutants. They have a low resistance to heat and chemicals such as perfumes, hairsprays, and other acids which reduce nacre. 

Due to their delicate nature, special care must be taken when cleaning your pearls. Wipe them after wear, with a dry or damp soft cloth or chamois.

• Never use dish or wash detergents, bleaches, powdered cleansers, baking soda, or ammonia-based cleaners (like Windex). Stay clear from chemical or ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning, or commercial jewelry cleaners unless they are specifically made for pearls  - pearls are made of calcium carbonate and the use of such substances will destroy your pearl’s magic and lustre.
• Don't use toothbrushes, scouring pads or abrasive material to remove dirt from your pearls as these can scratch the surface, seriously depleting their value and ascetic quality.
• Put on your pearls only after applying cosmetics, sunscreens or other skin creams, hair spray, insect repellent or perfume.
• Remove your pearls before showering, bathing or swimming (especially in chlorinated water) so you don't get the silk string wet. If your strand of pearls becomes wet, don’t wear them since wet silk threads which string the pearls together, are more likely to stretch and weaken. Also, they will easily attract dirt which is quite difficult to remove. When taking off a pearl ring, grasp the shank, or metal part, rather than the pearl. This will prevent the pearl from loosening and coming into contact with skin oil on your hand.
• Avoid skin acids, talcum powder, dust and grit.
• Avoid wearing pearls with rough fabrics like Shetland wool.
• After each wearing, before storing your pearls, wipe them with a soft damp or dry cloth.
• Always keep pearls in a satin pouch or soft bag to ensure they are separate from other jewelry (like metal chains or diamonds) which might scratch or dull their tender surfaces. Storing your pearls in a moistened linen will help prevent them from damage in a low humidity atmosphere.
• Avoid exposure to light or heat. Pearls are sensitive to long periods of heat, resulting in drying, cracking and discoloration of the natural nacre. Therefore, never store your pearls in a box for long periods of time. Dry air can also damage pearls. Beware that most safe deposit vaults have very dry air and can damage your pearls. For the same reasons, it is not a good idea to store pearls near a sunny window or close to a radiator.
• Remove spills immediately. If your pearls are exposed to food acids like lemon juice or vinegar, use a soft cloth moistened in fresh water to remove the spill, and then dry the pearls with another soft cloth.  

Restring your pearls with silk thread once a year or every other year, especially if you wear them often. This is to prevent strand breakage. Make sure the string is knotted between each pearl to prevent the pearls from rubbing against each other. In case the strand breaks, you want to prevent all the pearls in a strand from falling off.

Pearls love to be worn! As living breathing organic gems, pearls benefit greatly from fresh air and moist environments. The best way to care for your pearls is to wear them often because your body's natural oils will ensure healthy nacre and a beautiful shine!

To revitalize your pearls,

·        Occasionally soak them in lightly salted fresh water for a few minutes.

·         Dry the pearls with a soft cloth and polish them with a drop of extra-virgin olive oil to keep them as lustrous as the first day you wore them.

·        After washing your pearls, lay them flat in a moist kitchen towel to dry.

·         Do not hang pearls to dry.

·        Occasionally, take your pearl to a professional jeweler to verify that the pearls on your jewelry are securely mounted or that the string is still good. Many jewelers will do this free of charge.  

~~Special Thanks to Mike Foley for his assistance in preparing this article.

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