Caring for Your Pearls
While good-quality pearls are fairly strong and robust, they are still the most fragile of all the organic gemstones, and can scratch, crack and lose their shininess. Substances that pearls can become commonly exposed to, such as skin oils, sweat, creams, lotions and cleaning agents can strip away their natural sheen and cause them to dull.
Protecting your pearls
- You should pay special care to your pearl jewellery, ensuring it doesn't come into contact with cosmetics, shampoo and conditioners, hairspray, harsh soaps, or common cleaning agents such as chlorine, ammonia and vinegar.
- Before putting your pearls away, remove any dirt, dust or oils from their surfaces by wiping them down with a soft, damp cloth.
- When not wearing your pearls, store them inside a soft pouch or box, or wrap them in a soft cloth.
- Wash your pearl jewellery from time to time using a mixture of gentle liquid soap and warm water. Make sure you dry them well with a soft cloth before putting them away.
- If you have a pearl necklace, ask a professional jeweller to tie a knot in the strand between each pearl to stop them from rubbing together. Restring your pearl necklace on occasion – at least once a year if you wear them often.
