By Elisabeth Archambault, AmicaJewels.com, copyright 2008. Used with permission.
Pearls are among nature's loveliest creations, objects of desire for thousands of years and a symbol of purity in many cultures. Pearls are an organic substance, softer than other gems, so they need gentle handling to stay looking their best.
The most important things to remember about caring for pearls are:
Tips about caring for pearls would also apply to mother of pearl or coral jewelry.
The best way to keep pearls in good condition is to wear them! Pearls are meant to be enjoyed, and natural skin oils help to keep them lustrous.
Be sure your skin is clean before you put on pearl jewelry. Your pearls should be the last thing you put on when you dress up, and the first thing you remove at the end of the day.
Keep pearls well away from hair spray, cosmetics, perfume or other substances that could cause spots or blotches. (That's good advice for all jewelry, not just pearls.) Grooming products are the most harmful substances that many pearls encounter!
Don't wear pearls in hot conditions that make you perspire. Natural skin oils are good for pearls, but perspiration is not, as it's often somewhat acidic.
Avoid touching your pearls unnecessarily when wearing them, especially while you're eating. Residue from some foods can cause discoloration.
Pearl rings or bracelets are more vulnerable to scratches than necklaces, earrings or pendants. Reserve them for special occasions, or days when you know you'll be less active. When taking off a pearl ring, don't tug on the pearl but grasp the metal shank instead.
Avoid wearing pearls while taking part in sports or other activities that could lead to bumps or abrasion. I once wore a new pearl necklace for a musical performance and I was already onstage when I realized that my viola would be rubbing against the pearls as I held it to play. Not good!
A good guideline is to store your pearls in humidity and temperature conditions that would be comfortable for you.
Protect pearls from extreme dryness or too much heat. Excessive heat can cause discoloration, and conditions that are too dry can cause the surface to craze or crack.
Store pearls separately from other jewelry to protect them from getting scratched. A jewel box of their own or a soft cloth pouch is ideal.
Store pearls out of direct light, especially sunlight. However, don't store them in an airtight container or plastic bag, as they need to breathe and respond to natural humidity changes. Protecting them with bubble wrap for travel or shipping might be an exception, but only for brief periods.
Don't store pearls in a safety deposit box for extended periods. The dry conditions that are good for paper documents are not so good for pearls.
Don't hang pearl strands for storage, as that can stretch the string. A pearl strand should be stored flat, and so should pearls mounted on wire, to protect them from bending.
Wipe your pearls with a soft, dry cloth after each wearing.
Wash them occasionally using distilled water and a very mild baby soap or pearl-safe cleaning solution. Use a fine natural bristle brush, and support the strand so as not to stretch the thread. Take care around the drill holes where dirt may collect.
Rinse them in clean distilled water and pat dry with a soft towel. Lay them in the open air until the silk string dries. Don't wear them before the string is totally dry; a wet string will stretch and attract dirt.
After the pearls are dry, rubbing them with a few drops of olive oil will enhance their luster.
Fine pearl necklaces or bracelets should be inspected by a jeweler and restrung every year or two. Silk and nylon are most commonly used for stringing pearls; other yarns like cotton deteriorate more easily.
Pearl necklaces are usually strung with a tiny knot between each pearl. This makes the strand hang better, prevents the pearls from rubbing each other, and also reduces loss if the string ever breaks.
It is natural for pearls to darken with age and wear, and the color changes created by time are permanent. White pearls may become creamy or golden after a few decades; changes would be less obvious with other pearl colors that were darker to begin with. You may cause damage if you try to reverse the natural color changes brought about by time, so if you are the owner of heritage pearls, enjoy them as they are.
Fine pearls can bring delight to several generations if they are well cared for.
-- by Elisabeth Archambault, AmicaJewels.com. Copyright 2008. Used with permission.
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