Years ago, divers would venture as deep as 65 feet—just holding their breath—to gather mollusks and oysters in search of organic pearls. Because they were so rare and costly to find, most organic pearls were enjoyed only by royalty or the very wealthy, until they became virtually extinct (not to mention some of the divers!)
That’s why today, almost all pearls sold around the world are cultured. And while they may seem durable, the truth is that they do require maintenance and care to ensure a lifetime of wear. Here are a few tips to help keep yours beautiful:
- Use only jewelry cleaners that are labeled “safe for pearls”.
- Store your pearls wrapped in a soft cloth or pouch, protected from all abrasive objects. Plastic bags can be harmful as they can emit a chemical that will cause the surface of the pearl to deteriorate.
- Wipe your pearls with a soft cloth, moistened with water. Don’t ever use toothbrushes, scouring pads, Magic Erasers, or even pads labeled “gentle” or “safe for non-stick”—these could permanently damage your pearls.
- If any unwanted substance is found on your pearls, give them a good soak in lukewarm water with gentle natural soap (not detergent). Rinse well, allow them to dry wrapped in a cotton cloth, then wear them to return some oils from your skin to the pearls. (Remember, water doesn’t hurt pearls!)
- Remove your pearls if you apply hair spray, or put on perfume with a sprayer.
- Remove pearls before exercising or otherwise getting sweaty. (It’s not the water or the salt, but the pH of sweat that is not good for them!)
- Be aware of the type of fabrics you wear. Fabrics like Shetland wool are not a pearl’s friend.
- Pearls don’t like to be too hot or dry! Leaving them on a direct source of heat such as a fireplace mantle, television set, or stove—and don’t leave them for long periods of time in a safe deposite box or very dry room.
- And finally, the most important way to take care of your pearls is to Wear them. Not only does it make you feel good, but it makes THEM feel good (really!).
Treat your pearls with care, and you will ensure that they are around to be enjoyed for generations to come.
