Katherine Amelia Barnes

·An experienced professional in the jewelry industry, 2000 - Present

·Graduate Gemologist (GG)

·Certified Supreme Master Gemcutter (CSM)

·Skilled writer, with work featured in various online and print publications

·Passionate about sharing her expertise with others

·Strong communicator and collaborator

·Respected and trusted by peers and clients alike

We all know that from time to time, royal princesses had pearls and other treasures passed down from generation to generation.

So the question arises, why the princess's pearls wear a lifetime are as beautiful as new, and you can not?

The answer to this question may be too direct and a little heartbreaking: you may know how to buy pearls, but you don't know how to take care of them.

As jewelry with low hardness and delicate skin, pearls are a little more delicate to care for than other gemstones.

Take a look at the following tips and learn how to take care of your pearls.

Regular Wear

Pearls should not be kept in a jewelry box for extended periods, nor should they be sealed in an airtight bag.

Pearls need to breathe fresh air, and you should take them out for wearing periodically. Otherwise, they may turn yellow over time.


Store in a Dry Place

When not in use, store pearls in a dry location to prevent moisture. Also, avoid direct sunlight exposure.

Pearls belong to the category of organic gemstones and are living jewels.

Storing them in a highly humid environment can lead to issues such as deterioration, moisture, and mold.

Wear Separately, Avoid Contact with Hard Objects

It's best to wear pearls separately, as some fabrics can be rough and may scratch the pearls easily.

When wearing pearls, choose clothing with soft materials.

Pearls have relatively low hardness and can be damaged by many common materials.

When storing them, keep them separately in a soft cloth pouch or a jewelry box with a soft lining.

Avoid contact with sharp and hard objects like diamonds and metal to prevent scratching the pearl's surface.


Regular Cleaning for Maintaining a Radiant Luster

If you want to maintain the luster of your pearls, you should clean them regularly. If the pearls are not very dirty, a gentle wipe with a velvet cloth will suffice.

If there are stains that can't be removed with a soft cloth, you can use soapy water for cleaning. Follow these steps:

  • Wipe the surface of the pearls with a fine velvet cloth to remove any surface deposits and make subsequent cleaning easier.
  • Dampen a soft cloth in mild soapy water (diluted at a 1:10 ratio), then gently wipe the surface of the pearls.
  • Rinse the cloth with clean water, wring it dry, and wipe the pearls' surface again. Repeat this process several times.
  • Place the pearls in pure cotton to allow the cotton to absorb any surface moisture.

Note: If you are unsure, it's best to have professionals clean your pearls instead of attempting it yourself.


Taboos

Stay away from acidic or alkaline environments:

Pearls should not come into contact with acidic or alkaline chemicals, such as perfumes, soaps, etc.

Avoid staying in places with heavy smoke or fumes to protect your pearls. Try not to wear them in the kitchen.

Keep away from water:

Pearls are sensitive to water. Do not immerse them in water or expose them to sweat.

Once water enters the small pores of the pearls, it becomes difficult to dry, leading to corrosion. Over time, this can cause the pearls to turn yellow and lose their luster.

Therefore, do not wear pearls while bathing. Hot water and shower gel can easily damage the adhesive and harm the pearl's luster and surface.

Learn more : Pearl Care Guide


Pearls Care FAQs

Pearls are not fragile, so they don't need maintenance, right?

That's not correct! Compared to other gemstones and precious metals, pearls, as the only gemstone nurtured by natural living organisms, have a hardness rating of 3.5-4, making them relatively delicate.

They do require maintenance. With proper care, even after wearing them for more than a decade, pearls can maintain their original beauty, making them suitable as heirlooms.

When is the best time to wear pearls before going out?

It's best to wear pearls after you've finished your makeup, applied perfume, or hairstyling products.

If you tend to sweat a lot, remove your pearls when you return home and gently wipe them with a soft velvet or chamois cloth.

Since the primary component of pearls is calcium carbonate, they should be kept away from acidic or alkaline substances, including sweat, as they can affect the luster.

What should I pay attention to when wearing pearls frequently?

It's a good idea to have the pearl strand re-strung annually to prevent the thread from breaking.

When restringing, ask the jeweler to knot between each pearl to prevent friction and damage between them.

Professional jewelers typically follow this knotting principle to avoid friction between your pearls while stringing them.