Caring for Your Precious Pearl Jewelry

Pearls are “organic gems,” created by a living thing and as such they are precious. Hundreds of years ago, when pearls occurred only naturally, their price was comparable to property, as several thousands of oysters had to be searched to find just one pearl. Now pearls are cultured artificially, and though a pearl might not cost you a piece of land, they are nonetheless precious and expensive.

Natural and cultured pearls are produced organically, by molluscs. A good quality pearl has a soft iridescence to it which seems to be a gentle glow from within. Cultured and natural pearls can be distinguished from counterfeit pearls by a simple test. Rub the pearl gently against the edge of your teeth. Natural and cultured pearls will feel slightly rough because of the texture of the natural nacre. Imitation pearls on the other hand, have a smooth glass-like finish because they are essentially smooth beads with a moulded and painted surface.

Once you buy your precious pearl make sure that you take good care of it so that it maintains its lustre for a lifetime. Use the following tips to care for your pearls.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Tossing your pearls in a jewelry box can cause the surface to get scratched. Treat them gently to preserve their glossiness. Wrap the pearls in chamois or tissue and store them. Ideally, your pearls should be stored separately, away from other hard jewelry, to avoid scratches and other damage.
• Do not clean your pearls using harsh chemicals or detergents. Wash them with mild soap and water or jewelry cleaners that are labeled safe for pearls.
• To whiten your pearls always rely on a professional pearl jewelry. It is a complex process and only professional pearl jewelers have the expertise to do it.
• Take care not to expose them to cosmetics, perfumes or hair sprays. Wear your pearls only after you finish make-up.
• Do not hang pearls to dry and do not wear them when the string is wet. Wet string attracts dirt which may be difficult to remove. After washing your pearls, lay them flat on a kitchen towel to dry.
• Never use abrasive materials like toothbrush or scouring pads to clean your pearls. Treat them very gently.
• Restring your pearls once a year if you wear them often. Placing a knot between each pearl will reduce abrasion and also serve to protect from loss should the string break.