Pearls should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.

Here are a few essential tips to ensure proper care for your pearl jewelry.  Pearls are a porous, organic substance and while the natural oils of your skin only enhance the luster of pearls, cosmetics should never be applied directly onto them.  This includes such items as skin creams, hair spray, perfume and similar products.  Contact with these items may damage the nacre or cause discoloration. You should only put your pearls on after such cosmetics have been applied.  When wearing perfume, be sure to avoid applying it directly on areas where your pearls will touch.  Chlorine and other similar chemicals can also harm the porous nacre on your pearls, so avoid wearing them while swimming.  Similarly, pearl rings should not be worn while doing the dishes or cleaning with chemicals.

Restringing of necklaces should be done periodically depending on usage, especially when knots are discolored or if the necklace seems stretched.  Avoid salt water as this will degrade the silk on which pearls are strung and can potentially cause your pearl jewelry to break.  If your pearls can “jiggle” on the string, you will want to be sure to get your jewelry restrung immediately.

To avoid damage to the pearl nacre or unnecessary breakage, pearls should not be worn while showering, swimming or exercising.  After each wearing, wipe your pearls down with a dry or slightly dampened cloth to remove any potentially harmful substances.

All of these pearl care tips apply to all varieties of Natural and Cultured Pearls including Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian and Freshwater Pearls.  These Cultured Pearl care suggestions will go a long way to maintaining the beautiful luster and color of your favorite pearl pieces.

If you have any questions regarding pearl care, please leave them in the comments section.