Be Gentle: 7 Tips for Caring for Pearls and Pearl Jewelry
Pearls are delicate gemstones that require gentle handling to avoid scratching, chipping, or other forms of damage. There are a few tips for caring for pearls that will help keep them lustrous, from when not to wear them, to how to properly clean and store them. By providing regular maintenance and cautious handling, you can ensure that your pearl jewelry remains stunning and lasts for generations to come.
Related: All About Pearls, June’s Birthsone
These tips are adapted from an article by Sharon Elaine Thompson.
Don’t Do This:
Never wear pearls while exercising!
No swimming while wearing pearls!
Protect your pearls from hard surfaces!
Pearls and beauty products don’t mix!
7 Tips to Protect Your Pearls
1
Never wear pearls when exercising. Perspiration can attack them. Plus, you can’t focus on getting a good workout if you’re worried about losing your pearls.
2
Never wear your pearls in a swimming pool. (If Cleopatra’s pearls dissolved in wine, just think what chlorine can do to them.) They don’t like household chemicals, either. Saltwater can be harmful to pearls and may weaken the stringing material.
3
Don’t wear pearls if you’re doing work where they’ll encounter hard surfaces. A bracelet constantly thwacking on a desk or keyboard will harm the pearls. Pearl rings are best for special occasion wear since they are susceptible to scratching or breaking.
4
Put on your pearls after you’ve applied your makeup, perfume, or other spray. Wipe them with a soft cloth after you take them off to remove oils and other substances that can damage them.
5
Store pearls in a soft cloth bag to protect them from being scratched by the other jewelry in your jewelry box. Do not store your pearls in an airtight plastic bag because it can affect the nacre. Lay pearl jewelry instead of hanging your strand—the string can stretch.
6
Give pearls a gentle bath, occasionally, if you wear them often. Take this opportunity to inspect them for damaged pearls or knots. Lay them out to dry before storing them. Have them restrung if you notice any stretching or damage or after frequent wear.
7
Knots between pearls protect them from rubbing against each other at the fragile drill hole. Knotting also prevents loss should the strand break. You’ll only be scrambling around on the airport floor looking for one pearl, not dozens. Because Murphy’s Law says that if your pearl strand is going to break, it’ll break at the most inconvenient place and time possible.
Pretty in Pearls
Pearls are sensitive. Since they have a unique luster and relatively low hardness, they’re prone to damage. Giving pearls and pearl jewelry special care and attention is essential for prolonging their lifespan and preserving their beauty. To maintain their longevity and glow, pearls should be cleaned gently, stored separately, and protected from harsh environments.
Listen Now: Jewelry Artist Podcast: Passionate About Pearls with Tammy Jones
Originally published 6/26/2018. Updated 6/19/2023.
Sharon Elaine Thompson is a GG and FGA who has been writing about gemstones and jewelry for Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist since 1987. She also writes a line of birthstone romance novels under the name Liz Hartley.
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