Proper Pearl Care: How to Keep Your Pearls Looking Gorgeous

Quality pearls are very durable, but proper care is necessary to keep your pearl jewelry beautiful and lustrous.

Here are important tips to care for your pearls.

Wear them!!! Wear them at least semi-often!! Pearls were originally born in the water and benefit immensely from absorbing the oils that your skin naturally secretes throughout the day. So go ahead, put them on and show them you care.
Gently wipe pearls with a soft cloth to remove sweat, perfume, excess oils or dirt before putting them away.
Pearls should be stored away from other objects or jewelry that may scratch their surfaces. Wrap the pearls in linen, soft cloth, or place in a soft pouch.
Do NOT store pearls in an airtight package such as a plastic bag: remember, pearls need moisture. If the environment is too dry, the pearls may crack. If placing the pearls in a safety deposit box or in a hot environment, leave a damp cloth nearby, and try to get them out of there as quickly as you can.
Keep pearls away from chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, ammonia, hairspray, perfume, and cosmetics, as these substances will damage the pearl surface.
Make sure to put pearls on after finished spraying perfume or hairspray and putting on makeup. Be very careful with chemical substances as they will eat holes in the pearl nacre.
Remove pearls before exercising to keep them away from perspiration.
Do not submerge your pearls in water - no showers, no dishes, no swimming. The chlorine in the water will eat away at the epoxy securing the pearls to their mountings, and soaking the silk your pearls are strung on causes it to stretch out and break early.
Avoid hanging the pearl necklace for on a hook for storage; this places un-necessary strain on the silk and stretches out the necklace.
Restring pearls once every two to three years, or once a year if you wear them weekly. Be sure to have each pearl knotted separately, preferably with silk, so they do not rub together and wear on the pearl nacre. If pearls are very small, knots between each pearl may be undesirable.

About the Author

Ashley McNamara

Ashley McNamara, of PurePearls.com, is a GIA-certified expert in Pearls, Diamonds, and Colored Stones and widely recognized as “the expert’s expert” in the pearl industry. With over 20 years of experience, she contributed to the CPAA’s Pearls As One educational course and has been cited by major news outlets nationwide. Ashley's keen eye for color and luster make her a trusted source for classic and exotic pearls alike. Explore her bestselling collections here .

PurePearls.com is here to care for your new pearls for their lifetime.

We offer flat rate restringing services, deep cleaning, clasp repair or replacements and much more!

PurePearls.com also offers an exclusive Pearl Protection Plan for every pearl purchase to ensure that ANY repair is 100% covered for free. We highly recommend both Gold and Silver Pearl Protection Plans to protect your purchases against wear and tear or other damage.

Now go forth, and enjoy your pearls.

Proper Pearl Care: How to Keep Your Pearls Looking Gorgeous

Ashley McNamara

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