Pearls add elegance to any jewelry collection due to their natural purity and luster. However, unlike diamonds, sapphires, rubies and other gemstones, pearls are organic and vulnerable to acids, alkali, and high temperatures. In addition, pearls are strung with pure silk, which is also organic and delicate in nature.

The following tips and suggestions should be followed to preserve the quality of your pearls. If well-maintained, pearls can hold their value for many decades to come, and serve as family heirlooms to be passed onto future generations.

Daily Wear

1. Perfume, hairspray, makeup and other potentially harmful chemicals should not come in contact with pearls. It is recommended that you wear your pearls after you have put on your makeup and perfume.  It is also a good idea to wear your pearls after you are fully dressed in order to avoid snagging.

2. Remove your pearls before using any cleaning agents. Contact with cleaning products and water, is harmful to your pearls and you should be avoided when possible. For instance, take your pearls off before washing dishes or taking a shower.

3. Avoid any strenuous activity with your pearls on. Pearls are sensitive to the acids in our perspiration. In addition, pearls should not be worn when swimming. Water immersion will weaken the pearl as well as the silk string. Remove your pearls first at the end of the day. This can help avoid snagging and other complications. Also, take them off, before showering or any other types of grooming as they can easily get scratched. Although pearls are exceptionally shock-resistant and cohesive, they are not as hard as many other types of metals or gems.

Your pearls should be stored away from other fine jewelry, as this is one more way they can suffer scratching by contact with sharp or hard objects. Store your pearls flat. Hanging pearl strands on a jewelry tree or armoire will stretch the silk thread over time. Allow your pearls to breathe. Due to the fact that pearls are organic, they tend to dehydrate without contact with the moisture content in air. Pearls are not suitable for long-term storage in plastic bags, safes or deposit boxes. Avoid storing your pearls anywhere near harmful chemicals. Due to their organic nature, pearls are extremely vulnerable to many types of chemicals. Here is a sample list of things that your pearls should not come into contact with.

1. Chlorine

2. Bleach

3. Vinegar

4. Ammonia

5. Alcohol

6. High Heat

7. Rapid Heating or Cooling

8. Prolonged Intense or Direct Sunlight

9. Insect Repellant

10. Fruit Juices

11. Any Kind of Acid

12. Acetone Nail Polish Remover

13. Industrial Strength Liquids

14. Cleaners

15. Lye

If your pearls happen to come into contact with any harmful chemicals, immediately clean the pearls with a soft, lint free cloth dampened with warm water. Do not immerse the strand in water, as this will weaken the silk threading. Some light soap can also be used in small amounts to clean the pearls but should be wiped off with a clean damp towel. You may also consider taking your pearls to a reputable jeweler for professional cleaning, maintenance and inspection.

In addition to the above-mentioned tips for pearl care, we recommend professional maintenance and cleaning for your pearls at least once every two years. This should include general cleaning and inspection, and may also require restringing of the strand.