10 Tips on How to Care for Pearl Jewellery
Pearl jewellery has been around for centuries and is often seen as a symbol of elegance and beauty. Whether you've received pearl jewellery as a special gift or bought it for yourself to add extra sparkle to your wardrobe, this guide will help you take care of it so that its value lasts forever. Here are 10 tips on how to care for pearl jewellery to keep your precious pearls looking their best for a lifetime - so that they can offer a beautiful smile and added value to every look.
Pearls are timeless pieces of jewellery that can be passed down from generation to generation. They add a special touch to any outfit and will never go out of style!
Over time, oily hair and bacteria from your skin, beauty products and environmental chemicals can dull your pearls. Because these gems are soft and fragile, they are also heavily susceptible to scratching and other surface damage. One can preserve its beauty by knowing how to take care of pearl jewellery.
Let's dive into it.
1. You should wear them
This advice is the easiest to follow. Pearls are vulnerable to drying out and becoming brittle if they are exposed to moist conditions. The pearls absorb moisture from the air and skin when worn regularly, so they do not withstand such severe wear.
2. Take a few minutes after you apply personal care products
If you are going to place your pearl jewellery on, you should wait at least 30 minutes after applying personal care products to prevent it from staining. Makeup, sunscreen, moisturiser, and even hairspray are included!
3. Regularly wipe them down
While you may have taken all the necessary precautions before wearing your pearl jewellery, natural body oils, sweat, and other environmental pollutants can still stain your jewellery. It is best to gently wipe your pearls with a soft cloth after every wear (or whenever you can remember).
4. Care when layering is essential
Don't layer your pearls with jewellery or metal necklaces that may rub and bang against your pearl during the day and cause scratches.
5. Store pearls safely
The safe storage of pearl jewellery includes several rules. Although it's generally acceptable to hang necklaces and bracelets from hook organisers, you should lay your pearls flat to prevent the strands from stretching out. Keep your pearls away from other, harder types of jewellery and keep them away from them. As much as you want to avoid layering metal and pearl jewellery because of scratching, you don't want them to be stacked together either.
6. Then, whenever necessary, clean with a damp cloth
Generally, wiping down your pearl jewellery will prevent staining, but accidents can happen. If you see a spot on your pearls, gently wipe them down with a soft damp cloth (avoid using a toothbrush since it is safe for other metal jewellery types). Make sure to wear your jewellery when it has dried, or you risk stretching and missing strands.
7. Pearls should never be stored in plastic
When travelling or in a pinch, it may be tempting to toss a couple of necklaces in dummy plastic bags until you can find a better alternative. Never use pearls! Plastic can emit a chemical that causes the shell to deteriorate. Additionally, pearls contain a trace amount of moisture and can dry out if stored in an airtight container.
8. Wear non-harmful clothing at strenuous times
We're talking about strenuous situations, meaning any time you might sweat a lot. The moisture and salt aren't something pearls dislike (they're quite used to that!) pH level that can corrode pearls.
9. Avoid abrasive clothing
Wearing pearl jewellery should not be done with clothing that could abrade the gems' surface. Pearls can be scratched with raw wool, sequins, beads, metallic threads, and other materials, eventually dulling the surface. Keep your jewellery soft with soft fabrics to keep it looking great.
10. Keep your body cool and dry
Pearls need air to keep them moist, but they should also be kept away from direct heat. Wearing your pearl jewellery on a cold day is okay, but please keep it away from an especially hot TV or fireplace mantel.
Bonus Tip: Don't bathe or swim with Pearls
Too much moisture can damage your pearl jewellery as well. The stringing material of a pearl strand can break due to water damage. The shine of pearls can be dulled by chemical compounds found in shampoo and soap. Swimming pools may also cause pitting of the surface of pearls.
For pearls, extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight are very harmful. Heat and sun will turn your pearls brown and they will crack and dry out. Remember to take out your pearl stud earrings before jumping into the shower, diving into the pool, lying on the beach or relaxing in the sauna.
Conclusion
Wearing pearl jewellery should not be done with clothing that could abrade the gems' surface. Pearls can be scratched with raw wool, sequins, beads, metallic threads, and other materials, eventually dulling the surface. Keep your jewellery soft with soft fabrics to keep it looking great. (Source: jewelry.lovetoknow.com). By following these tips, you can help ensure that your pearl jewellery stays in good condition and retains its beauty for years to come. Remember to handle pearl jewellery with care, store it properly, and have it checked and cleaned by a professional jeweller regularly to keep it looking its best.
Taking the time to maintain and clean it properly can help ensure that its value will stay the same or even increase over time. 10 tips have been provided in this guide on how to care for and maintain your pearls, such as never dropping them, taking off your jewellery before showering and sleeping, cleaning with natural cleaners only, being careful when applying perfumes and cosmetics, and having it professionally cleaned every few years. By following these simple steps, you can keep your pearl jewellery looking great forever!
