Caring for Pearls

Pearls are soft delicate gems. They are 2.5-4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale (10 being the hardest). They need to be handled carefully. With regular care, you will greatly extend the life of you pearls.

• Store your pearl jewelry in a soft bag, velvet box or satin pouch. Pearls should not touch other jewelry or hard objects. When wearing pearls on your clothing, wear soft materials. Avoid wearing pearls on rough materials such as wool

• Since pearls contain calcium carbonate, they can be damaged by acidic substances. Protect your pearls from chemicals such as vinegar, alcohol, ammonia, hair spray, bleach, perfume, chlorinated perfume. It is best to wear pearls on your clothing, not directly on your skin.

• Avoid wearing your pearls in hair salons, gyms, and while cooking, showering or swimming. They are porous in nature and will absorb fumes and acidity.

• Avoid high heat, dry places and harsh sun exposure as they contain small amounts of water and proteins.

• Wear your pearls at least once every month to help prolong their life and luster. They contain organic substances and need fresh air and moisture.

• Wipe them regularly with a soft damp cloth; this will help mitigate the pearls' absorption of perfumes, oils and dirt.

• If you scratch a pearl, gently rub olive oil on the scratched area.

• If you wear pearls frequently, it is advisable to restring the pearls every one to two years before the silk thread weakens.