Pearl Care Guide
Pearls are highly treasured gems and require proper care in order to ensure a beauty and luster to last a lifetime! Whether you purchase these gems from National Pearl or from your own trusted jewelry retailer, we hope to provide you with special tips for preserving and caring for your precious pearls.
Storage: As pearls are a relatively soft gem (2.5-4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale) Pearls are best stored separate from other jewelry types such as metallic chains or diamonds. If stored together with other jewelry types, there is significant risk that the pearl nacre could be marred due to rough surface contacts. This can be avoided by storing your pearls in a separate jewelry box, soft bag or satin pouch. Pearls can also be sensitive to long periods of heat, resulting in drying and discoloring of the natural nacre. Therefore, never store your pearls in locations such as safety deposit boxes etc.
Harmful Chemicals: Natural pearl nacre consists primarily of calcium carbonate which is quite sensitive to various types of acids. While wearing your pearls, be aware of typical harmful chemicals that your pearls may commonly be exposed to. They include: vinegar (salad dressing), alcohol, ammonia, hair spray, bleach, perfume, chlorinated water and a variety of cosmetics. As such it is best to apply cosmetics prior to putting on pearl jewelry. Natural sweat from a womenÕs body is also mildly acidic. As such we suggest using a dry or damp cloth to wipe down your pearls before putting them away for storage.
Cleaning: If harmful chemicals have come in contact with your pearls, it is appropriate to clean the pearls with water and a very light detergent such as baby soap. Ensure to rinse clean and wipe with dry or moist towel after cleaning. While the pearls are still wet, be sure not to wear them as wet silk strings are more likely to stretch and weaken. Also, the wet silk string will easily attract dirt which is quite difficult to remove.
Restringing: If you like to wear your pearls often, it is advised to restring your pearls once every 1-2 years. Most jewelers will perform this service at a nominal cost.
Pearls love to be worn! Since pearls are an organic gem, they benefit greatly from fresh air and moist environments. Pearls should be worn at least once a month to ensure healthy nacre and a beautiful shine!
