Luminous, ethereal, glistening from within: this is how pearls should look! They're mesmerising to behold, and with proper care, they'll serve you a lifetime. But (yes, there's a "but"!) like any other gemstone, pearls aren't immune to the grime that comes with daily wear.
Due to their organic composition, pearls are incredibly sensitive and, without proper attention, they can lose their lustre. Whether you're the new owner of a pre-loved strand, or have a pearl ring you wear every day, it's worthwhile getting into a few good habits.
If you're keen to keep those pearls glowing, read on for our top tips!
YOUR Crowning Glory
Imagine you're heading out to dinner, you have the perfect little black dress to wear, and can't wait to put on your pearl jewellery.
Well, our first tip is to put them on last! Your pearls, after everything else, should be the final decorative touch to your outfit before you walk out the door. Our recommendation is to get dressed, apply your makeup, spray your perfume, and then put on your pearls. This way, you'll avoid damaging them with heavy coats and dulling them with unset makeup.
The same applies when you get home, only in the reverse order. By taking your pearls off first, you're forced to store them away safely, before settling in for the night.
Needless to say, in the same way you wouldn't wear pearls to the gym, wearing pearls to bed is not advised!
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Softly, Softly
This leads us to our second tip: storage! Storage is key when it comes to looking after your pearls, and leaving them out on hard surfaces (or in the heat!) isn't recommended.
To avoid having your pearls scratched by other metals, keeping them separate from your other jewellery is the safest option. So, where do you keep them? We recommend storing your pearl jewellery in its own soft velvet, cloth, or linen bag. Unlike plastic containers or boxes, a soft pouch will limit damage and allow your pearls to breathe.
Not to mention, travelling with your favourite pearl pieces is much easier with small cloth pouches, that keep your jewellery safe, separate, and organised.
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Steer Clear
Of course, before storing your pearls away, it's important to clean them. Unsurprisingly, using strong, abrasive, or chemical products won't go down well with a pearl. All you need is a soft damp cloth and a mild or pearl-safe cleanser.
Ultimately, there are only two absolute no-no's:
- Don't clean your pearls in an ultrasonic jewellery cleaner!
- Don't use detergent to clean your pearls!
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While these rules might seem a little strict, don't worry! Your jeweller should be able to give you some guidance, and more often than not, help clean your pearls for you.
It's also recommended that you get your pearl necklaces restrung every two years. This might sound extreme, but, like silk or nylon, string degrades over time.
At Gerard McCabe, not only do we offer restringing, but we also offer a professional cleaning service. Our friendly staff are here to help, and our expert jewellers are gemstone specialists. Rest assured, a little help from the professionals can often make all the difference when it comes to the longevity and appearance of your pearl jewellery.
We hope that by following these care tips you can maintain the lustre and beauty of your pearl jewellery for years to come. For more information, or to view our own pearl collections, visit us in-store and online here!
