Pearl Care Guide
Everyday Care
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Storage
Pearls are more durable than most people expect, but proper storage can be the difference between pearls that lose their luster after a few years and those that are still radiant decades after being harvested.
Substances to Avoid
Predominantly, the substances to watch out for are those that are acidic, alkaline, or abrasive. The most common and damaging chemical hazards to pearls are:
- Ammonia: Present in household cleaning products and urine.
- Vinegar: Present in salad dressings, sauces, and many other food products.
- Chlorine: Present in swimming pools, bleach, and other household cleaning products.
As an organic gemstone, pearls have some unique vulnerabilities that need to be taken into consideration when wearing them. Certain common substances can spot or disintegrate a pearl’s surface if not removed immediately.
Such substances include chlorine, vinegar, ammonia, household cleaning products, inks, perfumes, hairspray, and cosmetics. Our recommendation is to put on your pearls after applying cosmetics, hair products, skin cleansers, or perfumes. Pearls should not be worn when washing dishes or performing housekeeping tasks that require household cleaners or harsh chemicals. NEVER wear pearl jewelry while swimming or in a pool or hot tub.
Certain food products can also damage pearls, such as salad dressings, sauces, wine, and certain fruit juices (especially citrus.) It is important to remember to remove your pearl jewelry before cooking, especially rings. It is also wise to be aware when wearing pearls while eating. Even a small drop of salad dressing containing vinegar can cause noticeable damage within a few hours if not removed.
What to Do?
If your pearls come into contact with any of the substances listed above, immediately rinse with water and, if necessary, wash with warm water and mild soap before drying with a clean towel. Some experts suggest using only distilled water, as tap water may contain chlorine.
If you are concerned your pearls may come in contact with one of these substances without you noticing, don’t let that stop you from wearing them. If you are following the best practices of wiping your pearls with a soft cloth after wearing them, then this should prevent damage in most cases of mild exposure.