The kinds of pearls that most of us are used to wearing now are mostly cultured pearls, which are formed when a bead or other object is inserted into an oyster or clam. This is done manually. Once, the object is inside the clam, it is coated with nacre, the patina that gives pearls their unique appearance.
Pearls take years to form and are exceptionally soft and need special care as compared to other gemstones. Pearls can be easily scratched, cracked and damaged. No matter the kind of pearl you wear, no matter how thick a coating it has, pearls need to be handled carefully. The beauty of the pearl lies in its luster, so here’s a checklist for you:
- Pearls are never to be tossed on top of one another or next to any other gems when kept in a jewellery box. Use separate jewellery pouches for separate set of pearls.
- Each one of us has a different skin type; some women sweat a lot more than others. The sweat then seeps into the pearl and it tends to lose its luster. Make sure to wipe the pearl with a soft cloth once you are done wearing it. Do not use objects like a tooth-brush, scouring pads, or other abrasive materials to clean pearls.
- Avoid letting pearls to come in contact with cosmetics, hair spray or perfume because it will lose its radiance.
- Let the pearls add the final touch to your look. Wear them after you have applied your makeup and perfume and styled your hair.
- Remove all your pearls jewellery before you apply hand and body creams.
- Pearls are exceptionally cohesive and shock-resistant but when in contact with sharp objects, they may get scratched. So be sure to wear them delicately and keep away from sharp metals.
- If you have scratched a pearl accidentally, gently rub olive oil on it. Remember this just protects it from further corrosion and is no magic spell to help it grow back.
- Dry air can also damage pearls as well heat which will turn them brown, dry them out and make them crack.
- When you are cleaning your pearls, read the labels clearly. Only use jewellery cleaners labeled as safe for pearls.
- Do not use ultrasonic cleaners or steam clean your pearls.
- Do not expose pearls to dish or wash detergents, bleaches, powdered cleansers, baking soda or ammonia-based cleaners.
- Get your pearls restrung once a year to make sure that the silk or nylon cord holding them together is in good shape.
