Care of Pearls

A unique phenomenon in nature and indispensable to every jewellery box, we believe that pearls warrant the utmost care that they need. As an organic material, pearls are much softer than most other gemstones and can be easily scratched. A little help is at hand with our following list of do's and don'ts:

 

DO

Do wear your pearls. As an organic material they react well to the natural oils in your skin and it is the best way to maintain their lustre.

Do apply your make up and scent PRIOR to putting your pearl jewellery on.

Do put your pearls on last, and take them off first when undressing.

Do wipe your pearls with a soft cloth after wearing, and occasionally wipe clean with mild soapy water. Allow the pearls to dry before putting them away.

Do have your pearl necklace re-strung every few years; to prevent abrasion, most jewellers knot pearls on silk thread which wears in time.

 

DON'T

Do not store your pearls with other jewellery as they can easily be scratched when metal or gemstones rub against them.

Do not store pearls in plastic bags, always store in the box or silk pouch that they should be supplied with.

Do not clean your pearls in an ultrasonic cleaner; the vibrations can shatter them, especially if the nacre is thin or cracked.

Do not use chemical cleaners; especially those containing ammonia and bleach, as this will destroy their lustre.

Do not expose to excessive heat; because they contain organic material and water, pearls can also crack if exposed to excessive dryness.

We offer a cleaning service for our fine jewellery. Please contact a Personal Shopper for more information.

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