How to Protect Pearl Jewelry?

When the pearl in the jewelry sparkles, it looks stunning. Until one of them happened to be chopped. At that moment, you most likely want to know how to repair or protect your pearl jewelry.

How to Protect Pearls When Wearing Them?

Handle Pearls with Care

Pearls are one of the softest materials in jewelry. Almost all gemstones are harder than them. Therefore, you should keep in mind that no matter what other jewelry material your pearls come into close contact with, they can be scratched.

Be careful when wearing pearls. As strong bumps can easily damage them.

Make sure not to drop any pearls on hard surfaces. When you take off your pearl jewelry, carefully place it on something soft.

Keep Pearls Away From Chemicals

Make sure that your pearl jewelry is the last part of your outfit you put on. This is after all cosmetics, perfumes, hairspray, etc., and then the pearls can be added. This gives the pearls a chance to avoid being exposed to any chemicals and possibly discoloring over time.

Household cleaning products can also harm your pearls, so remove your pearl jewelry when doing any chores. This is a good way to protect pearl. Don’t cook while wearing pearls, as some ingredients, especially acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar, can damage your pearl jewelry; Baking soda can also be harmful.

How to Protect Pearls When Storing Them?

After you’re done wearing pearls for the day, it’s a good idea to wipe them off with a soft, slightly damp cloth. This helps remove any residue they may have absorbed from the day, such as sweat, grease, or other chemicals.

It is best to place the necklace flat in a jewelry box rather than hanging it on a hook after wearing it, as this will prevent the knot from stretching out between each pearl. Pearls should be stored separately from other jewelry with sharp metal parts to prevent scratches on the surface.

Other Tips for Protecting Pearls

Restring Your Pearls

Another great way to keep your pearl necklaces and bracelets in top shape is to have them professionally re-strung annually, every two to three years, depending on how often you wear them. Re-stringing your pearls keeps the knot fresh, tight, and unscathed. 

Avoid Swimming and Showering

While pearls are born in water, modern additives like chlorine are really not ideal for pearls. In addition to the potential to fade pearls from repeated, long-term exposure, chemicals in the water can attack the holes in the adhesive used to secure pearl pendants, earrings, and rings to the brackets. Before washing your hands or dishes, remove your pearl ring and keep it in a safe place.

Long Term Maintenance

If you regularly wear pearl necklaces and bracelets, they need to take a break once a year and every two or three years to reduce the frequency of wearing. This keeps the silk knot beautiful and firm, and more importantly: clean. There’s nothing worse than dirty, worn silk.

To hydrate your pearls, feel free to give them a steam bath when bathing every few years. Place the pearl on the counter (not hanging) to avoid sticking out the knot.

Avoid storing your pearls in airtight plastic bags or bank safety deposit boxes. This dries out your pearls, and can lead to them crumbling away.

FAQs

Can I Wear Pearls When Sleeping?

We do not recommend doing this. First of all pearls can make you uncomfortable when you sleep. Plus, the friction between you and the bedding while you sleep can cause abrasions to the pearls. Over time, your pearl jewelry may lose its luster or break. Once the integrity of a pearl’s surface or internal structure is compromised, the damage cannot be repaired. If your pearl shatters, the only solution is to buy a new one.

Can I Put Pearls and Other Gemstones Together?

Absolutely not. As the hardness of gemstones is relatively high, they may scratch your pearl jewelry. So put your gemstones and your pearls separately to protect pearls.

Because pearls are porous, they will begin to “age” over the decades, and white pearls will slowly turn into a pronounced cream hue. This is natural, and unfortunately, once it happens, it is inevitable and irreversible. The good news is that with good jewelry care habits, the aging process can be avoided. Usually, pearls do not “age” for decades, which should not be too worrying. With regular deep cleaning and wear, your pearls will retain moisture, luster, and beauty for life.