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If you have a pearl necklace, you probably want to take care of it and keep it around for a while! The good news is that with a little love and care your necklace will last a very long time. However, pearls come from a living creature and thus are much more delicate than other gems such as diamonds. In this post I’ll show you what to do and what you should avoid doing in order to keep your pearls bright and lustrous.
First, you have to keep your pearls away from any sort of acids or heat. Acids from your skin, perfume, or makeup can damage the pearl’s surface, dulling their luster and potentially damaging the nacre itself. That’s why you will often hear the saying “last on, first off” when it comes to pearls. This means that you should put your pearl necklace on after you’re all ready to go out and take them off before you take off anything else. This will give them minimal exposure to damaging substances. One other thing to remember is that pearls don’t like heat. Keep them away from direct sunlight and don’t wear them while cooking dinner.
The way you store your pearl necklace(s) is important too. Remember, pearls aren’t diamonds and will scratch much more easily, so you will want to keep them away from other jewelry. The best storage method is a soft felt bag (with a slightly damp piece of linen), in a relatively cool place. Your storage area doesn’t need to be airtight, and in fact it’s best if you let your pearls breathe. This means you shouldn’t put them in any airtight containers or safety deposit boxes. Also, though you can hang your pearl necklace up if you choose, keep in mind that doing so will stress the delicate silk thread that is typically used.
Pearls will require periodic maintenance. Wiping them down after use with a soft cloth is recommended and will help them keep their shine. Just remember not to use harsh cleaners or you risk damaging your precious necklace! You will also want to keep an eye on the thread – you will need to restring your pearls (or have them restrung) every so often when it wears out. I have also heard that pearls need your humidity/body oils to avoid becoming dull, meaning that they should be worn often. I haven’t been able to verify this and it may well be an urban myth. Just keep in it mind. At any rate, you will want to wear them often anyway, right?
All of this may seem daunting but taking care of your pearls really boils down to a few simple things: “last on, first off,” avoid heat and direct sun, maintain well, and store carefully. Remember – if you love your pearls and take care of them, your pearl necklace will last a lifetime.
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