Pearl Jewelry

A pearl necklace makes a classic gift – timeless, elegant, and beautiful. However, the classic pearl necklace made of one or more strands of pearls can be quite pricey. A cheaper alternative would be a single pearl necklace, or pearl pendant. These delicate alternatives can be worn year round and, because there is only one pearl, are often very affordable. As a plus, there are so many different types of pearls on the market today that it’s easy to find the perfect necklace for every season.

Spring is a time when lighter colors and more feminine designs come to the forefront. It’s a time to be playful and have fun. Keeping that in mind, there are many pastel pearls available. Freshwater pearls come in pink and lavender, while Tahitians offer lighter colors such as pistachio. The key here is to choose a design that is simple and works even when current trends have gone.

Summer brings bolder, more exotic colors and often, tropical inspirations. It’s the perfect time for going to the beach after all. For bolder colors, look to Tahitians – they tend to have brilliantly colored pearls with many different overtone/body color combinations. Peacock, aubergine – even some rare blue pearls can be found here. Another option is to look for a golden South Sea pearl.

As fall comes closer, dramatic and often darker colors come into play. Brown, plum, and black are colors that are likely to be in style season after season. Why not try to find a chocolate Tahitian pearl? This will be a perfect fit for your fall wardrobe. Freshwater pearls also may be dyed brown and are very affordable. Tahitian black pearls may also be a good choice if you’d like a more exotic look. Wear any of these options and compliments are sure to follow.

In winter, colors such as silver and white – or anything that sparkles – often make an appearance at parties. For white pearls, the best options are Akoya or freshwater pearls. Akoya can be more expensive and often have a very sharp type of luster. Freshwater pearls, on the other hand, have a creamier type of luster and are generally comparable to Akoya in every way. A final option is to look for a silver South Sea pearl for your single pearl necklace. For even more flair, look for a pendant with other gems such as diamonds.

From the fun, light colors of spring, to the cool elegance of winter, pearls have it all. Whether you’d like a different necklace for each season or just want one that will last you the whole year, you really can’t go wrong with pearls. A single pearl necklace is the perfect way to add elegance and style to any outfit.

If you don’t know much about pearls, buying your first pearl necklace can be a confusing process. Guys, there’s a lot of hype and false advertising out there so you have to be careful! The best way to approach this is to first of all, have a clear idea of what you want as well as a working knowledge of pearls so that your vision will become a reality. With that in mind, I’ll walk you through what you need to know to buy the right necklace for you or your loved one, from deciding what style you like to choosing the right retailer. Let’s get started.

Pick A Necklace Style

The first thing you need to think about is who the necklace is for. I know this may seem pretty obvious but who the recipient is will determine what styles or colors you should go for. You already know her (or him – guys can wear pearls too – but for now I’m just going to say her to make it easier) so take a moment to think about her preferences. Of course, if you’re buying for yourself then you already know!

The next step is to eliminate some of your options to make things simpler while keeping yourself or your loved one in mind. Think about age, first of all. There are some types of necklaces that may not be age-appropriate for younger girls or young women. These include pearl ropes, opera length necklaces, and really, anything with very large pearls (See: Pearl Necklace Lengths for more on pearl necklace naming conventions). Now, not everyone feels this way so don’t talk yourself out of one of these if that’s what you think she’ll like – but definitely keep in mind that, typically, those are all necklaces worn by older women. Other than that – is her style classic, or cutting edge? Some women may find the classic pearl strands a little boring and/or too traditional.

If you’ve eliminated some options, then now is the time to pick a specific style (or styles) that you want to focus on. I’ll present some of the less common options as well so that you can decide! Classic pearl strands are the easiest to find in many different colors and will be wearable in nearly any situation. Single pearl necklaces resemble a pendant and are  usually just a single pearl on a chain. These are modern and a great choice for young women or women with a more delicate bone structure because they won’t be overwhelmed. This type of necklace can also be much more affordable.

Floating pearl necklaces (also known as a tin cup, station, or illusion necklaces) consist of pearls spaced evenly along a very fine chain or silk thread, giving the illusion that they are “floating” on your skin. They were first seen in the movie “Tin Cup” (hence the name tin cup necklace) but have endured as a long-lasting fashion trend. I think these are the most delicate and feminine necklaces of all! They are very easy to find in a variety of colors but many “floating pearl necklaces” actually use faux pearls. Just read the description carefully before you buy!

Pick Your Pearls

Hopefully you know have a fairly clear idea what you’re looking for. Next you need to choose the type and color of pearls you’d like. The main types of pearls are Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, and freshwater, each with a different price and color range. Here’s a crash course:

Akoyas are a very solid choice if you’re looking for a classic white pearl necklace. They are high quality and generally available in white or cream.

Tahitian pearls are as opposite as you can get – if you want black pearls, Tahitian is definitely the way to go. Look for high orient and a metallic sheen – these pearls are rarely a flat black and are known for their many vibrant colors.

South Sea pearls are generally gold or silver – colors that are rare in other types – and are larger than average.

Freshwater pearls are probably the most widely available now that Chinese pearl culturing techniques have advanced. Some advantages of freshwater pearls are their affordablility, durability (due to high nacre content) and color choice. Freshwaters take dye/radiation very easily so you’ll be able to find any color you like.

Scams, Myths, and What to Look For In Your Pearls

Now if you’re ready to buy, here’s what you need to look for. There is no universal pearl grading system but most retailers, whether online or brick and mortar, use a scale running from A to AAA+, with AAA+ being the highest quality. The more rarely used Tahitian scale runs from A-D with A being the best. Any retailer that claims to have AAAA pearls is generally trying to inflate their prices. Take a very very careful look at the description so you know what you’re getting.

Any legitimate retailer should include a description that mentions the luster (shine/reflective qualities of the pearl or pearls), overall quality (whether by letter grade or surface quality i.e. 96% blemish free),  size, shape (and whether or not there are any irregularities), and certifications if those apply. Hanadamas should always include a certificate from the Japanese Pearl Institute. If you are ever unsure about a pearl, many retailers will let you see additional photos  – anyway, it never hurts to ask! Of course, if you are in a brick and mortar store you’ll be able to see the pearl necklace for yourself.

As with any major purchase, knowing the basics will sometimes save you from making a mistake. There are many misleading claims out there and any of these should be a definite red flag. Here we go with some of the top myths:

• Baby South Sea pearls are generally not South Sea at all, but freshwater pearls.
• South Sea Tahitians don’t exist. Pearls are either Tahitian or South Sea.
• Black South Sea pearls are actually Tahitians, generally.
• AAAA grading – this should be a warning to look closer.
• Black Freshwater pearls are always dyed.
• Brown Tahitian pearls are almost always dyed.
• There is nothing better than Hanadama. Anyone who says they have an Akoya pearl superior to Hanadama doesn’t know their stuff – if it were really that good it would have gone through the certification process.
• Japanese Akoya pearls – the name is somewhat of a misnomer these days. Though once it was an industry standard term, the advent of Chinese Akoya pearls as well as the Japanese practice of importing and relabeling their competition, has made this somewhat obsolete.

As you can see…buyer beware! There are, however, many reputable dealers both online and off. The following sites have received good reviews and are generally considered a safe place to buy:

Pearls of Joy
Pearl Paradise
The Pearl Outlet

After you purchase your necklace be sure to take care of it so that it lasts a lifetime. Though pearls are more delicate than other gems, with a little careful handling they can last a very long time. Be sure to keep them away from open heat, direct sun, and body acids, store them away from other jewelry so they don’t get scratched, and avoid using harsh cleaners on them or while wearing them. Your new pearls will eventually need to be restrung however.  (For more information please see: Caring for Your Pearl Necklace)

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! Hopefully this crash course in pearl buying has made your search a little easier. Just remember to carefully think of what you would like to buy; choose the right pearls; read descriptions carefully; look for red flags; and take care of your necklace once you (or your loved one for that matter) receives it. Good luck and happy hunting!

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the above merchants in any way – they are merely sites I have seen mentioned around the web with a good reputation. Please exercise caution even with the most reputable of dealers and buy at your own risk!

Many people think that women are difficult to shop for; however, many women truly do appreciate receiving jewelry. Pearls are a classic choice that nearly any woman would be thrilled to have, but it is no longer necessary to stick with a single strand of pearls when choosing a necklace. Nowadays there are  many different options including the floating pearl necklace and the ever popular single pearl necklace, or pendant, which is what I’m going to talk about today.

So who would want a pearl pendant? Well, though pearl strands are absolutely classic and beautiful, they can be thought of as a little old fashioned. Many people also consider it highly inappropriate for a young girl to wear pearls. However, it’s also important not to choose something so trendy that it can only be worn for a season or two before looking dated. That’s where the single pearl necklace comes in. This necklace is a pearl on a chain – what could be simpler? It lets the beauty of the pearl speak for itself while also beautifully accenting any outfit. Young girls or women, someone with a delicate bone structure, or anyone who wants something a little different from pearl strands that is just as classic, will all love these necklaces.

There are many occasions to give pearls as a gift. Christmas might be the first thing to come to mind, but what about Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day? Also consider giving a single pearl necklace as a birthday or wedding present. The June birthstone is the pearl, as well. Finally, pearls are the gift given on the 12th wedding anniversary (by modern standards) and are the traditional gift for the 30th anniversary as well.

Now that we’ve covered the who and the when, let’s discuss the types of single pearl pendant necklaces you can choose. The best thing about these necklaces is that you can easily customize every aspect; for example, you can pick the perfect pearl from one retailer, the chain from another, and the setting from yet another. They also can be fairly inexpensive, depending on which type of pearl you choose. The most classic, formal type of pearl is the Akoya – these are the perfectly round pearls we know and love. Freshwater pearls, however, are comparable in quality, occur in many different colors naturally, and can be dyed so that you are sure to find the color you like. South Sea pearls are known for their huge size and warm, golden color, but they are also the most rare, and priced accordingly. Tahitian pearls are particularly known for their dark body colors and metallic overtones. They are also the only type of pearl that naturally comes in black aside from Cortez pearls.

As you can see, buying a single pearl necklace for someone you love is an easy and much appreciated thing to do. With so many different styles to choose from, so many different occasions to give a gift on, and so many women who love pearls, you really can’t go wrong!

If you are looking to buy a floating pearl necklace but don’t know where to go or how much they cost, maybe this article will help you.

Amazon.com has a two strand one with sterling silver beads and a spring ring closure. The chain is 16 inches long. for fifteen dollars. They also have a 24K Gold one for sixty eight dollars. It features a fresh water pearl and is plated with 24K gold.  The chain is sterling silver that is 16 to 18 inches long. Artfire.com has a Pink and Peach Pearls and Cherry Quartz one for about fifty dollars. It is 20 inches long and sits under your collar bone. It is made out of pearls and the semi precious stone quartz and the metal parts are to this necklace are silver plates. Exclusivelyweddings.com has one for about five dollars each. The pearls which can be either white or platinum are suspended on a almost invisible nylon filament. The length is 17 inches long.

If you are thinking of getting a tin cup necklace you can find one at Macy’s for one hundred and twenty dollars. It is a sterling silver pink freshwater pearl necklace that is 17 inches long. Kohl’s has a 10K Freshwater Cultured Pearl one for about one hundred and sixty nine on sale. The chain is made out of glittering box gold and a spring ring clasp. It also comes in a white leatherette box for gift giving and storage. JcPenney has a Worthington one for about ten dollars. The pearls are the color of mocha, the metal is a gold tone color, and it comes with a lobster clasp.

In conclusion, these are only a few of the brick-and-mortar and internet stores you can go to find these products. You can find some cheap but low quality or more expensive, but higher quality necklaces if you are willing to spend time looking.

You might be wondering what floating pearl necklaces and tin cups have in common. The answer is that a tin cup necklace is actually the same thing as a floating pearl necklace. Confused yet? I was too. Why would a pearl necklace be called a tin cup when the two aren’t at all related? Well, the answer lies in the 1996 move “Tin Cup.”

That movie, starring Renee Russo and Kevin Costner, launched a mega-trend in the tin cup necklace. Jewelry designer and celebrity stylist Wendy Brigode wanted to come up with a unique pearl necklace that was elegant and stylish yet eliminated some of what she called “Barbara Bushness.” The result was a necklace with widely spaced pearls on a very fine silk thread – so fine that it could only be seen on close inspection and the pearls appeared to “float” on Russo’s skin. Little did Brigode know that soon everyone would want one of her necklaces! (Trivia: Russo later wore the same type of necklace in the movie “Ransom” even though she had a different stylist) Thus that particular type of necklace came to be known as a Tin Cup necklace. Other names include station necklace, floating pearl necklace, and illusion pearl necklace.

These days the silk thread used in the original is usually replaced with a gold, white gold, or sterling silver chain, and while Russo wore white pearls, today you can find a station necklace in any type of pearl you could possibly want. Want classic white? Choose Akoya. For something different, think about Tahitian pearls or South Sea pearls. You can also find some unique dyed freshwater pearls in colors like black, red, or purple. The sky’s the limit and that’s one reason why the floating pearl necklace is so popular – it’s so easy to customize! If you like, you can decide on the number of pearls (I’ve seen necklaces with just one that still look incredible), the way they are spaced, the type of chain, and the type of pearl you want.

The trend also endures because this type of necklace is really just an updated version of the classic pearl necklace. As such, it seems young and fresh. Because your necklace can be as simple or intricate as you choose it really goes with anything, but your best bet is to wear it with clothing that shows your neck and collarbone for full effect. It’s also a great choice for brides!

I doubt that Brigode knew what a sensation her necklace would become but those of us who love pearls are thankful for her innovative design. Illusion, floating, station, tin cup – no matter what the name, these necklaces are versatile, can be easily customized, and add some modern flair to the classic necklace we know and love.

A while back I explained how to care for pearls, which is important because they are fairly delicate gems. But what about simulated pearls? You would think that fake pearls would be much easier to store and clean but in fact many of the same rules apply, especially to Swarovski simulated pearls because they are very high quality and in many ways similar to the real thing.

Just like a regular pearl necklace, fake (or faux, or simulated) pearls should be put on last. Get dressed, put on makeup, perfume, etc. and then put on your simulated pearls. This is to avoid damaging the surface with acids/oils from your body or perfume. They should also be the first thing you remove. Just like natural pearls – “last on, first off” is the rule to remember.

It’s not as important to keep your simulated pearls away from heat or sunlight as it is with genuine pearls but I still wouldn’t cook with them or keep them on any longer than you really need to. That way they will look beautiful for quite some time.

When it comes to cleaning, again, you should be very careful with your artificial pearls. Unlike real pearls, they can handle a very small amount of (very) gentle detergent. However, it really is best to just buff them with a soft dry cloth as often as you can and save the cleaners for when they get extremely dirty.

Don’t store your necklace hanging up if at all possible, for the same reasons you want to avoid doing so with real pearls. You don’t want to damage the thread and have to restring or replace the necklace any sooner than you have to, right? Other than that, if you store your pearls in a jewelry box try to keep them separate or, ideally, store them in a soft cloth bag. As I mentioned earlier, Swarovski simulated pearls are quite high quality but some other faux necklaces may not be as durable and you want to keep them from getting scratched.

That’s really all you need to know here. Just follow the “last on, first off” rule to keep the finish of your necklace from getting damaged; try to avoid extreme heat though a little is okay; clean gently with a soft cloth or gentle cleaner; and, finally, store your artificial pearls by themselves in a jewelry box or in a soft bag to protect them. Sounds complicated but it’s really easy!

Seed pearls are quite a popular choice in jewelry making today. They are beautiful, classic, delicate and actually affordable. There are a few different types of pearls to choose from, but the seed pearls tend to be the most sought after. They have been around and used in jewelry designs for decades now and can work for bracelets, necklaces, rings and other pieces. Seed pearl tiaras actually sold for thousands of dollars in the 1900s.

If you want to incorporate seed pearls into your own jewelry designs, there are a few ways to go about this. You could make a pearl necklace for one thing, as this is one of the easiest designs for a novice jewelry maker. For this project you will need some beading wire, two crimp beads, clasp, jump ring, two crimp bead covers, pearls, crimping pliers and a pair of wire nippers to cut the wire.

Start your piece by cutting some wire to the proper length. Keep in mind you need the desired length of wire plus an additional four or five inches, to give you room to finish the necklace. It is always better to have a bit too much wire left over at the end and have to cut it off, rather than not having enough and having to start all over again and waste that wire.

Once you have your wire you can use the crimping pliers to crimp one crimp bead onto one end of the wire. This stops the pearls from falling off as you string the necklace. Now you want to start placing your pearls on the necklace one by one, until you have the design you want and the necklace is of proper length. To finish the necklace, you add on the second crimp bead and crimp covers, then add on the clasp and jump ring.

Any excess wire should be trimmed off at this point, leaving you with a gorgeous necklace with no loose ends. To add more pizazz to the piece, think of hanging a pendant or choose a fancier clasp. You could also use a toggle clasp and keep this as the side of the necklace to make a more unconventional piece.

You can purchase seed pearls from most jewelry supply stores. They are very inexpensive and buying at wholesale prices you can get enough to do a few different pieces. They are beautiful and can work in any design.

While the most common type of pearl necklace consists of one or more strands of pearls, there are many others out there. One example is the single pearl necklace. Now, if you search online you may notice that a single pearl necklace may refer to either a necklace with a single strand or a necklace consisting of a chain and a single pearl – almost synonymous with a pearl pendant. It is the latter type that I’d like to talk about today – these necklaces are just as beautiful as their more traditional counterparts yet they are often ignored in spite of their advantages.

First of all, wearing a pearl pendant means you can avoid some of the stereotypes/generalizations that pearl ropes tend to carry. Pearls have long been seen as a status symbol; however, they are also a symbol of maturity and age. In fact, many people believe longer necklaces or necklaces with bigger pearls should be reserved for mature, wealthy women who have “come of age.” The result is that pearl strands are considered inappropriate for some age groups. For example, a young girl or young woman who wears pearls that are too long or strands that are too big may seem as if she is trying to be too grown up. This more traditional view is waning to some extent, but whether you subscribe to it or not, a single pearl necklace sidesteps the issue altogether. There are also many variations on the market, so finding the perfect gift for someone you love is easy. For example, we all know that heart jewelry is popular around Valentine’s Day, and, in fact, many of these designs incorporate pearls. Heart shaped pendants with a pearl in the center are often called a “caged” pearl necklace and are classy and elegant.

These necklaces are also very affordable. Traditional pearl necklaces take quite some time to assemble due to the difficulty finding pearls that are well matched in overtone, body color, and luster. Even earrings require hunting through possibly thousands of pearls for a good match. The time and difficulty required are passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices and the longer your pearl necklace is (and the higher the quality) the more you can expect to pay. For a high quality pearl rope of Akoya pearls, you can expect to pay over $50,000 and possibly close to $100,000! (Don’t believe me? Do a quick check on Amazon and see for yourself. By the way, I’m discounting the AAAA or AA+ quality pearls here – those ratings are not recognized by the industry, but more on that later.) In contrast, if you only need to pay for one pearl you can get quite a bit more for your money – more in the range of $1000 or less but you can get some nice pearls for under $100 also.

Now if (perhaps) you’d like to get a single pearl necklace, consider your options. Do you prefer natural or cultured pearls? Natural ones are more valuable due to their rarity and thicker nacre though cultured pearls are less expensive and of comparable quality. Furthermore, think about the color you would like, then decide which type of pearl suits you best. If you’d like a genuine black pearl as opposed to dyed, you will want to look for Tahitian pearls. South Seas pearls tend to be known for their golden overtones, though they are available in white as well. Akoyas are the industry standard and are known for their rose, silver, or cream overtones. Finally, freshwater pearls are available in nearly every possible color but black, so take that into consideration when making your choice. As always, if you want a natural pearl, please consult with a gemologist or make sure the pearl is certified before making your purchase!

So there you have it. Single pearl necklaces are beautiful and affordable when compared to strands. They provide a delicate, modern look, and may be perfect for young women who want pearls but don’t want to look too grown up.  And because you’re only buying one pearl, your options are wide open!

While most necklaces are described by their length (i.e x amount of inches long), pearl necklaces actually have different names for each length and type. It is important to know which is which so you get exactly what you’re looking for! Here I’ll describe each type and note the types of clothing or necklines that each pearl necklace matches the best.

A collar describes a necklace that is 2 or more strands (in fact they are usually 3 or more), sits in the middle of the neck, and is usually 12 to 13 inches long. Though these were most fashionable in the Victorian era they are making a comeback. Pearl collars look elegant and chic with v-necks, boatnecks, or an off the shoulder style.

Pearl chokers are, at 14 to 16 inches long, a very popular choice. These necklaces sit just above the collarbone (I wish I had a visual, but for now, descriptions will have to do!). They are both classic and versatile and will add a touch of elegance to nearly any outfit.

The most common type of pearl necklace is the Princess. A princess length necklace is between 17 and 19 inches long and should sit around the outside of the collarbone. This length looks great with either crew and high necklines or very plunging necklines. A great choice for any woman – if you don’t know which type to get, choose this one!

Matinee length necklaces are approximately 20-24 inches and should hit at the top of the bust. Though this length is best suited to semi-formal attire, it also works with more casual wear and is the number one choice for a business setting.

Opera length refers to  a necklace between 26 to 36 inches long, hitting just above the midsection. As you can imagine, the name comes from the fact that this length was a common choice for a formal night out. It is still traditionally paired with evening wear, but its length does allow for a great deal of versatility. You may choose to double it for a look similar to a choker or collar, or knot it for a look similar to that which was popular with 1920s flappers. The doubled version would look great with crew or high necks.

A pearl rope is generally 45 inches or more, even though technically any length over 36 inches could also be considered a rope. These are generally worn only for the most formal of events, though like the opera, a rope may also be doubled or knotted. Another option is available in the form of convertible necklaces – these have multiple clasps, allowing you to shorten your necklace or even wear part of it as a bracelet.

So there you have it – six different types of pearl necklaces, from the collar to the rope. One thing to keep in mind when making your decision is the connotation that longer necklaces carry. Traditionally, longer necklaces or necklaces with larger pearls were reserved for more mature or wealthy women. Therefore, a pearl rope wouldn’t necessarily be recommended for a teenager as it may appear to others that she is trying to be overly mature. In that case, a choker or princess length may be a safer choice. As always though, the length of your pearl necklace ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you don’t like following tradition, don’t!

Have you ever been fooled into thinking that a fake pearl necklace is the real thing? Knowing how to spot a fake can be helpful for many reasons – it will help you avoid making mistakes when buying your necklace, and may even help you identify one you already have! Generally fake pearl necklaces may be called fake, faux, simulated, glass, plastic, resin, synthetic, artificial, or manmade if you are ordering online, but what if someone gives you a pearl necklace and you have no idea how to tell the difference? Here are some ways you can figure out if your necklace is real or not. (Keep in mind, cultured pearls are real! They are just artificially ‘induced’ pearls.)

1) X-rays. This is the most reliable test of all! An x-ray will tell you everything you need to know, including the actual thickness of the nacre, whether the pearl is cultured or not, and, of course, whether it’s real or fake. However, you will have to pay an expert to do this for you, and that can be expensive.

2) Destructive tests involve cutting the pearl open so that the core is visible. Natural pearls will be all nacre, freshwater cultured pearls will be nearly all nacre, and saltwater cultured pearls will have a shell core with a thinner layer of nacre. Faux pearls, on the other hand, will have a glass core with many layers of coating. I don’t recommend this at all! Why destroy your pearls?

3) Exposing your pearls to sunlight or a very bright indoor light will let you see all the color variations. Real pearls have so many color variations available that a perfect match is very rare, and in the sunlight, even more so. If both the body color and the overtones are perfectly matched, you may be looking at either a fake or an extremely costly real pearl necklace.

4) The tooth test involves running a pearl lightly over your teeth. Real pearls should apparently feel gritty whereas fake pearls will feel much smoother. This will fail to separate cultured pearls from fake ones, however – cultured pearls have a much thinner layer of nacre so they will feel relatively smooth. In general, I don’t know how reliable this test is – some experts seem to swear by it but I have no experience with it myself. Use at your own risk.

5) Magnification will show any imperfections or ridges that may exist. Real pearls will have years’ worth of nacre build up, creating some ridges that may not be apparent to the naked eye. Fake pearls will be mostly smooth.

6) Density. Real pearls should feel heavier relative to their size than faux pearls. In general – if you pick up your pearl necklace and it feels light, it’s fake. If it’s heavy, things get more complicated since well made faux pearl necklaces are nearly the same density as their natural counterparts..

Hopefully you now have a good idea of what the differences are between real and fake pearls. I should mention that Swarovski simulated pearls are very very close to real pearls – it will be hard to tell the difference in many of these categories. In that case, an x-ray will be your best bet. Good luck and I hope this helps you avoid buying a fake pearl necklace!

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.