The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule when it comes to pearls goes like this: "Last Thing On, First Thing off."

What this means is, that when wearing pearl jewelry of any sort, your pearls should be the last thing you put on when you get ready to go out or for your event, and the first thing you take off when you are getting uh, un-ready. This mainly has to do with managing the porosity of pearls.

When we get ready to go out we are putting on all sorts of lotions, balms, pigments, perfumes and oils. Much like our skin, a pearl will absorb these liquids. Unlike our skin, which is alive and regenerates, pearls can and will discolor, stain and at worst, dry and crack, which cannot be repaired or remedied. Unlike gemstones, a pearl cannot be re-polished. Once it's damaged, that's it.

How to Wear Pearls

Can I Wear My Pearl Ring in The Shower?

It is generally not recommended to wear pearls in the shower. Pearls are delicate gems that can be easily damaged by exposure to water and other harsh substances such as soap and chlorine. Water can weaken the string or adhesive that holds the pearls together, causing them to loosen or even fall off. It is best to remove your ring before taking a shower to ensure its longevity and maintain the pearl's shine and glow.

When Should I Not Wear My Pearl Ring?

Wearing pearls while engaging in physical activities or sports is not recommended, as it may get damaged or scratched, the contact with sweat can also damage the pearl nacre causing it to lose its luster and shine.

Similarly, it is advisable not to wear pearls when applying lotions, hairspray, or perfumes, as these products can absorb into the pearl causing discoloration and dullness. Any cosmetic can damage your pearl. If you know you will be cleaning with harsh chemicals or doing heavy manual activity, it is best to remove your pearl jewelry to prevent any potential damage. It may seem strange considering pearls come from the ocean, but it's best to avoid wearing your pearl ring at the beach, in the ocean or pool, as exposure to saltwater or chlorine can harm pearls and the adhesives used to secure them into settings. And for those sauna and thermal hot-spring enthusiasts, never wear your pearls in these places! The dissolved minerals, chemicals and heat are a recipe for disaster.

How Should I Store My Pearl Ring?

How to Store Pearl Jewelry

Pearl's are a dismal 2.0 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning they are easily damaged. To keep your pearl engagement ring pearly, it is important to store it properly.

Unlike other fine jewelry, pearls don't cope well with just being put in your jewelry box with everything else. They need to be kept separately from other jewelry. Ideally, you should store pearls in a soft cloth jewelry pouch to protect it from scratches and other damage. It is important to keep any pearl jewelry that contains metal parts, like pearl engagement rings, separate from other pearl jewelry like a pearl strand or bracelet, to avoid rubbing and abrasion. Put your pearl ring in its own little suede or velveteen baggie and you'll avoid most storage issues.

While it may be tempting to place your precious pearly orb in an air-tight bag after learning about it's delicate needs, this is also not a good idea. Pearls need moisture (from the air) as well as good air circulation in order to maintain their glossy surface and prevent drying out or cracking. Air tight containers of any kind will dry out your pearls. This is also why you never store pearls in a safety deposit box. Wear your pearls often, for everyone's benefit!

A pearl necklace or bracelet, or any kind of strung pearl jewelry needs to be stored flat and not hung, as this will wear out the silk fibers faster, and can stretch out a knot. Getting your pearls restrung more often than necessary isn't so good for them.

And finally, keep your pearls away from direct sunlight as exposure to sunlight will cause pearls to deteriorate which appears as fading, dullness, and ultimately, cracking.. If you keep your pearl jewelry stored according to these guidelines you will ensure the longevity of these precious glowing orbs.

How Do I Clean My Pearl Ring? Special Care Requirements

Pearls are organic, and like most things made by nature, the surface of your pearls are porous. To the human eye a high quality pearl may look lustrous and smooth, but the surface of a pearl, at the microscopic level is full of tiny holes, and act like a sponge.

To ensure your beautiful pearls look their best for as long as possible, it's important to properly clean them. Gently wipe your pearls with a clean, soft cloth, being careful not to apply too much pressure. Ideally use a microfiber or lint-free cloth and clean your pearls this way after each wear, before you store your pearls.

Avoid certain cleaning methods that could harm the delicate pearl. One important rule is to never use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. The vibrations from this type of machine can damage the pearl's surface and even cause it to scuff or crack. Additionally, it is important to avoid using any alcohol-based cleansers or jewelry cleaning soaps. These types of products can dry out the pearl, making it lose its luster and appear dull.

If a gentle wipe isn't enough, then you can use a drop of very mild soap like baby soap or mild dish detergent in a bowl of lukewarm water. Do not use hot water, it will damage the pearl. Use a soft baby toothbrush to get into nooks and crannies, but don't scrub. You can soak the ring for five minutes before brushing, if needed. Make sure to rinse and wipe the pearl thoroughly afterward as leftover soap residue can damage the pearl. After cleaning, make sure to let the pearl dry completely before storing or wearing the ring again. By following these guidelines, your gorgeous pearl will stand the test of time, no sweat.

Caring for a strand of pearls is somewhat different. Pearls are strung on silk and care needs to be taken not to stretch or wear out the silk fibers. If you clean your strand by submerging it in the baby soap and water bath, lay your pearls flat on a soft towel or similar and ensure it is completely dry before storing or wearing again. Failure to do this will stretch the silk out, meaning a trip to your jeweler for restringing.

How Long Do Pearls Last?

The lifespan of a pearl depends on various factors. If you clean and care for pearls properly, they can last for generations. However, poor handling and exposure to harsh chemicals can significantly shorten their lifespan. Regular gentle cleaning and avoiding contact with substances like hair spray and lotions can help to preserve them. The famous La Peregrina Pearl owned by Elizabeth Taylor has been around since the 15th century, and is still looking mighty fine. On the flipside, Cleopatra is said to have won a bet with Marc Antony by dissolving a pearl in her wine, which is an acid. The point however, is that with proper care, pearls can be cherished and enjoyed for many years to come.

What Do Yellowing Pearls Signify?

Yellowing pearls can be a sign of poor quality or aging. The natural body oils and daily wear can cause the pearls to lose their shine over time, resulting in a yellow or dull appearance. Additionally, the pearls might have been exposed to excessive heat, chemicals, or sunlight, which can cause discoloration. Another reason for yellowing could be the use of improper storage methods, such as keeping them in a humid environment or not cleaning them properly. Having said that, many very old vintage and antique pearl jewelry pieces have age-related yellowing to a greater or lesser degree, and in some cases this is even desired by the buyer as it is an obvious indication of the piece's age, which adds to the authenticity indicators that some collectors value so highly.

If you want to know more about the meaning and symbolism behind pearls, then click here.