Pearls are delicate and fragile. Proper care and cleaning will protect the lustre and beauty of the pearls. Below are some important tips to help you ensure your pearls will remain beautiful for many years.

Storage
Pearls are much softer than gemstones and precious metals so store them separately in a soft cloth pouch, linen cloth, or soft lined jewelry box. These will help to prevent the pearls from getting scratched or damaged. Do not store your pearls in a plastic bag or in an excessively dry place (e.g.: next to a heater) as this could cause your pearls to become brittle or crack.

Before Wearing
Always apply makeup, perfume and spray-on products before putting on your pearl jewelry. These and other personal care products contain chemicals that can harm the pearl's surface and dull their lustre.

After Wearing
When you take your pearls off, gently wipe them with a non abrasive soft damp cloth. This will help to reduce the build-up of harmful compounds caused by the acids from our body oils and perspiration. Use a lint free cloth to avoid scratches. Remember always to air-dry them before putting them back. Avoid hanging your stringed pearls to dry as this could stretch the silk threads, instead lie them flat on a cloth to air dry.

Cleaning
Occasionally wash your pearls with lukewarm water and a mild soap. This is the best way to help remove those harmful build-ups. Use your hands to wash them, as any abrasive cloth may damage the nacre. Again remember to air-dry your pearls before returning them to storage and avoid hanging your striged pearls to dry as this could stretch the silk threads, instead lie them flat on a cloth to air dry.

Re-String
You should have your pearls re-strung periodically. If you wear your pearls frequently, you should have them restrung annually to prevent breakage. Pearls should be re-strung with silk thread and knotted between each pearl. The knot prevents all the pearls from falling off the thread if there is a breakage, as well as prevents the pearls from chafing each other. Makeup, powder and grime will form a soft, gluey paste on the string, attacking both the silk and the pearls if proper cleaning is not occasionally done.

Replace Individual Pearls
Pearls which always lie against the neck when worn will absorb acid from the skin and eventually lose lustre as well as their spherical shape. So replace individual pearls as required when you are re-stringing.

What to Avoid

• Avoid bleaching agents, powdered cleaners, and baking soda.
• Avoid any soaps containing ammonia and detergents as these can deteriorate the pearl quality.
• Do not soak your pearls in any kind of soap or cleaning solution.
• Avoid using any ultrasonic cleaners as they can cause your pearls to crack.
• Never steam clean your pearls because heat can damage your pearls.