Pearls are timeless, elegant gems that deserve special attention to maintain their beauty. Pearls are also the birthstone for the month of June, which is why we are featuring Pearls in our blog this month, and sharing our top care tips to ensure your pearl jewellery remains luxurious and radiant for years to come.
Read on as we explore all about pearls and the best practices for preserving the allure of these stunning treasures.
Before diving into the top care tips for your pearl jewellery, let’s first explore some fascinating facts about pearls to deepen our understanding of these exquisite gems.
Pearl jewellery holds a rich history and captivating allure. These gems are very unique as they are the only gems created by living organisms. Formed within the soft tissue of mollusks such as oysters and mussels, pearls are the result of a natural defense mechanism to protect against irritants. The size, shape, and color of pearls can vary greatly depending on the species of mollusk and the conditions in which they are formed.
Pearls have been treasured for centuries, symbolizing purity, elegance, and sophistication. Today, they continue to be a timeless and beautiful choice for jewellery, found in necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more. Whether classic white or rare and exotic colors like black or golden, pearl jewellery remains a symbol of refined taste and timeless elegance.
Pearls are delicately threaded onto a silk thread to create stunning jewellery pieces such as necklaces. There are two ways to thread your pearl jewellery: knotted and unknotted.
Typically, pearl necklaces are meticulously knotted with a tiny knot between each pearl allowing you to see more of the surface area. This method minimizes wear on the pearls, ensuring their longevity and maintaining their elegant appearance.
Knots are not only for pearls. They can also apply to any precious bead that you want to stand out and protect from being lost. If your knotted pearl necklace breaks, you may lose one pearl or bead saving you from a potentially embarrassing situation crawling on the floor to find all the beads.
Pearls can also be strung together unknotted, which means they are threaded onto a strand without knots between each pearl. While this method is typically for imitation pearls or pearls with lesser value and offers a modern look, it comes with some risks. Without knots between the pearls, there is a higher chance of them rubbing against each other, which can lead to scratches and damage over time. Additionally, if the strand breaks, all the pearls may come loose and potentially scatter or become lost.
It’s essential to regularly inspect both knotted and unknotted pearl jewellery for signs of wear and tear and have them restrung by a professional jewellery service near you as needed to maintain their integrity and ensure they remain secure for years to come.
Caring for your pearl jewellery is essential to maintain its timeless beauty. Here are the top care tips to keep your pearls looking their best:
Handling your pearl jewellery with care is essential to preserve its delicate beauty. Always handle your pearl jewellery delicately, as they are vulnerable to scratching and damage. When putting on or taking off pearl jewellery, avoid pulling or tugging, as this can strain the silk thread or cause breakage.
Additionally, be mindful of lotions and perfume, as these can damage the top layer of your pearls. Refrain from exposing your pearl jewellery to harsh chemicals, perfumes or cosmetics to maintain their pristine appearance.
It’s also best to handle your pearl jewellery with clean, dry hands to prevent the transfer of oils or dirt that can dull their luster over time.
Dirt and grease will coat the pearls and silk thread during normal wear, which affects its appearance and can lead to breakage. Cleaning your pearl jewellery gently after each wear can help maintain its lustrous appearance.
After wearing, begin by wiping the pearls with a soft, damp cloth to remove any surface dirt or oils. Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or jewellery cleaning solutions, as these can damage the delicate surface of the pearls. Instead, use a mild soap solution or specialized pearl cleaner diluted in water. Use a soft-bristled brush or a clean cloth to gently scrub the pearls, focusing on any stubborn spots.
After cleaning, rinse the pearls thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any soap residue, and then pat them dry with a soft towel. Allow the pearls to air dry completely before storing them in a soft pouch or lined jewellery box to prevent scratching.
Proper storage is crucial to preserving the beauty of your pearl jewellery. Store your pearls in a soft pouch or lined jewellery box, away from other pieces to prevent scratching. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or near sources of heat, as excessive heat can cause the pearls to dry out and lose their luster.
To prevent the silk thread from stretching or weakening, store pearl necklaces flat rather than hanging them. Additionally, consider wrapping individual pieces of pearl jewellery in a soft cloth or tissue paper for added protection.
Restringing pearls is vital for maintaining the longevity and durability of your pearl jewellery. It’s a good idea to get your pearls restrung because over time the silk thread used to string pearls can weaken or stretch, posing a risk of breakage and loss. Additionally, pearls may need restringing if knots become dirty or frayed, if you desire a new clasp, or if the pearls cover the knots and hinder their visibility.
It’s advisable to restring pearl necklaces by a professional jeweller every 12-18 months, depending on wear frequency. A professional jeweler will handle the restringing process to ensure the pearls remain secure and prevent silk thread weakening or breakage.
Heavier pearl necklaces should be restrung regularly to prevent gaps and breakage caused by the weight of the beads pulling on the thread. It is advisable to restring as soon as the thread looks stretched or when gaps appear beside the knots.
Proper maintenance and cleaning are essential to ensure the longevity of your stunning pearl jewellery pieces.
By following our top care tips for your pearl jewellery and scheduling regular professional inspections, you can preserve the beauty and integrity of your pearl jewellery for years to come.
The time frame for service is estimated to be 7 to 10 business days. Please contact us for a quote. For any jewellery cleaning, please inquire at one of our Hudson’s Bay locations near you. Typically cleaning services involve submitting pieces to the Main Workshop for cleaning in an ultrasonic machine and for steaming.