Caring for Your Pearls: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Investment



Posted: Friday, April 24, 2009

by
http://www.momscape.com

Pearls are precious gemstones that require special care. They are made from a natural film that oysters use to coat irritants inside of their shell. The thicker the film, the bigger the pearl gets. Because pearls are made from a natural film, they are a lot softer than other pieces of jewelry. They should be handled, worn and cleaned very carefully so you can keep them looking as good as they did the day you bought them.

Pearls can become scratched very easily. You want to take extra care to protect the pearls from hard objects that can damage their coating. Always store your pearls in a soft cloth bag. This will help polish the pearls between wearing. It will also protect the pearls from hard jewelry in your jewelry box, such as  diamonds and metals. If possible, store your pearls in their own separate drawer.

Because pearls are light in color, they can easily pick up dirt, makeup and other debris. When you plan on wearing your pearls, make sure to put them on after you've put on your makeup, used hair products and put on perfume. Pearls are very susceptible to getting stained from these items, so it's best to put pearls on right before you walk out the door.

Before you handle your pearls, make sure to wash your hands. Lotions, creams and even the natural oil on your hands can cause discoloration over time. Once you've got the pearls on, try not to handle them excessively. You can wear down the coating of the pearls when you touch them too much.

It should go without saying that pearls shouldn't be worn during exercise or while you are swimming. Sweat can discolor the coating on your pearls. It might not be that noticeable if you do it only once, but if you make a habit out of it the pearls will quickly become discolored. The chlorine used in swimming pools can have a very damaging effect on your pearls. They should always be removed before swimming.

It's a good idea to carry a soft cloth bag with you when you wear your pearls. This way if you need to remove your pearls, you have a safe place to store them. Pearls can get damaged easily if you toss them in your purse with hard objects like your keys.

Even with the best of care, you will need to clean your pearls from time to time. Be sure to use a soft cloth, lint free cloth to wipe them down. Gently buff the pearls with the cloth until they are as shiny as they were when you purchased them new.

Jamie Jefferson publishes the latest online jewelry coupons and special offers for the web's finest jewelry merchants. You can also find coupons for designer jewelry and accessories at Momscape.com
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