Pearl Wisdom: The old saying "pearls should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off" remains excellent advice. This simple practice protects pearls from cosmetics, perfumes, and hairsprays that can damage their surface.
## Daily Care Practices
The way you handle your pearl earrings each day has the greatest impact on their longevity.
### Before You Wear Them
Apply all cosmetics, perfume, hairspray, and lotions before putting on your pearl earrings. Allow these products to dry completely before the pearls come near them. The chemicals in beauty products can erode nacre and dull pearl lustre over time.
### While Wearing Them
Be conscious of activities that could damage your pearls. Avoid wearing pearl earrings during exercise, as sweat is acidic and can harm nacre. Remove them before swimming, as chlorine and salt water are particularly damaging. Take them off before cleaning with household chemicals.
### After You Wear Them
Wipe your pearl earrings gently with a soft, dry cloth after each wearing. This removes oils, perspiration, and any residue before it can affect the surface. A dedicated pearl cloth or soft chamois works best, but any clean, lint-free cloth will do.
## Cleaning Pearl Earrings
Despite their delicacy, pearl earrings do occasionally need more thorough cleaning. The key is using gentle methods that clean without damaging.
### The Proper Cleaning Method
Dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water. Add a tiny drop of mild, non-detergent soap if needed—baby shampoo works well. Gently wipe each pearl, being careful not to soak them. Immediately dry with a clean, soft cloth. Allow the pearls to air dry completely, laying flat, before storing.
### What to Avoid
Never submerge pearl earrings in water, as moisture can weaken silk threads and seep into drill holes. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners, which can damage nacre. Avoid abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, vinegar, ammonia, or any acidic substances. Never use tissue or paper towels, which can scratch the surface.
### Professional Cleaning
For heavily soiled pearls or annual maintenance, consider professional cleaning by a jeweller experienced with pearls. They can safely clean and inspect your earrings, restringing if necessary and checking for damage.
Natural Warning Signs: If your pearls appear dull, chalky, or develop rough spots, they may have been damaged by chemicals or improper cleaning. A professional jeweller can assess whether restoration is possible.
## Proper Storage
How you store pearl earrings significantly affects their long-term condition.
### Separate Storage
Always store pearl earrings separately from other jewellery. Pearls scratch easily, and contact with harder gemstones or metals will damage their surface. Keep each pair in a soft pouch, wrapped in soft cloth, or in a lined compartment away from other pieces.
### Avoid Airtight Containers
Unlike most jewellery, pearls need air circulation to maintain their moisture. Storing pearls in airtight plastic bags or sealed containers can cause them to dry out, leading to cracking and dulling. Breathable fabric pouches are ideal.
### Maintain Humidity
Pearls contain a small amount of water and can dry out in very dry environments. If you live in a dry climate or store pearls for extended periods, consider placing a damp cotton ball in the storage area (not touching the pearls) to maintain humidity.
### Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Store pearls at stable room temperature. Extreme heat can cause pearls to crack, while extreme cold can make them brittle. Avoid storing near heating vents, fireplaces, or in uninsulated areas.
## Special Considerations for Pearl Earrings
Earrings present unique considerations beyond general pearl care.
### Checking Settings
Regularly inspect the settings and posts of your pearl earrings. Because pearls are soft, the settings can sometimes wear or loosen over time. If a pearl feels loose or wobbly, have a jeweller tighten the setting before it falls out and is lost.
### Ear Sensitivity
Some people find that pearls set on certain metals irritate their ears. If you experience sensitivity, have a jeweller convert the posts to surgical steel or solid gold. This allows you to enjoy your pearls without discomfort.
### Strung Pearl Earrings
If your pearl earrings feature multiple pearls on silk thread, they will eventually need restringing. The silk absorbs body oils and stretches over time. Have strung pearl earrings restrung by a professional every year or two if worn frequently.
## Recognising Quality and Damage
Understanding pearl quality helps you identify problems early.
### Signs of Healthy Pearls
Healthy pearls have a deep, glowing lustre that seems to come from within. The surface should appear smooth when viewed without magnification. Colours should be even and consistent across the pearl.
### Signs of Damage
Dull, chalky appearance indicates nacre erosion. Rough patches or pitting signal chemical damage. Yellowing can indicate age, improper storage, or exposure to sunlight. Cracks require immediate professional attention to prevent worsening.
By following these care guidelines, your pearl earrings will retain their beauty for decades. Many families treasure pearl earrings that have been lovingly maintained for generations, passing their soft glow down as cherished heirlooms. With proper care, your pearls can become part of that tradition.