5 Pearl Care Mistakes to Avoid

Pearls are organic gems — softer and more delicate than faceted stones. A little care goes a long way. Here are the five mistakes we see most often.

1. Spraying perfume after putting them on

Perfume, hairspray, and lotion contain chemicals that dull nacre over time. Always put your pearls on last, after everything else is done.

2. Storing them loose with other jewellery

Pearls (hardness ~3 on the Mohs scale) scratch easily against metal and stones. Store each piece separately in the soft pouch it arrived in.

3. Never wiping them down

Skin oils and perspiration build up with wear. A gentle wipe with a soft, dry cloth after each wearing keeps the lustre bright.

4. Swimming or showering in them

Chlorine, salt water, and even plain tap water can weaken silk thread and damage nacre. Take pearls off before water activities.

5. Keeping them locked away for years

Pearls love to be worn — natural skin oils actually help maintain their glow, and air circulation prevents them from drying out. Don't save them only for special occasions.

The simple routine

Last on, first off. Wipe gently. Store separately. That's all it takes for pearls that glow for decades.