M&P Le Mie Perle

Queen Elizabeth I was probably the greatest pearl lover of all times, with more than 3,000 pearl-beaded gowns, almost 100 pearled wigs and chests filled with pearl strands and pearl jewellery. Five centuries later many of Elizabeth's pearl treasures and also the diadems, jewellery and sceptres of other royal houses remain in excellent condition.  Precious pearl museum pieces from as long ago as 300 BC still retain their lovely lustre today. Common sense care can assure that today's pearl jewellery also becomes tomorrow's heirlooms.

Proper care of pearls is not difficult, and it is merely a matter of remembering that these gems are organic by nature, grown in water from the living cells of a living creature. Like the oysters which formed them, they require moisture but because they usually are worn on a silk string which will deteriorate when wet, the pearls will need to be re-strung more frequently if they are taken for a swim in salt or fresh water. Never expose pearls to chlorinated water. Like their “organic” owners, pearls are prone to damage from pollution and injury.
They can’t stand the heat, and they should definitely stay out of the kitchen.

What to Do

Store pearls separately from other jewellery in a cloth bag or jewellery pouch. Storage in slightly damp linen will help to prevent pearls from drying out in low-humidity atmospheres including central heating.

Apply cosmetics, perfume and spray products first, before  putting pearl jewellery on.

Remove spills immediately if pearls come in contact with food acids. Use a soft cloth moistened in water to wipe them down and then dry with another soft cloth.

Wipe pearls after wear, using a soft cloth. Make-up, powder and grime will form a soft, gluey paste on the string, attacking both the silk and the pearls.

Re-string pearls regularly for the sake of the pearls as well as to avoid a broken string.
 
Replace individual pearls when a competent pearl stringer recommends it. 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.

Avoid safety deposit boxes in bank vaults over a long period of time to prevent dehydration from being wrapped in an air tight environment.

However, remember Pearls must be worn. The grain of the skin improves their lustre and pearls that are not worn will loose their beauty!