| The luster of pearl jewelry is enchanting. Whether | | | | to say that you should style your hair or apply |
| it's a pearl necklace or a pair of pearl earrings, you | | | | your fragrance if you're going to wear your pearl |
| can't help but admire their glow. Whether you've | | | | jewelry. Rather, keep the "last on, first off" rule in |
| purchased your pearl jewelry or received it as a | | | | mind. When you're dressing, your pearl jewelry |
| gift, it's important to take care of it to ensure it | | | | should be the last item you put on, just before |
| lasts a lifetime. | | | | you head out the door. When you return, your |
| Density of Pearl Jewelry | | | | pearl jewelry should come off first, before you |
| Diamonds, which have been compacted for eons | | | | kick off your shoes and relax for the evening. By |
| deep in the earth, are the hardest gemstone in | | | | following this rule, you'll limit your pearl jewelry's |
| the earth. Pearls, on the other hand, are cultivated | | | | exposure to chemicals and prolong the life of your |
| within the shells of oysters. These creatures of | | | | jewelry. |
| the water produce the nacre of the pearl, the | | | | Keeping Pearl Jewelry Clean |
| lustrous coating that gives pearl jewelry its | | | | Like all jewelry, pearl jewelry becomes dirty over |
| luminosity. Unlike diamonds, pearls are soft, so you | | | | time. You can gently clean your pearls yourself |
| want to take the steps necessary to keep these | | | | with a very slightly damp soft clean cloth. It's |
| gems looking their best. | | | | important that you don't use any type of |
| Pearl Jewelry Isn't for Every Occasion | | | | scrubbing devise, like a sponge or a toothbrush, |
| Although a simple gold wedding band will withstand | | | | and that you don't use soap or detergent. After |
| the rigors involved in working with your hands, | | | | cleaning, lay your pearl jewelry on a clean, soft |
| your pearl ring won't. The same holds true for | | | | cloth to dry. |
| your pearl necklace and pearl earrings. So don't | | | | You can also have your pearl jewelry |
| wear your pearl jewelry when you engage in | | | | professionally cleaned. Many jewelers who |
| physical labor, work in the yard, or work out at | | | | specialize in pearl jewelry offer cleaning services |
| the gym. The dirt and perspiration will shorten the | | | | for Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls, and freshwater |
| life of your pearls. Similarly, even though the | | | | pearls of every color - such as white, pink, and |
| pearls come from the ocean, it doesn't mean that | | | | black pearls. |
| your pearl jewelry will thrive when you swim in | | | | Re-Stringing Pearl Necklaces |
| the ocean, surf, or scuba dive. Pearls certainly | | | | If you have an Akoya pearl necklace, a Tahitian |
| don't have to be locked away and work only for | | | | pearl necklace, or a freshwater pearl necklace, |
| special occasions, but you should take care that | | | | and you wear it regularly, it's advisable to replace |
| they aren't damaged by the elements. | | | | the silk string every two or three years. |
| Chemicals Can Be Toxic to Pearl Jewelry | | | | Re-stringing your necklace helps ensure that it |
| Just as some people are allergic to chemicals, | | | | won't break and that you won't lose one or more |
| pearl jewelry can be "allergic" to hairsprays, | | | | pearls. |
| perfumes, and lotions. The chemicals contained in | | | | By all means, enjoy wearing your pearl jewelry. |
| such products - even those touted as "natural" - | | | | And, with some common sense care and cleaning, |
| can shorten the lifespan of your pearls. This isn't | | | | you'll be able to enjoy it for years to come. |