1. Avoid contact with acidic and alkaline substances.
Specifically, avoid getting perfume and hair spray on your pearl jewelry if you can. Perfume, hair spray, some lotions and makeup contain chemicalsthat can dull the luster of your pearls. Put on your pearl jewelry after applying these substances, not beforehand.
2. Don't wear your pearls constantly.
It's best to take off your pearl jewelry before doing any strenuous work that may make you sweat or get the pearls dirty, such as housework. In addition, take off your pearls before swimming or taking a shower.
3. Regular maintenance.
Check your pearl jewelry regularly to make sure there are no loose pearls. Pearls can be cleaned using water and a soft cloth, or soaps formulated tobe very gentle, such as baby shampoo. If you wear a pearl necklace frequently, you should have it restrung at least once a year. Make sure your jeweler sets a knot between each pearl in the string, to prevent the pearls from rubbing against each other and abrading their surfaces.
4. Don't use toothpaste to wash pearls.
Toothpaste contains rigid particles that can damage the surface of your pearls. The best cleaning substance for pearls is a very gentle soap, such as baby shampoo.
5. Avoid frequently touching your pearls. Our skin produces grease and oils that can coat your pearls and lessen their luster and shine. These oils are particularly found in the fingers and hands.
6. Tap water can damage pearls. Tap water contains small amounts of chlorine and other chemicals that can damage pearls. Mineral water is the best choice for washing your pearls.
7. Don't put your pearls in the washing machine. Yes, we've heard of people doing this. Pearls cannot withstand the shaking in supersonic washing machines, and may break apart if left in the wash. Don't ever let your pearls go into the washing machine.
8. Bring a storage bag with you.
When you're wearing your pearls, it's best to have a small cloth storage bag to store them in if you need to take them off. That way you won't lose them, put them in your purse where they could be scratched by sharp or hard objects inside, or leave them in a pocket and forget.
9. Put your pearls on last.
It's generally advisable to put your pearl jewelry on after you dress, so the pearls' surface won't get scratched by buttons, clasps, or other hard materials on your clothes
