Pearl Care and Preservation

 

The shiny material in pearls, called nacre, contains some organic proteins and calcium carbonate, which dissolves when exposed to acid. Various acids found in personal care products such as perfume, lotion, hair spray, and makeup can weaken the nacre structure of pearls over time, eventually diminishing their beautiful luster.

Another way pearls can be damaged is through exposure to chlorine from swimming pools or even tap water. Chlorine, used to purify water, is the same compound as sodium hypochlorite, found in household bleach. This specific type of chlorine is highly oxidizing and tends to destroy the pearl’s shine upon contact.

 

 

Tips for Protecting Pearls:

  1. It is recommended to remove your pearls when using cosmetics, hair sprays, or perfumes. Wait a few minutes after applying these products before putting on your pearls.

  2. Storing pearls in safes or enclosed spaces for extended periods can cause them to dry out and lose their luster. Frequent wear and regular care allow pearls to “breathe” and rejuvenate themselves.

  3. The best storage option for pearls is soft velvet pouches. After use, gently wipe them with a soft cloth to minimize the effects of sweat and perfume.

 

What is a Pearl, and How Does It Form?

The formation of a natural or cultured pearl begins when an irritant enters specific types of oysters, mussels, or scallops. For instance, a grain of sand might enter the oyster, which then attempts to expel it. If it cannot, the organism inside the oyster reacts defensively by secreting a substance called nacre around the intruder. Over time, and with a bit of luck, a pearl starts to form. It typically takes several years to produce a single pearl. The cultivation method shortens this process slightly. Today, pearls are produced and sold through cultivation, and cultured pearls are natural pearls.

 

What is a Cultured Pearl?

Modern pearl producers reduce the randomness of natural intrusions by carefully placing nacre-coated particles from other oysters into healthy, mature oysters. This process, performed on pearl farms, is supplemented with various medications and hormones for the oysters. Almost all pearls available on the market today are cultured pearls.

 

Four Types of Cultured Pearls:

Freshwater Pearls:

These pearls are cultivated by Chinese farmers in farms established near seas, lakes, and rivers. They are the most well-known and preferred pearls among pearl lovers. Freshwater pearls rival Akoya pearls in terms of quality and variety, while their price advantage has made them market leaders in pearl sales.

Akoya Pearls:

The art of pearl cultivation was invented by Kokichi Mikimoto in 1893, leading to the production of Akoya pearls, a type of saltwater pearl. Since they take longer to cultivate than freshwater pearls and are more limited in availability, Akoya pearls are more expensive.

Tahiti Pearls:

The most exotic of all pearl types, Tahiti pearls are cultivated in the volcanic regions of French Polynesia. Often referred to as “Black Pearls,” Tahiti pearls can grow in almost any color, from white to jet black. With their dark hues, they are highly exotic. Baroque and teardrop shapes crafted from Tahiti pearls are perfect for those seeking a unique, irreplicable necklace.

 

 

 

cultureSettings.RegionId: 0 cultureSettings.LanguageCode: EN