Proper care of pearl jewelry is not difficult, and it is merely a matter of remembering that these gems are organic by nature, grown in water from living cells of a living creature. Even cultured pearls with thicker coatings are more fragile than most other gemstones, so you must handle them carefully to keep them in the best condition. Here are a few pointers to help you take care of your pearls and maintain their luster for years to come:

Don’t wear pearls in hot conditions that make you sweat. Natural skin oils are good for pearls, but perspiration is not, as it tends to be somewhat acidic.

The best way to store pearls is to wrap them separately in a soft, non-abrasive cloth and to keep them in a special compartment in your jewel box, away from your other pieces.

Take off pearls before showering, bathing or swimming so you don’t get the silk string wet.

Do not expose pearls to vinegar, ammonia or chlorine! These substances are deadly to pearls and can actually eat holes in them and dissolve them. Be especially careful when wearing a pearl ring. It’s not the right jewelry for house cleaning, since many household cleaners contain ammonia. Do not wear pearls in a swimming pool or hot tub that contains chlorine.

If pearls are exposed to direct sunlight and/or heat for extended periods of time, the nacre tends to dry, change color, and lose luster. Therefore, exposure to such harsh environments should be avoided.

Apply makeup and hairspray before you put on your pearls. Wipe your pearls with a soft cloth when you take them off to remove any acids from your skin or makeup residue that may be left on the surface of the pearls.

Wash pearls periodically with mild soap (NOT detergent) and a soft cloth. When finished washing the pearls, rinse them in clean water and wrap them in a thin, damp cotton towel to dry.

As an extra precaution, it might be worth getting your pearl jewelry restrung every year or two. Pearls are often strung on silk thread, and this weakens over time. If you wear your pearls a lot, the constant movement of the pearls can also damage the silk.