How to care for your pearl jewelry, so it lasts for generations
Pearls are living materials. Unlike diamonds and most gemstones, a pearl is made up of layers upon layers of nacre (mother of pearl), which makes it both more beautiful and more delicate than many people think. With proper care, a pearl jewelry piece from Lost Poem can accompany you for decades, and be passed down through generations.
Take off your pearls before you...
Perfume, hairspray, lotion and sweat are pearls' biggest enemies. The acids in these products slowly break down the surface and can make the pearl dull or discolored. Therefore, get into the habit of putting your jewelry on last — after perfume and makeup, not before.
Avoid showering, bathing and swimming
Chlorine and hot water can damage both the pearl and the thread or setting it is attached to. Take off your jewellery before showering, bathing or exercising.
Store your pearls separately
Pearls are softer than most other materials and can be scratched by harder jewellery lying next to them. Store them separately, preferably in a soft bag or a lined jewellery box, and lay them flat rather than hanging if it is a necklace — this protects the thread.
Wear them — regularly
Paradoxically, pearls do well to be worn. The natural moisture in the skin helps keep them alive and shining. A pearl piece that sits untouched in a box for a long time is at risk of becoming dry and brittle faster than one that is being used.
Why do some pearls turn yellow over time?
It is usually due to exposure to heat, direct sunlight or chemicals over time — not to the quality of the pearl itself. With the care described above, you can significantly minimize the risk.
At Lost Poem, we carefully select freshwater and saltwater pearls for their luster and durability. But even the finest pearl needs care — it is part of its history, just like yours.