respect your rocks

How to care for your pearls:

The key is to remember that pearls are not rock, they are organic by nature, grown in water from living cells of a living creature. Due to their constitution they are soft and can be chipped quite easily. Pearls have a low resistance to heat and chemicals. Therefore, proper care is essential.

Remember that pearls are often strung on silk cord which although robust will need to be replaced periodically if you wear your pearls a lot. Pearls which always lie against the neck when worn will absorb acid from the skin and eventually lose lustre as well as their spherical shape. Makeup, powder and grime will form a soft, gluey paste on the string, attacking both the silk and the pearls. Therefore, restringing may be necessary.

o Put on your pearls after applying make-up, hair spray, perfume, moisturiser, hand cream etc. Chemicals found in these products can damage pearls.

o Take off pearls before showering, bathing or swimming so you don't get the silk string wet. Also, chlorine can damage pearls and cord.

o Take off pearls before cooking. Heat and food acids can damage pearls.

o Clean them with a dry or damp soft cloth or chamois. Don't use toothbrushes, scouring pads or abrasive material to remove dirt as these can scratch the surface.

o Never use detergents, bleaches, chemical cleaners or anything acidic - pearls are made of calcium carbonate.

o Don’t play sport in pearls. Perspiration can erode both the pearl and silk cord on which the pearls are threaded.

o Keep pearls in a soft pouch or bag and separate from other jewellery which can scratch them. Keep them flat in a jewellery box and keep flat while in transit. Do not scrunch them up.

o Pearls can be damaged by heat. Therefore, pearls should not be stored near a radiator or a sunny window.

o Finally don’t play with your pearls! We’ve seen you. They look nice, you stroke them, caress them, and give them a gentle loving tug. Remember they’re delicate, treat them with care and hands off!

Respect the rocks!