Pearl Care
Now that you have chosen a piece of Lustrous pearl jewellery, a little thoughtful care will preserve its natural beauty and prolong its life for generations. Because pearls are organic gems, their delicate nacre is naturally sensitive to chlorine, intense heat, perfumes, cosmetics, perspiration, and harsh detergents.
Wearing & Cleaning
- Last On, First Off: Keep your pearls away from anything acidic, including hairspray, perfume, cosmetics, and perspiration. Always put your pearl jewellery on as the final touch after applying makeup, scent, and hairspray.
- Keep Silk & Settings Dry: While pearls have a natural affinity for moisture, the silk thread and jeweller’s settings do not. Always remove your pearls before swimming, sunbathing, showering, or exercising.
- Gentle Cleaning: Never clean pearls in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Wipe them gently using a soft cloth dampened with warm water and a mild soap, taking care not to soak the silk thread. Lay them flat on a soft towel to dry, then buff with a sumptuous, soft cloth to enhance their lustre.
- Heat & Light: Pearl is stable in normal light, but intense heat or prolonged direct sunlight can cause dehydration and dry out the nacre.
Caring for Gold & Sterling Silver
We use fine carat gold or sterling silver in our pearl jewellery, which may naturally darken slightly over time. If this occurs, clean the metal gently with a soft, untreated specialist jewellery cloth, or use a very soft brush with warm soapy water on the metal clasp only. Avoid chemical ‘dip’ polishes, abrasive cleaners, or cloths treated with harsh polishing agents.
Thoughtful Storage
- Use Your Soft Pouch: All of our jewellery arrives with a soft storage pouch. Lay your pearls flat inside their pouch or a lined box, away from other jewellery that could scratch the nacre.
- Avoid Dry Heat: Store your pearls away from direct sunlight and radiators. If pearls are kept somewhere too warm or dry, they can dehydrate and lose their lustre.
- Gentle Handling: Pearls are delicate—avoid pulling, twisting, or playing with the strand, as this weakens the silk thread and can lead to breakages.
Silk Restringing
- Annual Care: We recommend restringing frequently worn pearls every year to prolong their life (an average pearl necklace can stretch by up to two inches over time before restringing).