How Do I Care For My Tahitian Pearls?
Tahitian pearls are soft, organic gems - they grew inside a living oyster, not out of the ground - so they ask for a little more care than a diamond or a piece of metal. The good news is that caring for them is simple, and with a few easy habits your pearls will keep their luster for generations.
How to Clean Tahitian Pearls
Clean your pearls by gently wiping them with a soft, damp cloth to remove oils or residue. Avoid any harsh chemicals, which can dull the pearl's luster. Every so often, or if your pearls are particularly dirty, clean them with a mild soapy solution and a soft damp cloth, then rinse and pat them dry. Lay them flat to finish air-drying before you put them away - storing pearls while they are still damp can weaken the silk on a strand over time.
How to Store Your Pearls
Pearls are a soft organic gem, which makes them susceptible to scratches. Store them away from your other jewelry, or tuck them into a soft pouch so harder pieces cannot rub against them. It is also best not to keep pearls in a completely airtight container for long stretches - a little natural humidity helps keep the nacre from drying out.
What to Avoid
Certain everyday products and habits can dull a pearl's luster or cause lasting damage. Keep your pearls away from perfume, hairspray, and lotion - a good rule of thumb is to put your pearls on last when getting dressed, and take them off first. If your pearls are exposed to sweat, simply wipe them down with a soft cloth afterward to keep them looking their best. Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, or harsh chemical jewelry cleaners on pearls, and keep them out of prolonged direct sunlight and heat, which can cause discoloration.
Wear Them Often
The best thing you can do for your pearls is actually wear them. The natural oils from your skin help keep the nacre from drying out, so pearls that are worn regularly tend to stay healthier than ones shut away in a drawer. Treat them gently, wipe them down after wear, and they will reward you for a lifetime.
Every pearl we sell was grown by hand in our lagoon - learn more about Tahitian pearls and how we farm them, or explore our collection.