How to preserve the shine of your pearl jewelry?

Timeless and elegant, pearl accessories are to the jewelry box what the little black dress is to the wardrobe: essentials! Necklaces, bracelets, earrings: pearls can come in all forms. However, they require special attention to maintain their brilliance. We'll give you all the simple steps to take for caring for cultured pearls.

Cultured pearls: definition and composition

Cultured pearls, unlike natural pearls, are formed through human intervention. A foreign object is intentionally placed inside the shell of a mollusk (most often an oyster). The mollusk then secretes nacre to defend itself. The nacre surrounds the foreign object and eventually forms a pearl.

There are several types of pearls cultivated in different parts of the world:

• South Sea pearls (Australia);
• Tahitian pearls;
• Akoya pearls (Japan);
• Freshwater pearls (China).

They come from different oyster varieties. They are distinguished by their shape, color, and luster.

The value of a pearl is determined by five criteria:

• its shape (round, oval, drop, button, baroque, semi-baroque, and circled);
• its diameter (ranging from 1 to 20 mm);
• its brilliance, which includes luster (reflection of light on the pearl's surface) and orient (play of light in depth, through the different layers of nacre);
• the quality of its surface;
• its color.

Pearls are mainly composed of aragonite. This is a mineral from the calcium carbonate family (like limestone, chalk, or marble). They also contain 2% water. It is therefore an organic and fragile material that needs to be cared for.

⏩Learn more: our materials

Simple and regular cleaning

Cultured pearls are particularly sensitive to acidity. They should not come into contact with chemicals (cosmetics, perfumes, cleaning products for gold or silver jewelry, chlorine, etc.). That's why it's advisable to put on your pearl accessories after applying makeup and styling your hair.

Sweat can also be more or less acidic. The basis of cultured pearl care therefore lies in thorough cleaning after each use. Use a soft, damp cloth on each pearl, including in the least accessible areas.

You can add a drop of olive oil if your pearls are old, if they have been stored for a long time and have dulled. But generally, they hydrate naturally on contact with your skin.

⏩Also read: cleaning your gold jewelry

The importance of storage in caring for cultured pearls

If you want to keep your pearl jewelry intact and shiny, storing them properly is also essential. You should keep them in a pouch or away from your other accessories. Pearls can scratch if they are bumped or rubbed.

Place them in a spot that is neither too dry (beware of air-conditioned rooms) nor too humid. As we've explained, pearls are composed of 2% water. This proportion must remain stable to preserve their integrity.

Finally, make sure not to keep them stored away for too long. Due to a lack of light and hydration, your pearl jewelry risks dulling or even cracking. That's why it's said they should be worn regularly!

Cultured pearls require special attention. But ultimately, their care is quite simple. Don't hesitate any longer and fall for Camille Colette Studio's pearl jewelry!