Caring for pearl jewellery

The following pearl care advice is from Mikimoto, the world’s leading luxury pearl designer since 1893. Jacobs are exclusive Reading agents for Mikimoto; click here to discover more about the history of this illustrious pearl company, or read on to discover how best to care for your pearls.

Preserve Your Pearls for Generations

Pearls are resilient and meant to be worn, but they are also delicate and require proper care. Use the following guidelines to enjoy your MIKIMOTO or JACOBS pearl necklaces, rings, and earrings and protect them for generations to come.

Daily Care

Pearls are organic gemstones that are vulnerable to acid, alkaline and extremes of humidity. To preserve your pearls' radiance, avoid letting them come into contact with cosmetics, hair spray, or perfume. Always put on your jewellery as a final touch, after applying make-up and styling hair. The pearl's lustre can also be harmed by perspiration. To prevent this, before returning your pearls to the jewellery box, wipe them gently with a soft cloth.

Personal Storage

Pearls are exceptionally cohesive and shock-resistant, but may be scratched by contact with sharp objects or other gemstones. To prevent tangles and scratches, fasten clasps and pins, then lay each item out separately in a compartmentalised jewellery box. When carrying jewellery, use a protective jewellery pouch. Leaving pearl jewellery in a security box for long periods may cause pearls to dehydrate, so enjoy them frequently. There is a saying that "pearls want to be worn," and it is true!

Pearl Maintenance

Even with the best of care, small parts of jewellery may come loose. Before wearing, carefully check such parts as the prongs that… support the jewels, the clasps of necklaces, the screws of earrings and brooch pins. MIKIMOTO and JACOBS cultured pearl necklaces are strung with the finest silk thread for both strength and beauty. However, if that string stretches or loosens, it may break suddenly. Even if you don't wear your pearls often, we recommend that you have your pearls restrung every year. Jacobs can help you with this – please contact or visit us for more information.

Pearl Wearing

Be careful not to dip pearl strands in water or wear them while bathing, as water can weaken the silk thread. It's also best to avoid direct sunlight or high temperatures such as in a sauna. If pearls come into contact with substances such as vinegar, fruit juices or detergents, immediately wipe clean with a soft cloth. Following these simple guidelines should preserve your pearls for generations. 

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