As mentioned, pearls are ranked 2.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale which means that a pearl is considered a soft gem and can easily be scratched. But with adequate care, pearl jewelry can last for a lifetime and be passed down through generations. The good news is that special care is not hard to do.
Classical Pearls has moved away from an expiration date and now uses "manufactured on" dates due to the excellent stability of these products. Generally, there is very minimal loss of potency over time, especially if the bottles are kept in a cool, dry location.
Pearls with particular brand names will also retain (and even increase) their value over the years; vintage Mikimoto Akoya pearls that still have their original clasp, box and papers to establish provenance are very highly sought after today and continue to fetch premium resale values.
Leaving pearl jewelry 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.
Pearls cannot be classified as a durable gemstone, which means there's always a risk of them getting damaged. Having said that, with proper care pearl jewelry can last for years even with regular wear.
The etiquette on wearing a pearl necklace during the day, traditionally, is to wear a single pearl stand with a blouse. Over the years, as with so many things, the rules have gone out the window and pearls are no exception! The joy of owning pearl necklaces is that they really do with everything, on every occassion.
Astrology says that the people whose zodiac signs lords are Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Rahu should never wear pearls. Pearls harm the natives of these zodiac signs. This means that people of Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn and Aquarius ascendant should not wear pearls.
Pearl jewellery and pearls are not traded like gold or silver. They are considered elite gemstones and do not have a high resale value, at least as of now. Used pearl jewellery, which is sold for higher prices, is usually that which has been worn by celebrities, queens or antique pieces.
Is it OK to wear pearls everyday? Absolutely. Pearl jewelry should be worn and enjoyed frequently, so avoid leaving your pearls in a security box for long periods of time. But as many jewelry, pearls are beautiful, but they are delicate and should be worn with care.
Unfortunately, if real pearls are kept in a dark box for a long time they can become dry and yellowish too. Cream is a natural colour for many pearls.
Pearls contain organic substance, which can dry out and decay, which is why pearls have their certain life span, after which pearls start to grow dim, exfoliate and are finally destructed. This means special attention is required to ensure pearls will stay beautiful and last for hundreds of years.
The qualities that determine the overall value of a natural or cultured pearl or a piece of pearl jewelry are size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and—for jewelry with two or more pearls—matching.
Jin Jungsura, founder of luxury, Bangkok-based jewelry brand Matara, agrees that pearls, like diamonds, never go out of style. "Pearls have long been loved," she says. "They are not only timeless and traditional but also unique and dynamic.
If your pearls are visibly stained, you can mix a solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap, dip a soft cleaning cloth in it and wipe the pearls. Do NOT submerge a pearl necklace in water, as it will weaken the silk thread. 3. Let them dry all the way before storing.
Pearls will naturally darken slightly with age and wear. The golden or creamy tones that come with age cannot be removed.
Not only can pearls be damaged by water, but there are other hazards that can affect pearls in the shower. For example, the soap, shampoo, conditioner, or oils you use in the shower contain chemicals that can further damage your pearl jewelry. In general, it's not a good idea to wear your pearl jewelry in the shower .
Don't wear them in the swimming pool
Harmful chemicals such as chlorine in a pool can effect or cloud the lustre of a pearl and in some instances etch or pit the surface. Wearing a strand of pearls in water can also lead the silk thread they are strung with, to stretch.
Your natural oils keep your pearls moisturised. The lustre (glow) of your pearls will improve when worn next to your skin. To keep them hydrated. A dry/airless atmosphere (like a sealed plastic bag in a safe) will dry them out, their surface will crack and they will turn yellow.
The lip determines the pearl color. While the white pearls are also priced by jewelers, the gold pearl variety is the most coveted color. The gold South sea pearl's color can range from creamy white to deep gold, and the darker the color, the more expensive it becomes.
Pearls tend to be significantly less expensive in comparison to diamonds, offering a more affordable option for budget-conscious couples.
Gold Pearls
One of the largest and rarest pearls found around the world is Gold in color. They are Golden South Sea pearls, cultured in the Philippine Islands. Golden South Sea pearls have only been available to pearl lovers since the late 1970s, and are known as the “Rolls Royce” of cultured pearls.
In general, pearls are not a gift. Giving pearls to someone, whether a bride or a just a romantic gesture later on in the marriage, can be seen as a bad omen inviting sadness into their life. When giving gifts, stick to stones over pearls to make the right impression and avoid superstitions.
Due to its calming effect, it is advised that people with bad temper and anger issues should wear pearl. It also helps in curing depression, mental disorders, improves memory, and enhances the intelligence of the individuals as well. Provides self-confidence to the wearer.
Natural pearls are formed over time, and will change color as they age. Natural pearls are organic and made of calcium carbonate, which is commonly found in oysters' shells. Natural pearls come in a wide range of colors, including white, cream and black—and can be dyed any color.