Caring for Your Cultured South Sea Pearls

Pearls are organic gems. They're formed slowly inside a living oyster, not cut from rock. That gives them their soft, glowing lustre, but it also makes them more delicate than other gemstones. With a little gentle care, your Monsoon Drops will keep their beauty for years.

Last on, first off

Put your pearls on after perfume, make-up, hair spray, body lotion and sun cream, and let everything dry first. Take them off before anything else when you get undressed. Chemicals, oils and acids can dull a pearl's lustre and wear away its surface over time.

Wipe after every wear

After wearing, gently wipe each pearl with a soft, clean, slightly damp cloth, then dry with a soft dry cloth. This removes skin oils and perspiration, which can slowly affect the pearl's surface. Let the earrings dry fully, lying flat, before you put them away.

Never soak or submerge

Don't put your pearl earrings in water, and don't wear them while showering, swimming or bathing. The pearl on a drop earring is fixed to a small post, and soaking can weaken this setting over time. Chlorine and salt water can also damage the pearl's surface.

Avoid cleaners and chemicals

Never use jewellery cleaners, dips, soap, bleach, vinegar or ammonia on your pearls. Please also avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, because the vibration and heat can crack pearls and loosen settings. A soft damp cloth is all your pearls need.

Protect from knocks and scratches

Pearls are much softer than gemstones and metal, so they scratch easily. Take your earrings off before exercise, housework, gardening or sleeping, and avoid contact with rough surfaces.

Store them separately

Keep your pearl earrings in a soft fabric pouch or a lined jewellery box, away from other pieces. Harder gemstones, metal clasps and chains can scratch a pearl's surface. Don't store pearls in sealed plastic bags or airtight containers. Pearls need a little moisture in the air, and very dry conditions can cause them to crack over time.

Keep away from heat and direct sunlight

Store your pearls away from radiators, sunny windowsills and very dry or very hot places. Long exposure to heat and strong light can fade a pearl's colour and dry it out.

Wear them often

Pearls benefit from being worn. Natural moisture in the air helps keep their lustre, so don't save your Monsoon Drops only for special occasions.

Caring for the gemstones and metal

The natural gemstones and gold-tone metal in your Monsoon Drops need the same gentle care. Wipe them with a soft cloth, keep them away from chemicals and water, and avoid harsh cleaners.

Check your earrings from time to time

Every so often, look at each pearl and gently check it sits firmly on its post. If a pearl ever feels loose, stop wearing that earring and contact us at sales@wasojewellery.co.uk. We'll be happy to help.