Kinsmans Bridal Ltd Pearl Care

Quality and Care of Pearls

Pearl jewelry quality is affected by several things: the “make” of the jewelry, the luster of the pearl, and the pearl size. The make refers to the meticulousness in which the pearls are matched for pearl size, shape, color, luster, and complexion. Kinsmans Bridal Ltd. offers only high quality, precision matched pearls.

The luster of the pearls is the glow emanating from within the pearl as a result of good nacre quality. Pearls with thicker nacre have higher luster. Layers of nacre that have crystallized and aligned properly create pearls with intense glow. When nacre is well formed, a pearl will exhibit orient– a prismatic effect reflecting the light.

Cultured pearls are measured in millimeters. Pearls are measured in diameter if round and length if off-round. The larger the pearl the more valuable it is.

Quality pearls are very durable, but proper care is necessary to keep them beautiful and lustrous. Here are important tips for proper care:

Gently wipe pearls with a soft cloth to remove body oils or dirt before putting them away.
Store pearls away from sharp objects that may scratch or damage their surface. Wrap them in soft linen or place in a soft pouch. Do NOT store them in an airtight bag because pearls need moisture. If the air is too dry the pearls may crack. If placing in a safe deposit box or a hot environment, leave a damp cloth nearby.

Keep pearls away from chlorine bleach, vinegar, ammonia, hairspray, perfume or cosmetics as these substances will damage the pearls. Put your pearls on after you are finished with hairspray, spraying perfume or applying makeup. Also, remove pearls before exercising to keep them away from perspiration. Be very attentive to avoiding these substances as they will eat holes in the nacre.

If pearls are worn often, restring them once a year. Be sure to have each pearl knotted separately, preferably with silk, so they do not rub together and wear on the pearl nacre. If pearls are very small, knots between each one may be undesirable.