Dainty and oh-so-pretty, the freshwater pearl is a great gem to have in your jewelry box.
But how exactly should you take care of it? Well, read this article to find out.
Some Background…
A symbol of purity, loyalty, generosity, peace, and strength, the freshwater pearl is an organic semi-precious jewel found in lakes and rivers. It is produced by freshwater mussels and can be found in several hues, with lavender, pink and white being the most popular ones. An interesting tidbit about this stone’s formation process is that a single mollusk can produce anywhere between 27 to 30 pearls at a single time.
Care Tips
To ensure the longevity of your freshwater pearl jewelry, we recommend following the dos and don’ts mentioned below…
Dos:
- To prevent scratches, store this jewel in a soft cloth away from your other gemstones and accessories.
- Wear your pearls at least once a month in an air-conditioned environment to avoid perspiration as that can damage the gem in the long run.
- Employ the ‘last on, first off’ rule, i.e., wear your jewelry only after you finish dressing up and remove it immediately after the event is over. This will limit the contact between your freshwater pearl jewelry and the chemicals that may be present in your lotion, make-up, perfume, etc.
- Clean your piece after every use by gently wiping it with a soft, damp cloth.
- Get the jewelry checked by a professional at least once a year.
Don’ts:
- Do not keep the jewelry (especially your pearl strand) in water as that could severely impact the durability of the gem and the material that attaches it to the rest of the piece.
- The chemicals present in plastic bags can damage the outer layer of your pearl over a period of time. So refrain from using the same.
- Avoid leaving your freshwater pearl jewelry in an airtight container, safe deposit box, or a heated room as the lack of moisture and heat can lead to surface cracks.
- With a rating of 2.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, freshwater pearls are quite delicate. Therefore, avoid using them daily or when cooking, exercising, cleaning, swimming, etc., to avoid any unnecessary damage.
- Refrain from using any kind of detergent, vinegar, baking soda, bleach, or any abrasive material for cleaning your freshwater pearl jewelry at home.
- Steam and ultrasonic cleaners are not recommended for this gem.
Shopping Tips
Due to the high demand for this beautiful jewel, several fakes are being sold in the market today. To avoid getting duped, we recommend keeping the following points in mind…
- Research the seller: This involves going through the credentials uploaded on the company’s website and the comments posted on their social media handles. This will help you gauge the brand’s authenticity, and also give you an insight into their customer service.
- Check the return policy: Make sure that the company has a clear return policy that’ll enable you to get a full refund if you are unsatisfied with your purchase.
With its timeless vibe, the freshwater pearl is truly a must-have. And by following the tips and tricks mentioned above, your piece is sure to last for a long time.
Also read: What Are the Different Types of Pearls?
