Care & Storing

Pearl Care

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 jewelry as a final touch, after applying make-up and styling hair. The pearl's luster can also be harmed by perspiration. To prevent this, before returning your pearls to the jewelry 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 jewelry box. When carrying jewelry, use a protective jewelry pouch. 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!

Pearl Maintenance

Even with the best of care, small parts of jewelry 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 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. 

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. 

Pearl Cleaning

If the radiance of your jewelry appears to be diminishing, take it to a specialist. Ultrasonic cleanser should never be used with pearl jewelry as it can damage the pearls.

 

Jewelry Care

Your fine jewelry pieces are both financial and emotional investments. Caring for your diamond, gemstone and pearl jewelry will not only keep them looking great, but will ensure that they will last for generations to come.

Sunlight ‐ Just like the sun damages skin, heat and light can damage certain gemstones. Too much sunlight can fade or damage amethyst and topaz. Pearls can bleach and peel if exposed to too much sun. And certain other gems, like opal, can darken if exposed to too much light. To remove any doubt, store jewelry in a dark pouch or jewelry case.

Chemicals – Exposure to common everyday household chemicals, like ammonia or bleach, can damage both metals and gemstones. Even chemicals that are worn on the body – like hairspray, perfumes and lotions – can affect metals and dull gemstones. To keep your jewelry looking new, it's best to put on any perfumes, lotions or hairspray BEFORE putting on jewelry. And it's always wise to remove fine jewelry before swimming or using any type of household cleaners.

Treated Gemstones – Many gemstones today have been treated, and these gemstones need special care. All treatments should be disclosed at the time of purchase. Treated gemstones may be negatively affected by heat, steam or ultrasonic cleaners and certain solvents. Follow instructions from your jeweler to keep your treated gemstone jewelry looking sparkling.

Ultrasonic Cleaners – While ultrasonic cleaners are great for cleaning metals, diamonds and certain gemstones, they should not be used in the following circumstances:

  • On organic gems like pearls, coral or ivory.
  • Any gemstones that have been fracture‐filled with oil, resin or glass. For instance, most emeralds are fracture‐filled and should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.
  • Gems that have been coated. For instance, Mystic Fire Topaz have been finished with an azotic coating and should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.
  • Certain heat‐treated gemstones.
  • Any gemstones that are susceptible to heat or temperature changes, like tanzanite, iolite, opal, etc., should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.

 

Safe and Easy Cleaning Methods

Gemstones and diamonds can easily be cleaned with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft brush. Clean your jewelry in a bowl of warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Dry your piece with a lint‐free cloth.

 

Storing Your Fine Jewelry

Proper storage of your fine jewelry pieces is very important. Diamond, gemstone and especially pearl jewelry should never simply be tossed into a drawer or box haphazardly as they may be scratched unintentionally.

Most jewelry pieces come in a lined box or pouch that is perfectly acceptable for storage. However, most people use a jewelry box or valet to store their pieces.

Jewelry boxes that have individual felt‐lined and padded slots for rings, necklaces and earrings will keep them organised, clean and safe. Some boxes are lined with anti‐tarnish cloth, perfect for storing sterling silver pieces.

Pearls and opals draw moisture from the air, so storing them in a safe or lockbox is not a good idea. Store pearls separately in a compartmentalised jewelry box or in a protective pouch.However, the very best way to keep pearls looking new is to wear them. Pearls will naturally absorb moisture from the air and oils from the skin, which keep them looking lustrous. The saying that "pearls want to be worn" is true!

With relatively minimal effort, your fine jewelry pieces can be cleaned, well‐cared for, safely stored and provide years and years of happy wear.