Tagged with 'Caring for pearls'

The sun is shining, the sky is blue and the mood relaxed. Let's hope so, as the summer holidays are finally here!

Packing a bag for a holiday can be quite a headache though. How do you fit so many favourite fashion essentials into a small travel bag? Versatility is the name of the game and pearl jewellery is perhaps the perfect holiday fashion accessory. Here are our top three tips:

1. Simple yet pretty Akoya pearl earrings will match nearly any wardrobe item in your bag, be it a pair of jeans or a colourful beach dress, and can be worn every day.

2. If you are in the city for some casual shopping, a long pastel-coloured freshwater pearl necklace worn in layers is a understated style, but can later in the day transform most outfits.

3. For the evening, why not also sneak in a pair of Tahitian pearl earrings or a pearl pendant in the corner of your handbag to wear on a romantic night out.

Remember to take care of pearls when you are on holiday. Don’t forget to remove your pearl jewellery if you go for a swim or play sport. The nacre that gives pearls their characteristic shine will be damaged by acid and chemicals. Giving them a simple wipe with a damp cloth is the best method for cleaning pearls.

Finally, pack your pearl jewellery in a soft pouch, separated from sharp metal jewellery that may scratch the surface of your pearls. Our Winterson pouch is ideal for protecting your loved pearl jewellery.

Have fun!

One of the earliest known pieces of pearl jewellery is the necklace of a Persian princess, found by a French archeologist at Susa and believed to date from around 350BC. The collier design, which was strung using a bronze wire and secured with gold, can be seen in the Persian Gallery at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The classic single strand necklace of pearls is still today the most popular piece of pearl jewellery. The process of stringing pearls is in itself quite an art as a skilful pearl stringer has to work with precision, delicacy and care.

The first step is to arrange the pearls according to their size, colour, surface quality and lustre so that they may visually produce the best possible effect for the wearer.

With luxury jewellery, pearls are threaded onto silk of the highest quality that is undyed and free of chemicals. Silk provides the strength, flexibility, and smoothness that is required, whilst knots between each pearl prevent them from rubbing against each other and to keep the pearls from falling if the jewellery breaks. For heavier jewellery such as a rope or opera necklaces, the knots between each pearl may be doubled, or a wire may be used with the silk, to provide additional strength.

Necklaces that have recently been strung are usually taut, and may show kinks, but these will relax as the jewellery is worn.

Restringing pearl necklaces and pearl bracelets is very important for taking care of your pearls. Check your pearls annually to see if the thread has become discoloured or stretched. With regular restringing, your jewellery should last a lifetime.

Pearls are made of organic matter, and so it is very important that you take care of them properly. Follow this simple routine for how to clean pearls.

Pearls really enjoy being worn and warm up gently next to the skin. Pearls are, however, also sensitive and can be damaged by acidity. We strongly recommend that you should always put your pearls on after the application of any body lotion, hairspray or perfume.

Cleaning pearls should follow a very simple routine. Wipe your pearls with a slightly damp, clean cloth so as to remove any perspiration or perfume.

There is no need to use any special chemicals or treatment.

After cleaning, store your pearls in a special box or silk pouch and avoid placing them in a jewellery box where they might be scratched by other pieces of jewellery.

Finally, give your pearls an annual check-up with a jewellery specialist that includes professional cleaning of the pearls if they are worn often and restringing if the thread is becoming stretched, discoloured or frayed.

Follow these simple rules and your pearls should give you much pleasure. If you have any questions on pearl care, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information read our Pearl Guide on Caring for Pearls here.