Looking after your pearls

A customer told me she loved her strand with matching bracelet so much that she hadn't taken it off since she purchased it. I believed this to be a rather exaggerated compliment until she commented on wearing them in the shower! NO! Pearls are nature's gems and with some common sense rules you should enjoy your strand for life.

• Store pearls in a soft cloth sack, separate from metallic necklaces
• Never clean pearls in an ultrasonic cleaner. Vibrations can shatter pearls especially if the nacre is thin or cracked
• Do not use chemical cleaners, especially those containing ammonia and bleach
• Remove pearls before washing dishes, doing housework or applying perfume or hair spray
• Do not wear pearls in swimming pools with chlorinated water
• Avoid contact with foods containing acids
• Expose pearls regularly to humid conditions
• If stored in a safe, place a glass of water in the compartment with them
• Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing
• Wash occasionally in a mild soapy water

Have pearls restrung about every two years especially if worn frequently. PandaPearls use silk thread with knots tied between the pearls to prevent abrasion and ensure that all are not lost if the string is broken.