PEARL KNOWLEDGE
Here's something I always tell my customers:
Your Tahitian pearls are beautiful, natural gems. And just like anything precious, they need a little love.
The good news? Looking after them is actually pretty simple!
A few little habits can make a big difference in keeping your pearls and jewellery looking beautiful for years to come.
A little care today, for a lifetime of beauty.
MOHS HARDNESS SCALE
Did you know pearls are among the softest gemstones used in jewellery? On the Mohs Hardness Scale, which measures how resistant a gemstone is to scratching:
PEARL CARE MADE EASY
Here are five easy habits that will help you care for your pearls.
My number one pearl-care rule!
Finish applying your makeup, perfume, moisturiser and hairspray before putting on your pearls. And when you're getting ready for bed, take your pearls off first. This helps protect both the pearl's surface and your jewellery's finish.
Perfume, hairspray, lotions and household cleaning products aren't your pearls' best friends! Chemicals can affect the pearl's surface and may also damage the finish of your jewellery. This is especially important for gold-filled pieces, as their colour and finish can change over time. Spray first. Pearls on last.
As beautiful as your pearls are, there are times when they're better off safely tucked away. Remove them before: Showering or bathing, Swimming in pools or the ocean, exercising, sleeping, cooking or baking or doing household chores. Water, heat, perspiration, chemicals and accidental knocks can all affect your jewellery over time.
Your pearls pick up natural oils, perspiration and everyday residue while you're wearing them. After each wear, gently wipe them with a soft, clean, dry cloth. If they need a little extra cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth and dry them gently afterwards. Avoid harsh cleaners, abrasive materials and ultrasonic jewellery cleaners. A few seconds of care can help preserve that beautiful natural lustre.
Remember how soft pearls are? That's exactly why you don't want them rubbing against harder jewellery. Keep your pearls in a soft pouch or your Shahana Jewels box, stored separately from other pieces. A little space goes a long way in preventing scratches.
GOOD TO KNOW
Now, here's something I think every pearl owner deserves to know. Many pearl jewellery designs, including ours, use a special jeweller's adhesive to secure the pearl onto a metal pin.
That little pin is what helps hold your pearl in place. Over time, exposure to water, heat, chemicals or rough handling can weaken the adhesive, causing your pearl to become loose or fall off. And this isn't something unique to Shahana Jewels. It can happen with pearl jewellery from other jewellers too. A strong knock or rough handling can also damage or snap the pin. Sometimes part of that pin can remain inside the pearl. That's why taking a little extra care is so important. A little care keeps your pearls where they belong.
Accidents happen, beautiful! If you've accidentally knocked your ring or damaged the pin, don't panic. Sometimes the pin can snap, leaving a small piece of metal inside the pearl. The first thing we'll need to do is assess the damage. Once we've had a look, we'll let you know whether a repair is possible and what it would cost. Some pieces can be repaired, while others may be too damaged to fix. Either way, we'll explain your options before anything goes ahead.
Now, here's some good news! If your pearl becomes loose or comes off and the metal pin is still intact, we'll re-glue it for you absolutely FREE. It's one of the little ways we look after our Pearl Queens, even after you've made your purchase. Just get in touch with us and we'll help you from there. We're here for you — always.
