Pearls grow in layers of nacre, the same material that lines an oyster shell. That makes them softer than gemstones and sensitive to oils, perfume and dry air.
Last on, first off
Put pearls on after perfume, hairspray and make-up, and take them off before you wash or swim. Wipe them with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing.
Store them flat
Keep pearl strands flat in a soft pouch, away from harder jewellery that can scratch them. Hanging a strand stretches the silk over time.
Restring every few years
If you wear a strand often, have it restrung every two or three years. We knot between each pearl, so a broken thread loses one pearl at most.
