Pearls and Pearl Care

This is an article I have submitted to Ezine Articles to possibly be published on their website. Ezine Articles is a publication directory for articles on all sorts of topics. Just wanted to share what I was up to.

Classic white pearls are a must fashion accessory for every woman's wardrobe. They are so versatile that they can be worn for any formal affair to create an elegant look , or worn casually with jeans and a simple blouse. They are complimented nicely with sterling silver or gold, and combine well with an assortment of other gemstones. In nature, you can find pearls in shades of pink, brown or black. And now you can purchase pearls in an assortment of colors and finishes. Metallic finishes are currently very popular. They give pearls a brilliant shine and an iridescent look.

How a Pearl is Formed

A pearl is produced as a mollusk secretes layers of nacre or mother-of-pearl around an irritant. If the irritant is a natural grit or sand that makes it's way into the mollusk, the pearl is a natural pearl and is rare and expensive. If the irritant is placed inside the mollusk by human intervention, it is considered a cultured pearl. Layers of nacre gradually build up over years and form a spherical, oblong, or irregular shaped pearl depending on the original shape of the irritant. The thicker the nacre, the more durable the pearl.

Tips for How to Clean Pearls

Pearls are delicate and brittle no matter how thick the nacre. With proper care they can last between 100-150 years. The best way to clean pearls is:

* to dust them off and wipe them with a damp cloth.
* never clean them with harsh chemicals, including jewelry cleaners, or a sonic cleaner.
* take off your pearl jewelry when you apply make-up, perfume, or lotion on your hands
* if they do get dirty, they can be washed with a mild solution of soap and water.


The surface of a pearl can also scratch easily so how you store your pearls is important also. Try not to store them with other jewelry that may damage the surface.