Care guide
Caring for your pearls
Pearls are living gems, born from nacre and sensitive to their environment. A few simple steps are all it takes to preserve their luster and brilliance over the years—and even generations.
01
Put your pearls on last
Always put your pearls on last, after perfume, lotion, and makeup. And take them off first, before removing your makeup or changing your clothes.
02
Clean gently
After each wear, gently wipe your pearls with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove perspiration and residue. Dry them before storing.
03
Store flat
Store your pearls flat, in a soft cloth pouch or a dedicated case. Avoid airtight boxes and plastic bags: mother-of-pearl needs ambient humidity to prevent it from drying out.
04
Wear regularly
Pearls like to be worn. Contact with the skin, which is slightly moist, nourishes their nacre and maintains their luster. Pearls forgotten in a drawer tarnish faster than those that are worn.
05
Check the thread
For necklaces and sautoirs, have the thread checked every two to three years by a jeweler. Porchet offers a restringing service for items purchased in-store.
06
Water and heat
Remove your pearls before showering, swimming, going to the sea, or using a sauna. Chlorinated water, salt water, and dry heat can damage the glue, the thread, and, eventually, the pearls themselves.
What to avoid
Perfumes, hairsprays, cosmetics, household products, jewelry cleaners, and ultrasonic baths are the worst enemies of your pearls. Their acidity or chemical components irrevocably alter the nacre and dull the luster.