Pearls love water… but not just any kind!
Pearls are born in water: Tahitian pearls and Akoya pearls grow in the sea, while freshwater pearls develop in rivers or lakes.
But once mounted into jewelry, they become precious and vulnerable if not properly cared for.
Why should you be careful?
Even though pearls come from aquatic environments, they are no longer protected by their natural shell once harvested. During a swim, several factors may damage them:
- Salt or chlorine can leave dull residues
- Sand and friction may cause micro-scratches
- ☀️ Sun and temperature changes can dry out the nacre
- The mounting (cotton cord, leather, metal…) may deteriorate and harm the piece as a whole
Focus on different pearl types
Tahitian / Akoya Pearls
✔️ Can be worn in the sea (brief exposure only)
❌ Best to avoid in pools (chlorine is very aggressive)
✅ Rinse with fresh water after swimming
Freshwater Pearls
❌ More delicate than marine pearls
❌ Avoid both seawater and pools
⚠️ If exposed accidentally: rinse quickly + dry immediately with a soft cloth
Their nacre is more porous and may lose its luster faster
Metals & Cords: How Do They React to Water?
| Material | Seawater | Chlorine (pool) | Care instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold (yellow/white/rose) | ✔️ Water-resistant | ✔️ Chlorine-resistant | Occasional gentle cleaning |
| Rhodium-plated silver | ✔️ Protected (temporarily) | ✔️ Protected (short term) | Rinse + check plating regularly |
| Unplated silver | ⚠️ Tends to oxidize | ⚠️ High oxidation risk | Rinse + soft cloth immediately after contact |
| Stainless steel | ✔️ Highly resistant | ✔️ Highly resistant | Simple rinse if needed |
| Leather | ⚠️ May stretch or deform | ❌ Damaged by chlorine | Lay flat to dry, away from direct sunlight |
| Waxed / braided cotton | ⚠️ Absorbs water, stretches | ❌ Fragile in chlorine | Dry thoroughly, avoid prolonged humidity |
| Silk thread (knotted strands) | ❌ Extremely sensitive | ❌ Extremely sensitive | Avoid water, may require re-knotting if wet |
Our simple recommendations
-
Wear your jewelry after applying sunscreen or perfume
-
Rinse with fresh water after the beach or swimming
-
Dry gently with a soft cloth
-
Avoid prolonged exposure to chlorinated water
A simple habit = jewelry that lasts
By following these easy steps, you’ll preserve the natural beauty of your pearls – whether they are Tahitian, Akoya or freshwater – and keep your jewelry shining summer after summer.
