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As organic gems, pearls are soft and delicate pieces that should be cared for when not being worn. Storing pearl jewellery with care is an important part of preserving its finish for years to come. Whether it’s a pendant, ring or your favourite pearl necklace, knowing how to store pearls can help keep your favourite pieces looking stunning over extended periods.
In this blog, we outline a number of recommendations for taking care of pearls and their settings, from storage locations and accessories to travel tips.
Tips for Storing Pearls
When taking care of pearl jewellery, one of the most important things to consider is how each piece is stored. Below, we outline some of our recommendations for storing pearl jewellery to ensure it always looks its best when you decide to wear it.
Store pearls using soft, natural materials
One of the most popular ways of storing pearl jewellery is to wrap each piece in a soft cloth. Pouches are another popular way to store jewellery, providing padding and protection for your pearls. However you decide to store your pieces, it is important to choose a natural material that is both soft and breathable.
Keep jewellery separated
When storing your pearl jewellery, ensure that each piece is separated from others in your collection. Whether you wrap each piece in its own cloth, use separate pouches or simply store them in their presentation box, storing pearls separately helps to maintain their appearance in the long run.
Avoid extreme temperatures
While it is likely that your pearl jewellery will be exposed to sunlight or cold temperatures when worn, long-term storage is a different concern. Storing your pearls out of direct sunlight helps to maintain their appearance as they are not exposed to large fluctuations in temperature.
Keep pearls moist
Pearls have an inherent moisture content that needs to be maintained in order for them to look their best. A slightly humid environment is ideal for pearl jewellery storage, with air-tight boxes and other dry locations best avoided.
Why do pearls need to be stored carefully?
Pearls feature a nacre surface, which is what gives them their soft, lustrous finish. This surface is also the reason pearl jewellery should be treated delicately, including when it comes to storage. Keeping your pearls separated, out of direct sunlight and in a moist environment will help preserve their appearance, and ensure they are always ready to be worn. Find out more about how pearls are made and what this means for storing your jewellery by reading our dedicated article on the subject.
How to store pearl necklaces
With their silk threads, pearl necklaces are a stunning addition to your jewellery collection. Protecting and storing them correctly is important to protect your treasured piece and maintain the gem’s natural beauty. When storing your pearl necklace, lay the piece flat to avoid stretching the thread on which the gems are strung.
Can you travel with pearls?
Whether you’re travelling for a special celebration or an important event, there are a number of reasons why you may wish to bring your pearl jewellery with you on your travels. The safest way of travelling with your pearl jewellery is actually to wear it, as opposed to packing it in your carry-on or checked luggage. When travelling with jewellery, be sure to pack the piece’s storage pouch or presentation box so as it can be stored safely while it is not being worn.
Have more questions?
Storage is one of the most critical steps in caring for pearl jewellery. Choosing the right location, selecting a jewellery pouch and knowing what storage conditions to avoid are all important factors in keeping your pearls looking their best.
If you’re looking to add to your collection of pearl jewellery, visit Volle in our flagship Sydney store. We have an impressive inventory of pearl rings, earrings, pendants and necklaces available for sale. Visit our friendly team today!
