Material Care Encyclopedia"Pearl"

Table of Contents）

・What is Pearl

・About the Material

・How to Handle PearlMaterials

・If You Run Into Trouble

・How to Care for Pearl

What is Pearl

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Natural pearls are broadly classified into three types: freshwater pearls, akoya pearls, and South Sea pearls. Pearls harvested from large bivalve mollusks are called freshwater pearls; in Japan they are cultivated in places such as Lake Biwa, though most of what circulates on the market is imported from China. Akoya pearls, also known as "true pearls," are harvested from akoya oysters and cultivated in areas such as Ise-Shima, Uwajima, and Nagasaki. They are world-renowned as a representative Japanese pearl, prized for their lustrous shine. South Sea pearls are harvested from the silver-lipped pearl oyster and are characterized by their large size. They are gathered in southern regions such as Indonesia and Australia.

About the Material

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Pearls differ from minerals (inorganic materials) such as diamonds and rubies in that they are, in essence, a living gem (organic material), which is why they are prone to deterioration over time. Prized as a treasured material since ancient times, and still loved by many people today, pearls are a natural material that—much like human skin—can retain their beauty for a long time if given the proper care. Every material has its strengths and weaknesses, and pearl is no exception. Here are some of the advantages and challenges of pearl as a material.

Wearing pearls adds a sense of luxury, and their sparkling luster brings an air of elegance. For important ceremonies and celebrations, they help convey a polished, adult sense of formality.

Depending on the type and volume produced, pearls can be purchased at relatively affordable prices. In recent years, improvements in cultivation technology have made good-quality pearls available even at lower price points, making pearls more accessible for everyday use. However, even these pearls are sensitive to acid, heat, and water. Substances to be particularly careful of include acidic items such as lemons, mandarin oranges, and other citrus fruits, as well as vinegar. Care is especially important for the more valuable akoya pearls, and frequent maintenance is recommended.

Ideally, pearls should be put on only after you have finished applying makeup and perfume. If they are stored while still coated with cosmetics or sweat, the mild acidity can damage and deteriorate the nacre layer, so after wearing, be sure to remove them and gently wipe them with a soft cloth. In addition, since the surface of the material itself is soft and easily scratched, it's important to store pearls separately from other jewelry.

How to Handle Pearl Materials

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Pearl jewelry has long been closely associated with ceremonial occasions, and it can be worn with confidence anywhere—making it almost a necessity for adult women. Pearls are also a popular gift choice to mark milestones such as coming of age at twenty. In the course of social life, pearls are versatile jewelry worn in many settings: celebratory occasions, sudden funerals, school events, formal occasions, and, more recently, even paired with casual outfits.

When You Start Using Them

Since pearls are an all-purpose piece of jewelry worn at ceremonial occasions of every kind, it's important to wear them according to the etiquette appropriate to each occasion. For example, at a celebratory event such as a wedding, it's fine to choose bright colors like white or pink to match a festive dress, and either a single or double strand is acceptable. For funerals or memorial services, however, choose a modest design—a single white strand, or black or gray.

After Wearing

・After normal use, simply giving the pearls a quick overall wipe is usually sufficient. If you've perspired a little, wipe each pearl carefully, one by one, as if gently rubbing it clean.

・Because a necklace is strung on a single thread, if sweat or cosmetics soak in and cause severe deterioration, the thread may eventually break. Depending on how often you wear the piece, we recommend consulting the store where you purchased it about having the thread replaced.

Storage

To keep pearls from getting scratched, store them in a jewelry box dedicated to pearls, separate from other gems. Keep them away from high heat, high humidity, and direct sunlight. Some moth-repellent products contain ingredients that can harm pearls, so keep them away from such items. A roomy case that lets the necklace lie loosely is also recommended, to avoid straining the thread. On the other hand, leaving pearls in a plastic bag not only restricts airflow but also risks having petroleum-based components in the plastic degrade the pearls. Always store pearls in a proper case, in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.

If You Run Into Trouble

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◆I spilled something acidic, like wine or juice.

If a highly acidic liquid is left on the pearls without being cleaned, it can cause the surface layer to turn cloudy, peel, or even crack. If a large amount of acidic residue gets on your pearls, wash them promptly with water, carefully wipe away the moisture, and then take them to a specialty shop to have the thread replaced.

◆I haven't worn my pearls in a long time, and I'm worried the thread might break.

Sweat and cosmetics can seep into the thread, causing it to deteriorate or break. If the thread breaks while you're out, the pearls will scatter and it will be quite a hassle, so depending on how often you wear it, we recommend restringing every 5 to 10 years. However, if the piece hasn't been used for a long time and you're worried about deterioration, it's best to have the shop where you purchased it check its condition beforehand once you know you'll be wearing it.

How to Care for Pearls

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◆How to Care for Pearl Items Using TOWNTALK

【For sweat stains and cosmetic residue】

Polish with a pearl-specific spray or a cloth containing ultra-fine polishing particles with similar ingredients. (In the case of the dedicated spray, it can be applied directly to the product.)
 

After that, carefully polish each pearl one by one with a soft cloth.

Any obvious dirt was hard to notice even before the care, but perhaps because we did it carefully, the pearls seem to have gained a bit more luster than before the care.

◆Things You Should Not Do

Please avoid using tissue paper, as it may cause scratches.

Basically, you should not wash pearls with water.

TOWNTALK

TOWNTALK was founded in England in the early 1890s, during the Victorian era. With a history of over 110 years, this British manufacturer produces cleaners for gold, silver, pearls, and household items. Prioritizing a concept of being "kind to the earth and to people," the company develops new products aimed at ensuring both safety and quality, and its products have been cherished around the world for more than 100 years.