When it comes to your pearl jewelry, it is best to follow this simple rule: “Last thing on, First thing off.” Wearing your pearls while you are getting ready in the morning increases it’s exposure to harmful chemicals that can cause damage. These chemicals can come from simple objects like hairspray, perfume, and even your makeup which can cause your pearls to become dull and dirty. Similarly at night, your pearls should be the first thing you take off. Your pearls can have a similar reaction to the types of cleansers, toners, and lotions you use as well as makeup removal solutions.

Also, if you are going to follow the great June Cleaver and do housework in your pearls, think again. Simple household detergents and cleaning products can contain chlorine and ammonia which can have an adverse reaction on your pearls. Any gardening and swimming with pearls on should also be avoided. It’s best to save them for the office or going out. Even if you do avoid chemical contact to your pearls, they still need cleaning and maintenance. You may wipe your pearls dry or use a gentle solution of water and a very mild soap. Do not opt for cleaning solutions that contain ammonia or harsh detergents which can cause more damage than good. You should also keep your pearls away from ultrasonic cleaners as well.

When you are done wearing your pearls, try not to store them along with other jewelry that can potentially scratch the surface. Store your pearls in a soft pouch that cushions it and keeps it protected from potential damage. Also, many people store their jewelry in bank safe deposit boxes. These boxes are generally humidity-free, which is not a good environment for cultured pearls. Cultured pearls are considered organic colored stones. Over time, a humidity-free environment can dry out your pearl jewelry and may cause them to crack. So you may want to speak with your bank about options or opt for an alternative safe location.

Lastly, to increase the longevity of your pearl jewelry, you should consider having them restrung each year. This will keep your pearls in good condition and also ensure that the chord is in a good, strong condition. You really do not want to care for the actual pearls so carefully and then have them spill across the floor because of an old nylon chord. So having them restrung on a new chord will ensure your pearl necklace or bracelet stays in tact. You can also look into pearl jewelry that uses stronger stringing materials like European leather chords which may last longer.

But what about those strands of pearls that usually cost around $50? Those particular pearls are called ‘cultured pearls.’ These cultured pearls are synthetically produced and are the primary method of production of today’s pearl jewelry. This method was actually discovered in the 1800’s and involves the surgical implantation of a synthetic agent into an oyster that promotes pearl growth. Depending on the type of Oyster used it will determine the type of pearl produced, but, despite the type of pearl Oyster, that spherical shape that is desired by pearl lovers can be achieved via this method.

We all know that pearls are a natural occurrence via the oyster and although there are approximately 8,000 species of oysters, only about 20 of those species can produce a pearl. Yet not all of the pearls that are produced contain the required spherical shape, so this explains why pearls hold a very significant value and also explains why one strand of pearls can cost you hundreds of dollars.

But what about those strands of pearls that usually cost around $50? Those particular pearls are called ‘cultured pearls.’ These cultured pearls are synthetically produced and are the primary method of production of today’s pearl jewelry. This method was actually discovered in the 1800′s and involves the surgical implantation of a synthetic agent into an oyster that promotes pearl growth. Depending on the type of Oyster used it will determine the type of pearl produced, but, despite the type of pearl Oyster, that spherical shape that is desired by pearl lovers can be achieved via this method.

Even an experienced jeweler is going to have difficulty telling the difference between an authentic pearl and a cultured pearl. Chances are the jeweler will not know at all unless he can give the pearl an x-ray and you can rest assured that he is probably not going to have an x-ray machine in his store. Yet, if you’re shopping for pearls, you can most likely tell the difference in the pearls based on their prices. The size of the pearl can make a difference, but if you compare a natural pearl and a cultured pearl of the same size, you are going to see a huge price variation.

So when shopping for pearls, you now know why some are affordable and some are not. If you want rare pearl jewelry, then perhaps you should seek out a natural pearl, but if you just want a pearl without the expense, maybe a cultured pearl is the way to go. Just think of it, that in a way, that no one will ever know the difference when looking at it and will believe your pearls to be as natural as you are.