Stringing Along

By: Jeffrey M. Bertman Graduate Gemologist If you own a pearl necklace, be sure to have it restrung yearly (if it is worn often) or whenever the cord stretches or there is play between the knots. The danger in extending the intervals between restringing is not so much that the string might break (this would endanger the life of only one pearl because all pearls should be strung with knots in between), but that dirt and perspiration on the string will work their way into the pearl. Whether a pearl is natural or cultured, it is most vulnerable at the holes’ openings. Once dirt does get inside a beaded pearl, it can corrode and darken the color of the pearl. Frequent restringing helps prevent this problem. To preserve your pearl’s radiance, avoid letting them come into contact with cosmetics, hair spray, or perfume. Always put on your jewelry as a final touch, after applying make-up and styling hair. Although you treasure your pearls and want them to be safe by storing them in a security box, doing this for long periods may cause pearls to dehydrate. Remember “pearls want to be worn.” Last minute Holiday Shopping at 1402 Hancock Street, Quincy Center. Or reach us at 617-773-3636