Katharina Buczek
Pearls have a certain understated elegance that has made them a staple in jewelry boxes for generations.
They carry a sense of sophistication and class, making them a popular choice for both casual and formal wear– no matter your age. But their beauty does require a bit of understanding and care.
Unlike the sparkling toughness of diamonds or the hardy nature of gold, pearls are organic and delicate. This makes maintaining them a bit more of a complex task.
Understanding Pearls
To truly appreciate the care they need, it’s essential to understand how pearls are actually formed.
Pearls are natural wonders that originate within the shells of mollusks, such as oysters and mussels. When an irritant, typically a grain of sand, enters the mollusk, it triggers a defense mechanism.
Then, the mollusk coats this irritant with layers of nacre, a crystalline substance that builds up over time to form a pearl.
This process can take several years, resulting in the beautiful pearls we cherish in fashion. And it’s this organic origin of pearls that makes them so unique and also so delicate.
The Need For Cleaning: Preserving Their Luster
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