Jewelry Care Guide
Jewelry Care Guide
Every piece from The Pearl Mother is made to be worn and loved for years. Here's everything you need to know to keep your jewelry looking its best.
Construction & Quality
How are pearl strands secured?
Each pearl strand is hand-knotted between every pearl using silk thread. This traditional technique keeps the pearls evenly spaced, protects them from rubbing against each other, and ensures that if a strand ever breaks, you won't lose more than one pearl.
Is your jewelry hypoallergenic?
Yes. Our pieces are crafted with materials chosen for sensitive skin, including gold-filled findings and sterling silver components. We do not use nickel or base metals that commonly cause reactions.
What is gold-filled, and how is it different from gold-plated?
Gold-filled jewelry contains a legally regulated layer of solid gold that is pressure-bonded to a base metal core — typically 100× more gold than gold-plated pieces. Gold-plated jewelry has a very thin layer of gold applied by electroplating, which can wear away more quickly with daily use. Gold-filled pieces are far more durable and maintain their appearance with minimal care.
Water & Tarnish Resistance
Can I wear my jewelry in the shower or pool?
Gold-filled pieces handle brief water exposure well, but we recommend removing all jewelry before swimming, bathing, or submerging in water. Chlorine, salt water, and soaps can degrade silk knotting on pearl strands and dull the luster of pearls over time. Think of your jewelry as the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.
Will my gold-filled pieces tarnish?
Gold-filled jewelry is highly tarnish-resistant under normal wearing conditions. Exposure to perfume, hairspray, lotion, and sweat can accelerate dullness — applying these products before putting on your jewelry helps preserve its finish.
Cleaning
How do I clean my pearl jewelry?
Wipe pearls gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing. Never submerge a knotted strand in water, as this weakens the silk thread. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steamers, and chemical jewelry cleaners, which can damage both the pearls and the knots.
How do I clean gold-filled pieces without pearls?
Buff lightly with a dry soft cloth to restore shine. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap and warm water with a soft cloth, then pat dry immediately. Avoid abrasive polishing cloths or solutions.
Storage
How should I store my jewelry?
Store pearl strands flat or loosely coiled — never hang them, as this stretches the silk thread over time. Keep each piece in a soft pouch or lined box, separated from other jewelry to prevent scratching. Pearls benefit from a little humidity; storing them in a completely airtight environment for long periods can cause them to dry out and crack.
Can I store gold-filled jewelry with other pieces?
We recommend storing each piece separately to avoid scratches. A soft jewelry pouch or a divided jewelry box works perfectly.
Mindful Wearing
When should I remove my jewelry?
Remove your pieces before swimming, exercising, gardening, cleaning with household chemicals, or applying beauty products. Pearls are organic gems — they respond to their environment and reward gentle, thoughtful care. The simple rule: put your jewelry on last, take it off first.
Do pearls need to be "worn" to stay healthy?
Yes — pearls actually benefit from being worn. The natural oils from your skin help maintain their luster. A pearl necklace left in a drawer for years may become dull more quickly than one worn regularly with care.
Free-Repair Process
Do you offer repairs?
Yes. We stand behind every piece we make and offer free repairs on manufacturing defects and strand re-knotting. If your jewelry needs attention, contact us and we'll walk you through the process. Repairs due to accidental damage or normal wear over many years may be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
How do I start a repair?
Reach out to us directly through our contact page or by replying to your order confirmation email. Please include your order number and a brief description of the issue. We'll confirm next steps and provide a return address if needed.
Have a question not covered here? We're always happy to help — reach out anytime.