With sensible care, a pearl strand will outlast its owner and pass cleanly to the next generation.

A few habits keep nacre bright and the silk strong:

• Pearls are the last thing on, first thing off. Perfume, hairspray and makeup are mildly acidic and dull the surface over time, so dress and groom fully before you put pearls on.
• Wipe each pearl with a soft chamois or lint-free cloth before they go away. This lifts off skin oils and traces of perspiration that would otherwise sit on the nacre.
• Store strands flat and separately, wrapped in soft cloth or a fabric pouch. Pearls are soft (around 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale) and will scratch against diamonds, metal clasps or anything harder.
• Clean occasionally with a cloth dampened in mild soapy water, then a cloth rinsed in fresh water, and dry flat. Never soak a strand or use ultrasonic cleaners, steam or ammonia: water and detergent weaken the silk and harsh chemicals attack the nacre.
• Restring every year or two if you wear the strand often, sooner if the silk looks grey or the pearls move loosely on the thread. Knotting between pearls keeps them from rubbing and stops the whole strand spilling if the thread breaks. Any reputable pearl dealer, ourselves included, can restring and knot a strand for you.