parels are organic edelstenen — softer than diamanten (Mohs 2.5-4.5 vs diamanten 10) and sensitive to chemicals. With proper care, they last generations. With careless wear, they dull and can crack within years.

The fundamentals

• Last on, first off — apply perfume, lotions, and makeup before putting on parels; remove parels before showering, swimming, or any chemical exposure.
• Wipe after each wear — use a soft cloth slightly dampened with water. Never use harsh cleaners or alcohol-based wipes.
• Store flat — never hang parel necklaces long-term; gravity stretches the zijde thread.
• Restring every 2-3 years — for dagelijks-wear parel necklaces; every 5-7 years for occasional wear.

What damages parels

Avoid	Why
Perfume, hair spray	Alcohol dissolves nacre over time, dulling glans permanently
Lotions, sunscreen	Oils and chemicals coat nacre, reducing reflection
Chlorine, salt water	Strips nacre layers progressively; pool water is especially harmful
Ultrasonic cleaners	Vibration cracks nacre layers
Steam cleaners	Heat and moisture damage nacre and zijde thread
Makeup, hair products	Chemical residue dulls glans over time
Plastic bags	Trap moisture, can react with nacre
Long-term hanging	Stretches zijde thread, weakening ketting structure

How to clean parels

1. Wipe gently with a soft cloth slightly dampened with water (no soap)
2. For deeper cleaning, use a cloth dampened with mild dish soap solution, then wipe with clean water
3. Never submerge parels or use ultrasonic cleaners
4. Lay flat to dry, never hang wet

How to store parels

• Soft pouch or fabric-lined box, separated from harder juwelen that could scratch
• Avoid plastic bags (trap moisture, react with nacre)
• Lay flat for necklaces (no hanging)
• Keep at room temperature; avoid drastic temperature changes

Restringing

For dagelijks-wear necklaces: every 2-3 years. For occasional wear: every 5-7 years. Signs that restringing is needed: zijde thread visibly soiled, parels rolling or clicking, knots loosening. Always have professional restringing done — knot between every parel with kwaliteit zijde.

Browse parel-friendly accessories

• Loose Tahitiparels for restringing snoeren op maat
• Detailed parel cleaning guide
• parel storage guide

Veelgestelde vragen

Kan ik shower with parel juwelen?

No. Hot water, soap, shampoo, and conditioner all damage nacre over time. Remove all parel juwelen before showering.

How often should I clean my parels?

Wipe with a soft cloth after each wearing (30 seconds). Deep clean with mild soap and water every 6-12 months for dagelijks-wear pieces.

Will my parels turn yellow over time?

High-kwaliteit parels with thick nacre (South Sea, Tahitian AAA) retain color for decades. Lower-grade or thin-nacre parels can yellow if exposed to chemicals or improperly stored.

Can parels be repaired if cracked?

Generally no. A cracked parel is structurally compromised. Some surface scratches can be polished by specialists, but deep cracks require parel replacement.

Is it safe to swim with parels?

No. Pool chlorine, salt water, and even fresh water with chlorine residue all damage nacre. Always remove parels before any water activity.