As beautiful as Tahitian pearls necklaces are, they are also very delicate. In order to maintain their beauty, proper care is imperative. In order to prevent damage to your Tahitian pearl necklace, there are three main dangers that you need to be aware of.
The first is that Tahitian black pearls can dry out, making them susceptible to cracking. After wearing your Tahitian pearl necklace, wipe the pearls with a soft cloth that contains a few drops of olive oil. This will help to maintain the moisture within the pearls. If you store your pearls in a vault, it is a good idea to keep a glass of water inside the vault as well, to humidify the air in which the pearls are kept.
The second danger is that acids and chemicals will wear down the nacre of the pearls, affecting their luster and eventually destroying them. The oils in your skin contain a small amount of acid, as does your perspiration, and both of these will slowly damage Tahitian pearls. Perfume, make-up, and other personal care products can also be damaging, so it is important to apply these first, before putting your necklace on. It is also recommended that you wipe your pearls with a soft cloth after wearing them, and from time to time, wash them with a special pearl cleaning solution. Never clean your pearls with chemical cleaners (ammonia, bleach, glass cleaner, vinegar, etc.). Make sure you do not wear your necklace when cleaning, showering, swimming, or performing any other activity that will expose your pearls to harmful substances.
Last of all, Tahitian black pearls are soft, and can easily be scratched. If your necklace is constantly rubbing against metallic necklaces, rings, and bracelets, you run the risk of scratching your Tahitian pearls. To prevent this, it is essential that you store them separately in la soft jewelry bag. You can also ask to have your pearls individually knotted so they do not rub against each other while being worn.
The last thing you should know regarding the care of your necklace is to check the chord of your necklace from time to time to make sure it is in good shape. Ask a professional jeweler to restring your pearl necklace every one to two years and make sure to use a strong, durable material such as nylon or silk. This will prevent any possibility of your necklace´s cord breaking, which can result in irreparable damage to your pearls.
With proper care, a Tahitian pearl necklace can last forever. It can then be treasured and passed down to future generations in the same manner as other important pieces of jewelry.