Can Perfume Harm Pearls?

Most of us get dressed in a hurry…whether it's for work in the morning or for the evening affair that we thought we had set aside time for but, Alas!, we're still rushing. It is the reality we live with: multi-tasking busy people that we are. Something that many of us do not consider is the best method for applying one's signature scent while keeping your favorite jewelry in its best condition. Or perhaps you have noticed that your jewelry is looking a little lackluster lately?

Often, we hurriedly apply our signature scent to the pulse points of neck, wrists, ears, and even ankles where the skin is warmest. Incidentally, that is also where we most often adorn ourselves with jewelry: necklaces, bracelets, watches, earrings, and anklets. In the randomness of our routine, we often put the jewelry on first and apply our fragrance around and about. What one may not realize is that, when this is the case, more product settles on the jewelry than is readily discernible.

"It is very apparent when clients bring in their low luster pearls and ask: ' what happened?' " says Gina Latendresse, President of American Pearl Company, owner of a collection of rare pearls, three of which have been displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, "They have been exposed to lots of product. It's caked on the pearls! In some instances, we can wipe them down and restore their beauty. But in some cases, the wear is too much for the pearly nacre and it remain dull."

Read entire article here.