Pearls are a porous, organic substance and require some basic care. Cosmetics should never be applied directly to pearls, including hair spray, perfume, and body lotions. Contact with these items may damage the nacre or cause discoloration. Pearls should be stored in silk lined boxes or pouches to protect the delicate nacre. (Pearl Beaches ships your jewelry in silk boxes or pouches.) Never wear pearls while showering, bathing, or swimming. Restringing of necklaces should be done periodically depending on usage, especially when knots are discolored or if the necklace seems stretched. Check with your jeweler if you think your pearls may need to be restrung. An easy way to remember pearl care is that pearls should always be "the last on and the first off." Give someone special a Pearl Beaches Gift Certificate! E-mail Pearl Beaches