Longing for classic, timeless pearls for your engagement ring? You are not alone. Throughout history, pearls have been a popular choice for rings and other jewellery. The vintage and antique appeal of this stone have made it especially sought-after in recent years, with many brides-to-be opting to add pearls to their ring designs or use this ring in solitaire designs. Although pearls are certainly beautiful and elegant, it is important to know that they are not always the most practical choice.
In this guide, we take a look at everything you need to know about pearls before you choose this stone for your engagement ring.
Before You Get That Pearl Engagement Ring…
The primary reason that pearl is not a practical choice of stone for engagement rings is its softness. Pearl has a hardness rating of just 2.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a very soft stone that can easily be scratched or damaged. For jewellery not worn often, such as necklaces and earrings, this is not too much of a problem. For an item worn daily, such as a ring, this can result in a ring that is very prone to wear and tear.
If you are active, it is best to choose a ring that does not require special care. Likewise, if you do a lot of gardening, housework, manual tasks or anything else that puts your ring at risk, it is best to choose a tougher stone such as a diamond for your ring. Pearl rings should not be worn to bed, worn to the gym, worn when washing dishes or worn when swimming.
If you decide that you do want a pearl ring, you must look after it carefully to ensure that it lasts forever. Some tips to keep your ring safe from damage include the following:
Clean pearls carefully.
Use a soft, damp cloth rather than direct heat, steam, chemical cleaners or other cleaners that can damage or scratch the stone.
Store pearls carefully.
A soft cloth or velvet pouch or a velvet-lined box is the best choice. Do not keep pearls next to diamonds or other hard stones that could scratch pearls.
Wear pearls carefully.
As we mentioned above, avoid wearing your peal ring in any situation that could damage your ring. Do not submerge the stone in water for any length of time. Do not sleep with your pearl ring on, either. Body heat can misshape metals over time, which compromises the pearl’s settings and affects the longevity of the stone.
Put your pearls on carefully.
Pearls can also be damaged or weakened when they come into contact with perfume, make-up, hairspray, body lotion, and other products that may contain alcohol or other harsh ingredients. Always put your pearls on last and remove them last.
Maintain pearls carefully.
It is best to have your ring checked and maintained by a qualified jeweller every year or two. If you notice any imperfections, scratches, looseness, setting damage or anything else that may indicate wear, take your ring in as soon as possible to avoid lost stones.
We hope that these tips make it easier to enjoy your pearl ring for decades to come. To find other, equally exquisite rings, view our engagement ring collection today.