Scratching/banging pearls

[operavopera]

I notice that when I wear my large 11.5mm pearl rings, they get banged or bumped. Although I know better than to wear them during heavy physical activity, is there anything I can do to protect them? I thought pearls were durable, but my jeweler says that one of mine looks scratched from wear. :/

[Zeide Erskine]

Hi Opera,

As I mentioned before, pearl rings and bracelets should not be worn to any activities more physically demanding than a cocktail party. Minor scuffs can be buffed out with a sunshine cloth. I have recently seen some South Sea PPBs that were coated in Mary's Glass (a mineral lacquer). Although that is really a deceptive treatment, it does protect the pearl and can be reapplied. My general recommendation is go for solid-nacre cultured pearls rather than PPBs and keep a sunshine cloth in your house.

Zeide

[purepearls]

Both Freshwater and bead-nucleated pearls are subject to scratching, etc. I consider pearls a soft gem and they do require more protecting than many other gems. Your best bet is just to be extra careful with what you are doing when you have the ring on. I am the worst when it comes to wearing large rings!

[operavopera]

Thank you. That's what I was afraid of.