Pearl life

[purloined]

I purchased a 10mm Black Sea Cultured Single Pearl Pendant in 18K White Gold from one of the most well-known names in the Pearl industry 20 years ago. My wife wears the pearl frequently. She does not use any makeup, but also does not clean the pearl after using it. She places it in a drawer with other pearls purchased from the same vendor. She recently noticed that the pearl had lost its luster so I sent it back to the vendor, thinking they would replace it. Instead, I was told that it could not be repaired and they would be willing to replace it at a cost to me equal to a discount of 25% off the current retail price. Am I being treated fairly or not?

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[Pearl Dreams]

Twenty years is a long time, and pearls are soft gems. They need to be cared for properly. Sweat and skin oils take their toll over time. Air pollution doesn't help either.
This is why many vendors include a microfiber cloth with pearls they sell.

But even if your pearl did not come with a cloth, it is not hard to find a soft cloth to clean pearls with. The microfiber cloths used to clean eyeglasses also work well at removing skin oils from pearls. I also recommend dampening the cloth if it has been an especially sweaty day.

Also, even if one cares for them well, normal wear will occur. I don't think any pearl seller should have to replace pearls 20 years later no matter how they were cared for.

In short, I think a 25% discount is a generous offer-- more than fair.

 

[Pella]

I cannot think of anything at all which comes with a 20 year guarantee. Like Pearl Dreams says, wipe them off with a damp cloth and place them in a protective, breathable bag. Does she wear perfume? Perfume will seriously damage a pearl.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I think our roof came with a 20 year warranty. Can't think of anything else.

 

[ennui]

I think our roof came with a 20 year warranty. Can't think of anything else.

Some vehicles come with 20 year coverage, usually dealer specific.

I am reminded of some Tahitian pearls worn by surfers that were sent to Jeremy for repair. They'd been worn so much that the nacre was gone, and the bead was showing. If I recall correctly.

 

[BWeaves]

I'm surprised they are willing to replace it at all. You wore it out. The vendor is being very kind to offer you a discount on a new pearl.

Ennui: I remember that surfer's necklace. The pearl nacre was completely worn away. There was no fixing it.

 

[pattye]

I purchased a 10mm Black Sea Cultured Single Pearl Pendant in 18K White Gold from one of the most well-known names in the Pearl industry 20 years ago. My wife wears the pearl frequently. She does not use any makeup, but also does not clean the pearl after using it. She places it in a drawer with other pearls purchased from the same vendor. She recently noticed that the pearl had lost its luster so I sent it back to the vendor, thinking they would replace it. Instead, I was told that it could not be repaired and they would be willing to replace it at a cost to me equal to a discount of 25% off the current retail price. Am I being treated fairly or not?

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If this offer doesn't suit you, perhaps consider buying a single 10mm pearl of your choice and have an independent jeweler mount it on the pendant after removing the damaged pearl.