Caring for Tahitian Pearls
Tahitian pearls, like all pearls, are organic and relatively soft, but with gentle, loving care they can keep their beauty through generations. First and foremost, remember the adage “pearls should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you should take off.”
Do
- 01Put pearls on after your hair, makeup, lotion and perfume.
- 02Wipe them with a soft, damp cloth after you wear them.
- 03Store them on their own, wrapped in a soft cloth or silk pouch.
- 04Fasten clasps and lay strands flat.
- 05Have strands you wear often re-strung once a year.
Don't
- 01Swim, shower or exercise in pearls set in gold or silver.
- 02Use jewelry cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners or chemicals.
- 03Store pearls loose with metal or gemstones.
- 04Seal pearls in an airtight box for long periods.
Maintenance
Can pearls be worn against the skin?
Yes. However, pearls can be damaged by chemicals found in lotions, cosmetics and perfumes. This is why your pearls should be put on after your hair and make up are completely done.
It varies from person to person, but perspiration can affect a pearl's surface. It's not a bad idea to wipe them clean with a soft cloth after you wear them.
How do I clean my Tahitian pearl?
To clean pearls, use a soft, damp cloth. If the pearls are particularly dirty you can use a tiny dot of mild soap to help remove grit and grime.
Does pearl jewelry require maintenance?
If you wear your pearl strands regularly it's suggested to have them re-strung once a year or more if worn daily.
Storage
Pearls can be easily scratched by metals, gem stones or any other hard substance, so it's important to store them separately from your other jewelry or wrapped in a soft cloth or pouch.
Fasten any clasps and lay the jewelry flat where it won't get tangled and jostled.
Pearls should be stored in breathable materials like silk and it's said they can become dehydrated if locked for long periods of time in a box.
Restringing & RepairsDue for a restring?Restringing, clasp replacement and repairs for your Kamoka jewelry.Start the process
Tahitian pearls start at 8mm, larger than most pearls. 8 to 9mm is the most popular size, 10mm grabs more attention, and anything over 12mm is rare. There are no real rules: wear the size of pearl you like.
Sizes shown to scale
Next to a US penny (19mm)The most popular and most common Tahitian pearl size. 8 to 9mm studs suit just about everyone, every day.
Millimeters. Tahitian keshi pearls run smaller, usually 4 to 8mm.By piece
“Pearls are always appropriate.”
Jackie Kennedy, a petite woman whose love of large pearl necklaces was iconicRead the full article03
Pearl Jewelry Sizing Guide
Measure your wrist snugly with a soft tape and add about half an inch for a comfortable fit. Mana bracelets adjust with a sliding knot.
At Kamoka Pearl we use USA ring sizes. A local jeweler can size your finger for free.
Mana pieces adjust with sliding knots: pull the knots apart to lengthen or together to shorten. Our button-closure version slips on and off more easily.
Kangaroo Leather
Our search for the strongest leather in the world lead us to kangaroo leather. Our goal was to make jewelry that doesn't need to be taken off and can be worn in the water, to fancy hotels, on chicken buses or while climbing snowy peaks.
You can wear kangaroo leather in salt water forever, take it to any sort of extreme and it will still require no care. If it gets grimy, simply wash it with soap and water.
Kangaroos are harvested to keep wild populations healthy. They also have dramatically less impact on the ozone than livestock and don't require precious farmland, making them the most ecological leather available. This seemed like the perfect material to pair with our sustainably produced pearls.
Deer Leather
For softer, drapier looks, deer leather can't be beat. It's extremely strong and although it can get wet, we don't suggest wearing it during water sports. This leather can absorb water so if it does get submerged for long periods, it's a good idea to dry it afterwards then use a leather conditioner.
To clean it you can lightly rub it with a cloth soaked in soapy water. Don't clean it unless it really needs it. Excess oil and grime can be absorbed by sprinkling baby powder or cornstarch on the leather, then removing the powder with a soft brush.
The deer leather we use is made in the USA using only environmentally-friendly dyes and is free of lead, mercury, formaldehyde, cadmium and other carcinogenic/hazardous chemicals.
Can I swim, surf or shower in my Mana?
Yes. Mana pieces on kangaroo leather were designed for surfers and can be worn in salt water with no special care. If the cord gets grimy, wash it with soap and water. Deer leather pieces absorb water, so take those off for water sports.
Can I swim or shower with my pearl jewelry (gold and silver settings)?
Take pearls off before swimming, showering or exercising. Chlorine, soap residue and sweat can dull their surface over time.
How do I clean my pearls?
Wipe them with a soft, damp cloth after wearing. For heavier dirt, use a tiny dot of mild soap, then wipe clean. Avoid jewelry cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners and chemicals. Put pearls on after lotion, makeup and perfume, and take them off first.
How should I store my pearls?
Store pearls on their own, wrapped in a soft cloth or pouch, so metal and gemstones don't scratch them. Lay strands flat with the clasp fastened. Use breathable materials like silk, because pearls sealed in an airtight box for long periods can dry out.
How often should a pearl strand be restrung?
About once a year, or more often if you wear it daily. We restring Kamoka strands. Contact us to arrange it.
Still have a question?
Ask a Jeweler
Email friends@kamokapearl.com or use our contact form. A real jeweler answers questions about pearls, settings and gifts.
Tahitian pearls from our family farm in French Polynesia, since 1991.
Questions about a pearl, a setting or a gift? Email our jewelers.
