As the winter months roll in, we recommend taking a little more care to store and protect your jewellery. Each Claudia Bradby piece features precious metals and hand-selected freshwater pearls, handcrafted to treasure forever. However, with the delicate nature of the beloved pearl gemstone we recommend taking the following steps to ensure they retain their beauty and lustre.
While all our jewellery is rhodium plated (or 18k gold plated) to resist tarnishing and stand the test of time, pearls are naturally porous and sensitive to environmental conditions. A little extra care will ensure your freshwater pearls retain their beauty and can be passed down as a cherished heirloom for future generations.
Here are our top care tips for looking after your pearls in winter:
- Store Your Pearls Safely
Winter weather can be harsh, not only on your skin but also on your jewellery. During the colder months, it's essential to store your pearls properly to protect them from the elements. Every piece of Claudia Bradby jewellery comes with a high-quality pouch, specially designed to provide the best possible storage conditions for your pearls. Always store your pearls in this pouch when not in use, keeping them separate from other jewellery to avoid scratches or damage.
Extreme cold temperatures can cause pearls to dry out, so avoid leaving them in very cold environments for long periods.
- Protect Your Pearls from Perfume and Chemicals
Winter is a time when many of us apply extra skincare products and perfumes to combat the dry air. However, it’s important to be mindful that chemicals, including perfume, hairspray, body lotion, and makeup, can damage the delicate surface of your pearls. To protect your pearls, always follow this rule:
Put on your jewellery after you’ve applied all your beauty products, and let it be absorbed so the skin is as normal. This prevents any chemical residue from dulling the natural shine of your pearls.
- Wear Your Pearls Regularly
Did you know that pearls benefit from being worn regularly? This might come as a surprise, but pearls absorb the natural oils from your skin, which helps to keep them hydrated and maintain their lustre. In the winter, when the air is drier and harsher, wearing your pearls more often ensures they retain their moisture and continue to glow.
If your pearls are stored away for long periods, they can become dry and lose their natural sheen. So, make a point of wearing your favourite pearl and silver jewellery more frequently during the colder months. Not only will they look stunning against winter fashion, but they’ll also stay in better condition, and give that wonderful GLOW you only get with real pearls. Win win!
- Avoid Moisture and Water
Winter often brings rain, snow, and damp conditions, so it’s important to protect your pearls from moisture. Pearls are particularly sensitive to water, as it can weaken the nacre (the outer layer that gives pearls their beautiful sheen) and affect any glue used to secure the pearls in place.
Here are a few winter-specific tips to keep your pearls safe from moisture:
- Remove jewellery before going outside in the rain or snow: If you’re heading out into wet weather, consider leaving your pearls safely stored at home or in their protective pouch. Exposure to rain can harm them over time.
- Never wear your pearls in water: Whether it’s a steamy shower, a bath, or even swimming, always remove your pearls beforehand. Moisture can damage the integrity of the pearls and shorten their lifespan.
- Use a soft cloth to wipe down pearls after wearing them: In winter, humidity levels can vary dramatically between indoors and outdoors. Wipe your pearls gently with a clean, soft cloth after wearing them to remove any moisture or oils.
- Be Mindful of Temperature Changes
Sudden changes in temperature, a common occurrence in winter, can cause stress on your pearls. Going from a heated indoor space to cold outdoor temperatures, or vice versa, may cause minor changes in the integrity of your pearls.
To protect your jewellery from the effects of temperature fluctuations, avoid leaving them near heating sources such as radiators or fireplaces, and refrain from wearing them in freezing outdoor conditions for extended periods.
- Clean Your Pearls Gently
With winter bringing heavier use of scarves, coats, and woolly jumpers, your jewellery is more likely to come into contact with rough fabrics. This can cause your pearls to accumulate dirt or dust. Regular gentle cleaning can help maintain their beauty.
Use a soft, damp cloth (just slightly moistened with water) to gently wipe the pearls, removing any dirt. Ensure the cloth is not too wet, as excess moisture can damage the nacre.
For a deeper clean, you can use a specialised pearl cleaner or seek professional cleaning advice.
Never use harsh cleaning products, abrasive materials, or ultrasonic cleaners on your pearls.
Bringing the timeless freshwater pearl into today’s fast-paced world allows Claudia Bradby jewellery to be worn every day. The thought and care that goes into each and every design, from the hand-selected pearls to the inspiring stories behind the creation, makes our jewellery more than just accessory.
We believe jewellery has the power to make you feel a certain way, be it nostalgic, uplifted, or most refreshingly – you.