Some things get better with age: wine, women, cheese, and pearls to name a few. If I had to make a list of Things I Can’t Live (Well) Without, they would all be on it.

 Take good care of your pearls and in return they’ll give you a lifetime of pleasure. You can’t say that with any certainty about jobs, kids or husbands.

Pearls are one of the oldest gemstones and the most fragile. They are composed of an organic chemical compound called calcium carbonate which makes them subject to deterioration from body oils, sweat, chemicals, perfumes and cosmetics.

If the occasion calls for heavy lifting, don’t wear your pearls: Necklaces and brooches are easiest to protect. Rings and bracelets take much more wear and tear so save yours for special occasions. Do not wear your pearls while gardening, cooking or anything except being a perfect lady who lunches.

Pearls should be the last things you put on when dressing and the first things you remove before undressing.

Don’t spritz: NEVER apply perfume, hairspray, or body lotions while you are wearing your pearls.

Don’t just toss them in with the rest of your loot: Store pearls separately in a box, jewelry pouch or pearl folder. Their surface is soft and easily scratched by other gems.

NEVER store pearls in plastic: The chemicals used in plastic (bags & containers) can cause the surface of pearls to discolor and deteriorate.

Safe Deposit Boxes are NOT meant for pearls: The dry atmospheric conditions necessary to preserve paper documents can cause pearls to dry out and develop small surface fractures. If yours are very valuable, talk to your jeweler about best ways to store them.

Pearl should ONLY hang on your body: Don’t hang them in jewelry storage chests or on hooks on the wall. This will damage and stretch the material on which they are strung.

When the thread starts to fray or stretch, it’s time to have them restrung: Silk and nylon are the most commonly used stringing materials. If you’re wearing them regularly, restring every couple of years or when the string shows signs of fraying. This is a common and inexpensive job offered by any decent jewelry store that does maintenance and repairs.

Pearls and precious gems are usually knotted in between every bead: This is one way to tell higher quality jewelry. The knots offset the pearls, and give the strand flexibility. Knotting also creates the security of knowing that is a strand does break the most you would lose is one bead.

FOR YOUR PEARL PLEASURE: The Nightclub Singer’s Pearls