A miracle of the ocean, the pearl is a must-have jewel regardless of your age. Having said that, it can get damaged pretty easily. But one of the ways you can protect it is by teaming it up with the right metal. So in today’s post, we’re going to talk about the perfect option for this gem.
Let’s Get Straight to the Point…
Platinum is, without doubt, the best bet for your pearls.
What Is It?
Platinum is a silverish-white precious metal that is known and loved by people all over the world. An interesting fact about this metal is that it was not considered valuable right away. In fact, it was originally discarded because miners believed that it was an impure form of silver (which was held in high esteem at the time).
It was only in 1751, that the platinum’s benefits were acknowledged by Swedish scientist Theophil Scheffer and it was placed in the ‘precious metal’ category.
Also Read: Precious Metal Buying Guide
What Makes It a Great Option for Pearls?
- Incredibly durable: With a rating of 2.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, the pearl is very susceptible to damage. As such, it needs a dense metal that’ll give it an extra layer of protection against any accidental blows that may come its way. That is exactly what platinum does! Being one of the toughest metals in the world, platinum does not get scratched or damaged easily, which makes it the perfect choice for your pearl jewelry.
- Enhances the Pearl’s glow: This stands true regardless of the pearl type or color. Platinum’s bright hue and soft sheen accentuate the inherent glow of the gem, and result in a visually stunning piece that promises to win over any crowd.
- Hypoallergenic: This is one of platinum’s biggest USPs. As this metal is used in its purest form, it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction, which makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
- Rarity: Believe it or not, platinum is currently one of the rarest metals on earth with only 80 tons being used in the manufacturing of fine jewelry every year. This makes it extremely valuable and worthy of protecting your prized pearls.
Cons
- Expensive
Platinum’s sophisticated look, rarity and durability have made it an extremely sought-after metal. So it’s no wonder that it comes with an equally hefty price tag.
What’s a Good Alternative?
White gold is a great alternative to platinum. Not only is this metal easier on the pocket, but it also looks similar to platinum and is quite durable.
Care Tips for Your Pearl Jewelry
- To prevent scratches, store the piece in a soft cloth pouch away from your other accessories.
- As pearls require hydration and moisture to refuel their luster, it is important to wear them at least once a month.
- When flaunting this gem, employ the ‘last on, first off rule’. This will minimize the gem’s exposure to the chemicals that may be present in your lotion, perfume, hairspray, etc.
- Clean this gem with a soft, damp cloth after every use to get rid of any dirt that may have accumulated on its surface.
- Get your pearl jewelry professionally cleaned at least once a year to ensure it remains in the best shape possible.
Needless to say, there’s something undeniably magical about the pearl. By pairing it with the right metal and following the care tips mentioned above, this gemstone is sure to last for a lifetime.
