CAN PEARLS DIE?

October 2, 2019

The lifespan of a pearl is limited and depends on storage conditions and usage. According to the observations of scientists, researchers, and jewelers, pearls live from 150 to 300 years; after that, they wrinkle, dry out, and lose their attractiveness.

In museum conditions, pearls are preserved for up to 600 years, but if there is no contact with the atmosphere, they might last for thousands of years.

Archeologists find fossil pearls that are hundreds of millions of years old. Thus, in the territory of Mongolia was discovered freshwater fossil pearls, the age of which is almost 100 million years. Even older pearls were found in the shells in the sediments of Central Asia.

 

The "aging" of pearls is caused by drying, when the organic substance that contains water breaks down, as well as by mechanical damage, dissolution of the surface layer, cracking and other factors.

Jewelry made of it can wear many generations. It should be stored in a not very dry and humid place, not in the sun. Preferably, keep it in a separate pearl box so there is no contact with jewelry made from stones that may get scratched.


If pearls become dull, they should washed in a mild solution of soapy water and polished with bran.

  Regular wear and proper storage of pearls extends their lifespan. So if you have pearl jewelry, wear them as often as possible!