MORE ABOUT PEARLS

MORE ABOUT PEARLS
CARE ADVICE
*Pearls are porous, organic substances and should be treated with care.
*They should not come in contact with hairspray, perfume or body lotions, all of which can damage the nacre or cause discoloration.
*Keep them away from heat. Blow-dry your hair before you put them on.
*Restring them periodically, depending on how often they are worn, but definitely when the knots are discolored or the necklace appears stretched.
*Do not wear pearls while exercising, showering or swimming.
*On the other hand, the best thing you can do for pearls is wear them. The natural oils from your body increase their luster.
*To store pearls, place them away from heat and away from other jewelry or items that might scratch their surface. Don't store them in plastic; they need to breathe.
*To clean pearls, wipe them with a soft, clean cloth.
WEB SITES
*www.pearlinfo.com
*www.perlesdetahiti.net: The French Polynesian government Web site.
*www.sspc.net: South Sea pearl consortium Web site.
*Most sites for trade groups such as Jewelers of America, carry information on pearls, as do the sites of companies that sell pearls, such as Mikimoto and Honora.
BOOKS
*"The Pearl Buying Guide," by Renee Newman
*"The Pearl Book: The Definitive Buying Guide," by Antoinette L. Matlins.
COMPLAINTS
*Jewelers Vigilance Committee: Nonprofit organization sponsored by the jewelry industry will help consumers go to their state attorneys general to seek compensation. (212) 997-2002.
*Jewelers of America: Represents 11,000 jewelry stores nationwide. (646) 658-0246.
Knight Ridder Newspapers