Wearing perfume with pearls is perfectly fine and can create a lovely combination. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when pairing fragrance and pearls.
How Perfume Can Affect Pearls
Pearls are porous and can absorb smells and oils from skin, hair products, and perfume. The fragrance molecules can get lodged inside the tiny holes on the pearl’s surface. Over time, this can discolor the pearls and make them appear dull or yellowed.
Perfume is made from a mixture of fragrance oils, alcohol, water, and other ingredients. The oils and alcohol in particular can penetrate the pores of pearls. Heavier, muskier scents tend to be more likely to stick to pearls and affect their appearance.
Tips for Wearing Perfume with Pearls
You don’t need to avoid wearing your favorite perfume if you want to wear pearls. Just follow these tips:
- Apply perfume sparingly in key pulse points like wrists and neck. Avoid spraying directly on your pearls.
- Opt for lighter, citrus or floral scents which tend to not cling as much.
- Spray perfume at least 15 minutes before putting on pearls so it has time to dry down.
- Wipe pearls gently with a soft cloth after wearing to remove any perfume oils.
- Store pearls separately from perfumes and other fragranced products.
- Have pearls professionally cleaned periodically to remove any built up residue.
Best Perfume Notes to Wear with Pearls
The base notes of a fragrance tend to cling to pearls the most. Look for perfumes with lighter top and middle notes:
| Top Notes | Middle Notes |
|---|---|
| Citrus fruits like lemon, grapefruit, bergamot | Floral blossoms like jasmine, rose, neroli |
| Green notes like grass, leaves, herbs | Fruity notes like peach, melon, apple |
Pearl Care Tips
Follow these tips to keep pearls looking their best:
- Wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth after wearing to remove perfume oils and skin oils.
- Store strands in a fabric-lined box or pouch to prevent scratches.
- Keep pearls away from hairspray, perfume, makeup, and cleaning chemicals which can discolor them.
- Have pearls restrung and knots checked every 2-3 years to maintain durability.
- Don’t expose pearls to chlorine, salt water, or harsh chemicals which can erode the nacre.
- Have pearls professionally cleaned every 1-2 years.
Conclusion
Pearls and perfume can absolutely be worn together. Just be mindful of application – spray perfume on your pulse points away from the pearls and allow it to dry first. Citrus, green, floral, and light fruity scents tend to not affect pearls as much. With some simple precautions, you can still enjoy wearing your favorite pearls and perfumes.