The Language of Pearls:

Nowadays, I feel my articles have taken on a more general note. I feel that this is, in fact, good. Because, it means, that down the line, I have somehow recognised we are all pretty much the same in many important fundamental ways. A Gujarati bahu-rani in India might feel the same way about slimming and her child's school grades. as does a thrity-something yuppie in Denmark.

And, I know for a fact that women all over the world have a similar mindset when it comes to safeguarding and preserving their valuable jewelery- (provided they are interested in jewelery, of course...!) This week, I would like to share with you some do's and don't when it comes to taking care of your pearls.

For me, pearls have always evoked images of vanilla ice-cream and moonlight. The ancients, in their own romantic way, thought that pearls were formed when streaks of lightning hit the ocean waves. In India, it was believed that pearls were the tear drops of the three Mother Goddesses-Lakshmi, Parvathi and Saraswathy.

Your great-grand daughter would be able to wear them, if only you would take the time and efforts. Its easy- just follow these "10 Commandments for Protecting Pearls".

1) When you buy pearls, remember that "Bigger is Better" They are more strong and resistant to grit. 2) While dressing, make sure that you put on your pearls last. Oil from make-up and talcum powder may stain these beauties. 3) String your pearls only on silken threads. Never, EVER use nylon.... 4) Wrap them in satin. Tissue paper easily absorbs moisture, which is bad for the health of your pearls. 5) As much as possible, try not to mix and wear them along with other metals. 6) Have your pearls cleaned by a professional jeweller. Avoid "Do-it-yourself" cleaning sessions. 7) While buying a pearl, do not see it directly under artificial light. Shading the light with your face, see if a clear reflection of your face falls on the pearl's surface. 8) Remember, that a good pearl feels like hard stone when rubbed against your teeth. Artificial ones are much softer. 9) Restring or reset your pearls at least once every two years. 10) And, here's an interesting one for the superstitious: If you are wearing pearls for the first time, wear them on a Monday.

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