Do pearls need to acclimate to look their best?

[Naria]

In a few places throughout this forum, I've run into references about pearls needing to acclimate. I notice that when I receive a new strand, especially at this time of year, it arrives freezing. These cold pearls seem to look a lot less lusterous as opposed to the same strand when it has warmed up closer to room temperature. Is this effect in my head? Or do pearls need to acclimate before you judge them, especially regarding temperature?

Note, I know lighting affects pearls, but I've noticed this effect without varying the light.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I've wondered if they needed to adapt to the humidity of their new environment, which may be very different from that in the delivery van.

 

[Caitlin]

I don't have any experience of that, but perhaps others do.

 

[newberry]

I always feel like the pearls go to sleep when in my safe but wake up and start showing their colors after I have them on for awhile.

 

[pearlescence]

Welcome Naria
That's condensation. It happens - even when we take stock pearls out of their bags to match to sell. We have to tip them onto a tray and leave them for a few minutes to warm up otherwise no matching. At the moment those few minutes are an oasis of calm!

 

[Naria]

Wendy: Thanks for the welcome. I think you are right. They did feel a little moist. Thanks for resolving the mystery.