Pearl Care Guide: How to Clean, Store and Protect Pearl Jewelry

Pearls are among the most elegant—and delicate—materials used in fine jewelry. Unlike mineral gemstones, pearls are organic gems composed largely of calcium carbonate. Their beautiful nacre surface can be affected by chemicals, abrasion, excessive heat, dryness and improper cleaning.

Fortunately, pearl care does not need to be complicated. The essentials can be summarized in three rules: keep pearls away from harsh chemicals, protect them from scratches, and wipe them gently after wearing.

With consistent care, a quality strand, pair of earrings or pearl pendant can retain its soft, luminous beauty for many years.

Pearl Care at a Glance

• Put pearls on last and take them off first.
• Keep perfume, hairspray, cosmetics and household chemicals away from pearls.
• Remove pearl jewelry before bathing, swimming, exercising heavily or doing housework.
• Wipe pearls gently with a clean, soft cloth after wearing.
• Store pearls separately from harder jewelry.
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners and harsh jewelry-cleaning chemicals.
• Keep pearls away from excessive heat and very dry storage conditions.
• Inspect pearl necklace stringing periodically and restring when needed.

The Golden Rules for Wearing Pearls

1. Last On, First Off

One of the easiest ways to protect pearl jewelry is to make it the final step in your dressing routine.

Apply perfume, hairspray, makeup, sunscreen and skincare products first. Give them time to dry before putting on your pearls. When you return home, remove your pearl jewelry before changing clothes, washing your face or beginning household chores.

This reduces contact between the nacre and substances that can gradually dull or damage its surface.

2. Keep Pearls Away from Chemicals

Pearls should generally be removed before:

• showering or bathing
• swimming in a pool or ocean
• using a hot tub or spa
• cleaning with household products
• applying perfume or hairspray
• using strong soaps, detergents or chemical cleaners

Perspiration can also leave residue on pearl surfaces, so pearls worn during warm weather or long days should be wiped especially carefully afterward.

3. Avoid Excessive Heat and Intense Sunlight

Do not leave pearl jewelry for extended periods in a hot car, on a sunny windowsill, beside a radiator or near another strong heat source.

Excessive heat and dehydration can affect nacre over time and may contribute to discoloration, cracking or loss of surface quality.

4. Do Not Let Pearls Rub Against Hard Jewelry

Pearls are considerably softer than diamonds, many colored gemstones and most metal jewelry surfaces.

Avoid stacking pearl bracelets or rings directly against abrasive metal pieces, diamonds or harder gemstones. The same rule applies during storage: pearls should not be tossed into a jewelry box where they can rub against other pieces.

For more help comparing pearl sizes, shapes and jewelry styles, see the AKWAYA Pearl Size Guide.

How to Clean Pearls Safely

After Every Wear

The best pearl-cleaning routine is also the simplest.

After removing your jewelry, gently wipe each pearl with a clean, very soft cloth. A microfiber cloth, soft cotton cloth or jewelry cloth suitable for pearls works well.

This removes perspiration, skin oils and cosmetic residue before they build up on the surface.

Avoid rough paper products or abrasive cloths. Pearl nacre is delicate enough that repeated rubbing with unsuitable materials can produce fine surface scratches.

When Pearls Need More Cleaning

If a pearl has visible residue, slightly dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm or distilled water and gently wipe the surface. Pay particular attention to areas around drill holes, where residue can accumulate.

Use only enough moisture to clean the pearl. There is usually no need to immerse a pearl necklace in water for routine care.

After cleaning:

1. Gently blot away remaining moisture with a clean soft cloth.
2. Lay the jewelry flat in a cool, shaded location.
3. Allow a strung pearl necklace to dry completely before wearing or storing it.

Cleaning Methods to Avoid

Do not use aggressive cleaning methods on pearls. Avoid:

• ultrasonic jewelry cleaners
• steam cleaners
• alcohol
• hydrogen peroxide
• toothpaste
• silver-cleaning dip
• abrasive powders
• strong acids or alkaline cleaners

Products that are safe for diamonds, gold or silver may not be safe for pearl nacre.

How to Store Pearls Correctly

Store Them Separately

Place pearl jewelry in a soft-lined jewelry box, individual compartment or soft fabric pouch.

Separate storage helps prevent scratches from harder gemstones, chains, clasps and metal jewelry.

Avoid Long-Term Storage in Airtight Plastic

Pearls should not be sealed indefinitely in ordinary plastic bags or kept in excessively hot, dry conditions.

A normal indoor environment, away from strong heat and direct sunlight, is preferable. The goal is not to artificially “moisturize” pearls, but to avoid conditions that promote excessive dehydration.

Lay Pearl Necklaces Flat When Possible

Long pearl strands can place continuous tension on their thread if left hanging for extended periods. Laying them flat in a protected jewelry box can reduce unnecessary stretching.

How Often Should a Pearl Necklace Be Restrung?

The thread in a pearl necklace can gradually stretch, darken or weaken from movement, perspiration and repeated wear.

If you wear a pearl necklace frequently, having the stringing inspected about once a year is a sensible habit. Less frequently worn strands may go longer, but should still be inspected regularly.

Consider professional restringing if you notice:

• stretched or loosened thread
• visible fraying
• discoloration around drill holes
• increasing gaps between knots and pearls
• a clasp or attachment that feels insecure

Individually knotting pearls helps reduce rubbing between neighboring pearls and can also prevent an entire strand from scattering if the thread breaks.

Should Pearls Be Worn Regularly?

There is no need to keep good pearls permanently locked away. Pearl jewelry is made to be worn.

Regular wear itself is not a substitute for cleaning, however. Perspiration, skincare products and cosmetics should still be removed after use.

A better rule is:

Wear your pearls, enjoy them, and wipe them clean when you take them off.

Why Do Pearls Become Dull?

A pearl that looks slightly dull does not necessarily have damaged nacre.

Surface residue from perspiration, cosmetics or skin oils can reduce the clarity of reflections and make pearls appear less luminous.

Start with the gentlest solution: wipe the pearls carefully with a soft, slightly damp cloth and allow them to dry completely.

If the surface still looks unusually dull, scratched or damaged, consult a professional jeweler rather than using stronger household cleaners.

Why Do Pearls Turn Yellow?

Pearl color can change gradually with age, environmental exposure, dehydration and, in some cases, changes to treatments applied to the pearls.

Minor surface dullness caused by residue may improve after gentle cleaning. Deeper discoloration, however, might not be reversible.

Do not attempt to restore yellowed pearls with vinegar, toothpaste, olive oil, abrasive polishing compounds or other internet home remedies. These methods can create additional surface damage.

For valuable or sentimental pearls, professional inspection is the safest next step. A jeweler experienced with pearls can determine whether the issue is surface contamination, wear, damage or natural aging.

Can Severely Aged Pearls Be Restored?

Not every change can be reversed.

If nacre has become severely damaged, cracked, heavily abraded or permanently discolored, cleaning cannot restore the pearl to its original condition.

This is why preventive care is far more effective than trying to repair damage later.

Pearl Care FAQ

Can pearls get wet?

Brief contact with a slightly damp cleaning cloth is generally fine. However, routinely soaking strung pearl jewelry is unnecessary and can weaken or soil the thread over time. Always let a pearl strand dry completely before wearing or storing it.

Can I shower while wearing pearls?

It is better to remove pearl jewelry before showering. Soap, shampoo, skincare products and repeated moisture exposure can affect both the pearl surface and the stringing materials.

Can I swim while wearing pearls?

No. Remove pearl jewelry before swimming. Pool chemicals, saltwater exposure and the risk of losing the jewelry make swimming unsuitable for pearl pieces.

Can pearls go in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner?

No. Pearls are too delicate for ultrasonic or steam cleaning. Use gentle manual cleaning instead.

How often should I clean pearls?

Wipe them after each wear. More thorough cleaning should be done only when needed rather than according to an aggressive cleaning schedule.

How should I store a pearl necklace?

Store it separately in a soft-lined case or pouch, ideally lying flat and protected from harder jewelry, high heat and excessively dry conditions.

How often should pearls be restrung?

Frequently worn pearl necklaces should be inspected regularly and may benefit from professional restringing about once a year. Replace the thread sooner whenever you notice stretching, fraying or weakness.

Can yellow pearls be made white again?

It depends on the cause. Surface residue may respond to gentle cleaning, while deeper age-related or structural discoloration may be permanent. Avoid DIY bleaching or acidic treatments and have valuable pearls evaluated professionally.

The Three Pearl Care Rules Worth Remembering

If you remember nothing else from this guide, remember these three habits:

1. Wipe your pearls after wearing them.
2. Store them separately from harder jewelry.
3. Keep them away from chemicals and excessive heat.

These simple habits do more for long-term pearl beauty than aggressive cleaning or complicated maintenance routines.

Whether you wear pearls every day or reserve them for important occasions, thoughtful care helps preserve the soft, luminous character that makes pearl jewelry unique.

Continue Learning About Pearls

Explore more AKWAYA guides:

• Pearl Buying Guide
• Pearl Size Guide
• Pearl Grading Guide
• AAA & AAAA Pearl Grades Explained
• Akoya vs Freshwater vs Tahitian vs South Sea Pearls

If you are ready to wear your pearls more often, explore AKWAYA pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, pearl bracelets and pearl pendants.

Sources & References

• Gemological Institute of America (GIA) — Pearl Care and Cleaning Guide
• Gemological Institute of America (GIA) — How Should I Care for My Pearls?
• Gemological Institute of America (GIA) — Tips on Caring for Jewelry
• Pearl Paradise — Personal Care for Pearls