How to Care for Pearl Jewellery

Pearls are the softest, most delicate material in most jewellery boxes — organic, porous and easily damaged by the things that don't bother metal at all. A little care keeps them glowing for generations. Here's how to care for pearl jewellery.

Why pearls need special care

Unlike gemstones, pearls are organic — formed inside a living mollusc — and their lustre comes from thin layers of nacre. That surface is soft (much softer than crystal or metal) and porous, so it absorbs chemicals and scratches easily. Perfume, hairspray, cosmetics and even sweat can dull the lustre over time. The golden rule: pearls go on last and come off first.

Everyday care

• Put them on after perfume, hairspray, makeup and lotion — never before.
• Wipe after wearing. A soft, slightly damp cloth removes skin oils and traces of cosmetics before they build up.
• Avoid water where you can. Take pearls off before showering, swimming and washing up. If they do get wet, pat dry.
• Keep them away from cleaners. Never use silver dips, polishing cloths, ultrasonic cleaners or any abrasive — these ruin nacre. This is why you must never use the foil-and-baking-soda silver method on pearl-set pieces.

Cleaning pearls

Keep it gentle: wipe with a soft cloth dampened with plain water, or water with the tiniest amount of mild soap, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth and lay flat to dry. Don't soak them — water can weaken the silk thread on strung pearls and loosen settings.

Storing pearls

• Soft and separate. Store pearls in a soft pouch or lined box, away from metal and gemstones that can scratch them.
• Not airtight. Unlike silver, pearls shouldn't be sealed in plastic long-term — they need a little humidity or the nacre can dry and crack. A cloth pouch is ideal.
• Lay strung pearls flat so the thread doesn't stretch.

Wear them — it's good for them

Pearls actually benefit from being worn: the natural moisture and oils of your skin help keep the nacre hydrated and glowing. Pearls left untouched for years can dry out. So the best care of all is simply to enjoy them — mindful of the chemicals-and-water rules above.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get pearls wet? A splash is survivable if you pat them dry, but avoid soaking, showering and swimming in them — water weakens the thread on strung pearls and chemicals dull the nacre.

How do I clean pearl jewellery? Wipe gently with a soft cloth dampened with plain water (or a trace of mild soap), then a clean damp cloth, and lay flat to dry. Never use silver cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners or abrasives.

How should I store pearls? In a soft pouch, separate from harder jewellery, and not sealed airtight — pearls need a little humidity to keep the nacre from drying out.

Pearls to treasure

Explore our handmade pearl and silver jewellery — pieces made to be worn, enjoyed and passed on.