How to Clean and Care for Pearls (Without Ruining Them)

Pearls are beautiful, but they're a little different from your other gemstones.

You can wear a big silver bangle every day, give your gemstone rings a bit of a workout and generally get on with life. Pearls, however, appreciate a slightly gentler approach.

And here's something interesting.

Pearls aren't actually rocks.

They're organic gems, grown inside molluscs, one delicate layer at a time. Which explains why perfume, hairspray, cleaning products and even the way you store them can affect their beautiful lustre.

But don't worry. You don't need to wrap them in cotton wool and save them for special occasions.

You just need to know a few things.

7 Simple Rules for Looking After Your Pearls

If you remember nothing else from this article, remember these:

1. Pearls go on last. After perfume, hairspray, makeup and skincare.
2. Take them off first. Before showering, swimming, cleaning or getting stuck into anything messy.
3. Give them a gentle wipe. A soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing removes everyday residue.
4. Keep them away from harsh chemicals. That includes vinegar, bleach, abrasive cleaners and hand sanitiser.
5. Don't put them in an ultrasonic cleaner. Or a steam cleaner, for that matter.
6. Store them separately. Hard gemstones and chunky silver jewellery can scratch their delicate surfaces.
7. Keep them away from excessive heat. A hot car, direct sunlight or a steamy bathroom isn't ideal.

That's really the secret. A few small habits can make an enormous difference.

How to Clean Pearl Jewellery at Home

Good news. You don't need an expensive jewellery cleaner or some elaborate cleaning ritual.

In fact, with pearls, less is usually better.

For everyday cleaning

After wearing your pearls:

1. Take a clean, soft cloth and dampen it very slightly with water.
2. Gently wipe each pearl to remove skin oils, perspiration and any residue.
3. Allow the jewellery to dry completely before storing it.

That's it.

What if your pearls are really dirty?

For pearls that need a little more attention, use a soft cloth lightly dampened with lukewarm water and a tiny amount of mild soap.

Gently wipe the pearls, then go over them again with a separate cloth dampened with plain water.

Don't soak the jewellery, particularly if the pearls are glued into settings or strung on silk.

Let everything dry thoroughly before putting it away.

And please, whatever you do, don't attack your pearls with a toothbrush.

They're not your bathroom tiles.

If you have valuable antique pearls, damaged settings or a pearl necklace with loose or stretched stringing, have a professional jeweller assess them before cleaning.

Why Perfume and Hairspray Are Bad News for Pearls

Here's one of the easiest mistakes to make.

You get dressed, put on your fabulous pearl earrings, then give yourself a final spray of perfume.

Unfortunately, your pearls just got sprayed too.

Pearls are relatively soft and their surfaces can be affected by chemicals found in perfume, hairspray, cosmetics and cleaning products.

These products can leave residue that dulls their beautiful lustre. Some chemicals can also damage the pearl's surface over time.

The simple rule?

Get dressed. Do your hair. Apply your makeup, perfume and skincare.

Let everything dry.

Then put on your pearls.

And if you're wearing pearl rings, take them off before washing your hands or using hand sanitiser.

It's a small habit, but a very worthwhile one.

Wait, Pearls Can Actually Change Colour?

Yes, they can. And it's something that surprises quite a few people.

We've had customers contact us a few years after purchasing their pearls, wondering why a pearl that was once a beautiful white or soft pink now looks a little creamier or more yellow.

And it's a perfectly reasonable question.

Pearls are organic gems, and their appearance can change over time.

Unlike a diamond or sapphire, a pearl is made from layers of nacre, which contains calcium carbonate and organic material.

Those layers create the wonderful soft glow we love about pearls, but they're also sensitive to their environment.

Why do white pearls sometimes turn yellow?

There isn't one single explanation.

Over time, changes to the pearl's surface, ageing of its organic components, exposure to chemicals, excessive heat and unsuitable storage conditions can all affect its appearance.

Sometimes what looks like discolouration is simply a buildup of residue from skin oils, cosmetics or other products.

Other times, the change is within the pearl itself.

And that distinction matters.

Surface residue may be removable. Changes to the nacre itself may be permanent.

So if your pearls have gradually changed colour over several years, it doesn't automatically mean they're faulty, and it doesn't necessarily mean you've done anything wrong.

It does mean they're worth examining carefully before attempting to clean or restore them.

Do pink, lavender and coloured pearls change too?

They can.

Pearls occur naturally in a beautiful range of colours, including white, cream, pink, lavender, golden and dark shades.

Their colour depends on several factors, including the mollusc species, pigments and the structure of the nacre.

Some pearls are also dyed or otherwise colour-treated.

Over time, the appearance of coloured pearls can change because of environmental exposure, surface deterioration or changes to colour treatments.

That doesn't mean every coloured pearl will fade or change. Many retain their appearance beautifully for years.

But pearls aren't completely immune to ageing.

Can you stop pearls changing colour?

You can certainly help protect them.

Keep them away from perfume, hairspray, harsh chemicals, excessive heat and prolonged direct sunlight.

Wipe them gently after wearing and store them somewhere clean and protected.

Avoid extremely dry or hot storage conditions.

And don't leave them sitting wet in a sealed container.

Good care helps preserve their appearance, although it can't guarantee that a pearl will remain exactly the same colour forever.

Can yellowed pearls be made white again?

That depends on why they've changed colour.

If the problem is removable surface residue, careful cleaning may improve their appearance.

But if the nacre has deteriorated or the pearl's colour has changed internally, cleaning won't necessarily restore its original colour.

And please don't try bleaching them, soaking them in vinegar or experimenting with internet cleaning tricks.

You could end up with a much bigger problem than a slightly creamier pearl.

The important thing to remember is that a naturally creamy or golden pearl is beautiful. A pearl that has changed colour through deterioration is a different matter.

If you're unsure what's happened to yours, it's best to have the pearl assessed rather than trying to fix it yourself.

Can Pearls Scratch, Chip or Crack?

Absolutely.

Pearls are much softer than diamonds, sapphires and many other gemstones.

On the Mohs hardness scale, pearls are generally around 2.5 to 4.5.

That means everyday knocks and contact with harder materials can scratch or damage them.

Think about how often your rings come into contact with kitchen benches, door handles, shopping trolleys and the occasional handbag zip.

Now imagine a pearl ring doing the same thing.

It's one reason I'd take pearl rings off before gardening, cleaning, lifting heavy things or doing jobs where they're likely to get knocked.

And if you love wearing lots of jewellery together, as we certainly do at Desiderate, just make sure your pearls aren't constantly rubbing against harder gemstones or heavy silver pieces.

Wear the lot. Just give the pearls a little breathing room.

How to Store Pearl Jewellery Properly

Please don't toss your pearls into a jewellery box with six enormous gemstone rings, three silver bangles and a tangled collection of chains.

I know it's tempting.

But pearls deserve their own little space.

Store them in a soft pouch or a separate compartment in a fabric-lined jewellery box.

Keep them away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and very dry conditions.

Avoid leaving them sealed in plastic bags for long periods, particularly in hot storage conditions.

Pearls contain small amounts of moisture within their structure, and extreme dryness or heat can contribute to deterioration.

You don't need to keep them damp, though. In fact, storing wet jewellery can create other problems.

The aim is simply a clean, comfortable storage environment, away from extremes.

For pearl necklaces strung on silk, lay them flat when possible rather than hanging them for extended periods, which can stretch the thread.

And if the thread becomes worn or loose, have the necklace restrung before it breaks.

What Makes Pearls So Different From Other Gemstones?

Most gemstones form through geological processes deep within the Earth.

Pearls are different.

They're created by living molluscs.

Most pearl jewellery sold today features cultured pearls, which means people initiate the pearl-forming process and the mollusc then deposits layers of nacre.

Cultured pearls are genuine pearls. They're simply different from natural pearls, which form without human intervention.

And not all cultured pearls are produced in exactly the same way.

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls are generally grown in mussels. They come in a wonderful variety of shapes, sizes and colours.

Baroque Pearls

Baroque pearls are the beautifully irregular ones.

Not perfectly round. Not trying to be.

Their individual shapes are part of their charm, and no two look quite the same.

Mabe Pearls

Mabe pearls are cultured against the inside of a mollusc's shell, creating their distinctive domed appearance.

They're often used in statement earrings, rings and pendants.

At Desiderate, we love pearls with character. Beautiful lustre, interesting shapes and designs that are anything but ordinary.

Can You Wear Pearls Every Day?

Of course you can.

I don't believe beautiful jewellery should spend its life sitting in a drawer waiting for an invitation to a wedding.

Wear your pearl earrings to lunch. Wear your favourite pendant with a simple shirt. Wear your pearl ring when you're going somewhere lovely.

Just be realistic about what you're doing.

Pearl earrings and pendants generally experience fewer knocks than pearl rings and bracelets.

So if you're particularly hard on your jewellery, choose your pearl pieces accordingly.

Pearls are meant to be enjoyed, not treated like museum exhibits.

Pearl Care FAQs

Can I shower or swim wearing pearls?

It's best not to. Soap, shampoo, chlorine, salt water and prolonged moisture exposure can affect pearls, their settings and necklace stringing.

Can I use jewellery cleaner on pearls?

Only use a product specifically confirmed as safe for your particular pearl jewellery. Many standard jewellery cleaners are too harsh. A soft, slightly damp cloth is usually the safest starting point.

Can I put pearls in an ultrasonic cleaner?

No. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning can damage pearls and should be avoided.

Why have my pearls gone dull?

Surface residue, scratches, wear, chemicals or changes to the nacre may affect lustre. Gentle cleaning may remove residue, but it cannot reverse permanent surface damage.

Can yellow pearls be made white again?

Not necessarily. If the change is caused by removable surface residue, careful cleaning may help. If the pearl itself has changed colour or its nacre has deteriorated, cleaning won't restore the original appearance.

Are cultured pearls real pearls?

Yes. Cultured pearls are genuine pearls grown by molluscs with human assistance in starting the process. They are not imitation pearls.

How often should I clean my pearls?

A gentle wipe after wearing is a good habit. More thorough cleaning should only be done when necessary and with appropriate care.

Can I wear pearl rings with my other gemstone rings?

Yes, but avoid allowing harder gemstones or heavy metal settings to rub directly against the pearl.

Wear Your Pearls. Love Them. Look After Them.

The lovely thing about pearls is that they're never quite like anything else in your jewellery collection.

They have beautiful lustre, wonderful character and a fascinating story behind how they're made.

And looking after them really isn't complicated.

Put them on last. Take them off first. Wipe them gently. Keep chemicals away. Give them somewhere soft to sleep.

Then get on with enjoying them.

Because beautiful jewellery is meant to be worn.

And if you've got a pearl-care question we haven't answered, leave a comment below. We'd love to hear it.