True pearls have a beautiful, natural sheen that sets them apart from other gemstones; they can be elegant, modest, or truly individualistic, especially when you let their natural shapes show.
Pearls also require a bit of extra care.
While many gemstones are organic gems that develop inside molluscs, pearls are of this kind as well; the surface of pearls consists of layers of nacre, which harsh chemicals, abrasive materials and inappropriate cleaning methods can harm.
The good news is that you needn't find it complicated to keep your pearls clean.
1. Wipe your pearls after wearing them
A simple method of looking after real pearls is to gently wipe them with a soft and clean cloth every time you have worn them.
This eliminates the traces of sweat, skin oils and other everyday residues before they accumulate on the surface.
For ordinary cleaning, use a dry cloth. If the pearls require a bit more care, then lightly wet a soft cloth with plain water and wipe them gently. Do not soak the pearls, and afterwards make sure you dry them carefully.
2. Avoid perfumes and cosmetics
Pearls may be affected by the kinds of substances usually present in ordinary beauty products.
Perfume, hairspray, moisturisers, makeup and cleaning products can cause them to lose their lustre or damage their surface after a period of time.
It is helpful to put on your jewellery last, after you have applied perfume and cosmetics; when you get home, take off your pearls before carrying out your evening skincare routine.
A little change like this can make a difference.
3. Never use harsh cleaning products
Do not clean your pearls using household detergents, bleach, vinegar, jewellery dips or abrasive cleaners.
Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are also not suitable for genuine pearls.
Jewellery cleaners which are advertised as such might be too harsh for the fragile surface.
If you're not sure, use a soft cloth with a small amount of plain water.
If your piece also includes sterling silver, the metal has its own cleaning needs — read the guide on caring for sterling silver to keep the metal looking its best without harming the pearls.
4. Be careful with pearl necklaces
Do not soak a pearl necklace which is made up of pearls strung on silk or some other kind of cord.
The thread could weaken or stretch, and moisture might get trapped between the pearls; if the necklace is wet, gently dry it and let it air-dry fully before storing it.
Do not pull the necklace to test how strong it is.
If you see that the string is fraying, has loose knots, or looks stretched, then it is advisable to have it restrung before wearing it once more.
5. Store your pearls separately
Pearls may be scratched by harder jewellery, such as metal chains, clasps and other gemstones.
Keep them in a soft pouch or in their own section of your jewellery box; do not place them loose in a drawer as they might rub against the other items.
It is also advisable to keep pearls away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and extremely dry conditions.
Pearls, unlike certain types of jewellery, are best when worn from time to time as long as they are handled gently.
If your piece includes natural stones alongside the pearls, it is worth knowing that some stones have their own sensitivities — read about what can damage natural stones before storing mixed-material pieces.
Can you wear pearls every day?
You can wear real pearls regularly as long as you look after them.
Because they are often subjected to sweat, cosmetics, and accidental bumps, they require more care than many other kinds of jewellery.
Before you swim, bathe, exercise, clean or carry out any activity which might expose your pearls to chemicals or excessive moisture, make sure that you remove them.
A small amount of attention can make a big difference. For a comprehensive overview of everyday pearl care beyond cleaning, read the full guide on how to care for pearl jewellery at home.
At Pearl Art Nature, I use real pearls and natural stones, selecting them for their individual character and beauty. Browse the pearl jewellery collection to find a piece that suits your style.
If you take the proper amount of care, your pearls can remain a valuable part of your jewellery collection for many years.
And don't forget that if a pearl is damaged or if you're not sure about how to clean a specific piece, you should ask a jeweller who has experience in looking after pearls before attempting a new cleaning method.