Pearl Care Guide: How to Keep Your Pearls Lustrous for Life

Pearl Care Guide: How to Keep Your Pearls Lustrous for Life

To keep pearls beautiful, store them in a soft pouch or jewellery box (never airtight), put them on after perfume, hairspray and makeup, wipe them with a soft cloth after every wear, and restring them yearly with knotted silk thread.

Key takeaways

  • Pearls are organic gems, so they need gentler care than diamonds or gold.
  • Chemicals are the biggest everyday threat to pearl lustre.
  • Wiping after each wear prevents most dullness.
  • Yearly restringing prevents breakage and loss.

Why do pearls need special care?

Pearls are formed inside living mollusks and are made mainly of nacre, a layered, calcium-based material. This is why they are softer and more sensitive than mineral gemstones like diamonds. Acids, alcohol, heat, dryness and friction can dull their surface over time.

Good care protects both the lustre (the glow) and the structure of your pearls.

1. How should you store pearls?

Steps

  1. Take off your pearls once you're home.
  2. Use a soft, lint-free cloth.
  3. Wipe each pearl gently, along the whole strand.
  4. Let them air dry fully before storing.

Avoid: harsh scrubbing, ultrasonic cleaners, steam, abrasive cloths, and household cleaners or jewellery dips. For deep cleaning, consult a trusted jeweller. 

Keep pearls in a soft pouch or lined jewellery box, and avoid airtight containers.

Pearls contain a small amount of moisture and need some airflow. Sealed plastic bags or airtight boxes can dry them out over time.

Do

  • Store pearls in a soft cloth pouch or velvet-lined box
  • Keep them separate from sharp or hard jewellery
  • Store necklaces flat so the thread doesn't stretch

Don't

  • Seal pearls in airtight containers
  • Toss them loose with diamonds, gold or gemstones
  • Leave them in direct sunlight or near heat

2. Can perfume and cosmetics damage pearls?

 Yes. Perfume, hairspray, sunscreen and makeup can dull pearls and weaken their surface.

Many beauty products contain alcohol and chemicals that react with nacre. Over time this causes a cloudy, lifeless look.

The 30-minute rule: Put on your pearls at least 30 minutes after applying cosmetics, perfume, hairspray or sunscreen.

Dress the pearls last when getting ready:

  1. Skincare and sunscreen
  2. Makeup
  3. Perfume and hairspray
  4. Wait 30 minutes
  5. Pearl jewellery

3. How do you clean pearls after wearing them?

 Gently wipe pearls with a clean, soft, dry cloth after every wear.

Sweat, body oils and traces of cosmetics collect on pearls throughout the day. A quick wipe removes them before they harm the surface.

4. How often should you restring pearls?

Restring pearls once a year if you wear them often, using knotted silk thread.

Silk thread stretches and weakens with wear, sweat and time. A weak thread can snap and scatter your pearls.

Why knotted silk?

  • Knots between each pearl stop them rubbing against each other
  • If the thread breaks, only one pearl is lost instead of the whole strand
  • Silk is soft and gentle on the pearl's drill holes

Signs your pearls need restringing

  • The thread looks dirty, frayed or stretched
  • Gaps appear between pearls or knots
  • The strand has grown longer than before

  • Final thoughts

    Pearls reward gentle, consistent care. Store them well, keep them away from chemicals, wipe them after wearing and restring them yearly, and they can last for generations.

    About Krishna Pearls & Jewellers: Serving customers since 1983, Krishna Pearls & Jewellers specialises in pearls, diamonds, gold and fine jewellery. Visit our store for professional pearl inspection, restringing and care advice. [Add store address, phone number and Google Maps link here.]

Frequently asked questions

How do you clean a pearl necklace at home?
Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth after each wear. Don't use harsh chemicals, abrasive materials or ultrasonic cleaners.

Can pearls get damaged by perfume?
Yes. Perfume and hairspray contain alcohol and chemicals that can dull pearls. Apply them first and wait 30 minutes before wearing your pearls.

How should pearl jewellery be stored?
In a soft pouch or lined jewellery box, kept away from heat and sunlight. Avoid airtight containers.

How often should pearls be restrung?
Yearly for regularly worn pearls, using knotted silk thread.

Do pearls lose their shine over time?
They can, mainly from chemical exposure, dryness, friction and a lack of cleaning. Consistent care preserves their lustre for years.

Can I wear pearls every day?
Yes, if you follow the care steps above: wear them after cosmetics, wipe them after each use and restring them yearly.

Final thoughts

Pearls reward gentle, consistent care. Store them well, keep them away from chemicals, wipe them after wearing and restring them yearly, and they can last for generations.

About Krishna Pearls & Jewellers: Serving customers since 1983, Krishna Pearls & Jewellers specialises in pearls, diamonds, gold and fine jewellery. Visit our store for professional pearl inspection, restringing and care advice.