Pearls are the only gemstone created by a living organism, and that distinction comes with a trade-off: they need more care than almost any other stone in your jewelry box. Pearl rates 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it softer than turquoise, softer than moonstone, and significantly softer than the metals it is set in. That does not mean pearls are fragile. It means they reward you for paying attention.
This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your pearl jewelry looking its best, whether you own a single pearl necklace, a pair of pearl studs, or a full collection of pearl bracelets and layering pieces.
Why Pearls Need Special Care
Most gemstones are minerals formed under extreme heat and pressure deep inside the earth. Pearls are different. They form inside mollusks (oysters and mussels) when a small irritant enters the shell and the animal coats it with nacre, a composite of aragonite and conchiolin. This organic origin gives pearls their signature luster, but it also makes them sensitive to chemicals, heat, and abrasion in ways that harder stones are not.
Nacre is slightly porous, which means pearls can absorb substances they come into contact with. Perfume, hairspray, lotion, household cleaners, chlorine, and even the acids in your skin can dull the surface over time. The good news is that pearl care is simple. It just requires a few consistent habits.
How to Clean Pearl Jewelry at Home
For everyday maintenance, a soft cloth is all you need. After each time you wear your pearls, wipe them gently with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth (microfiber or flannel works well). This removes body oils, perspiration, and any residue before it has a chance to build up.
For a deeper clean when your pearls look dull or feel gritty, follow these steps:
Dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a small drop of mild soap (fragrance-free dish soap or baby shampoo works well). Wring out the cloth until it is just damp, not wet. Wipe each pearl individually with gentle circular motions. Rinse your cloth with clean water (no soap) and wipe the pearls again to remove any soap residue. Lay the pearls flat on a soft, dry towel and let them air dry completely before putting them away.
A few rules for cleaning:
Never submerge a pearl strand in water. The water can weaken the silk thread and seep into drill holes, causing damage from the inside. If you need to clean the metal clasp or setting, use a damp cotton swab on the metal only, keeping it away from the pearl. Never use ultrasonic or steam jewelry cleaners on pearls. Both will damage the nacre. Never use vinegar, ammonia, baking soda, bleach, or any abrasive cleaner. These will strip the nacre and permanently dull the surface.
How to Store Pearls
Where and how you store your pearls matters as much as how you clean them.
Keep pearls in a soft cloth pouch or fabric-lined jewelry box, separate from other jewelry. Harder stones (diamonds, sapphires, even quartz) and metal edges can scratch nacre easily. If your pearls came with a pouch or box, use it.
Lay pearl necklaces and bracelets flat. Hanging them stretches the silk thread over time, and gravity will eventually cause gaps between pearls and weak spots in the knots.
Do not store pearls in plastic bags. Some plastics emit chemicals that can damage the nacre surface. Do not store them in airtight containers either. Pearls contain a small amount of water and benefit from some ambient humidity. Storing them sealed in a dry environment for long periods can cause the nacre to crack.
Avoid storing pearls near heat sources, in direct sunlight, or in hot, dry spaces like attics. Excessive heat dries out nacre and can cause yellowing or surface cracking over time.
What Damages Pearls
The biggest enemies of pearl jewelry are chemicals and contact, and most damage is preventable.
Chemicals to avoid: perfume, hairspray, lotion, sunscreen, insect repellent, household cleaners, chlorinated pool water, and even some cosmetics. The general rule is: pearls go on last and come off first. Apply all your products, let them dry, then put on your pearls. When you get home, take your pearls off before anything else.
Physical contact to avoid: do not wear pearls while swimming, showering, exercising, gardening, cooking, or doing housework. Sweat is mildly acidic and can dull nacre over time, so if you have been wearing pearls on a hot day, wipe them down before putting them away.
Storage mistakes: tossing pearls in a jewelry drawer loose with chains, rings, and other gemstones is the most common way people scratch their pearls without realizing it. Even a gold chain rubbing against a pearl during travel can leave marks.
When to Have Pearl Strands Restrung
If you own a knotted pearl strand (a necklace or bracelet with a knot between each pearl), the silk thread will eventually stretch and weaken with regular wear. Most jewelers recommend restringing every one to two years if you wear your pearls frequently, or every three to five years for pieces you wear occasionally.
Signs it is time to restring:
You can see visible gaps between the pearls and their knots. The knots look fuzzy, frayed, or discolored. The necklace hangs noticeably longer than it used to. The strand feels loose or the pearls slide more than they should.
Restringing is also a good time to have each pearl inspected for any nacre wear and to have the clasp checked. A jeweler who works with pearls regularly will know the right thread weight and knotting technique for your strand.
Can You Wear Pearl Jewelry Every Day?
Yes. Pearls are not too delicate to wear daily. They just need a little more awareness than a pair of diamond studs or a gold chain. Millions of people wear pearl earrings and pendants every day without issues. The key is building a few small habits: put them on last, take them off first, wipe them after wearing, and store them properly.
Pearl studs and single-pearl pendants are especially well suited for everyday wear because they have minimal contact with surfaces throughout the day. Pearl bracelets take more wear because your wrists contact desks, countertops, and steering wheels, so be a little more mindful with those.
Quick Reference: Pearl Care Dos and Don'ts
Do: wipe with a soft cloth after every wear. Store flat in a cloth pouch. Put pearls on after perfume and hairspray. Have strands restrung every 1-2 years with regular wear. Wear them often (your skin's natural oils help maintain the nacre's moisture).
Don't: submerge pearl strands in water. Use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Store in plastic bags or airtight containers. Spray perfume directly on pearls. Store loose with harder gemstones or metal jewelry. Expose to chlorine, bleach, or harsh household chemicals.
Shop Pearl Jewelry
Every pearl piece at Erin Gallagher Jewelry is handcrafted in Steamboat Springs, Colorado using genuine freshwater and baroque pearls set in 14K gold, gold-fill, or recycled sterling silver. Pearl is the June birthstone and a meaningful gift for birthdays, weddings, and milestone anniversaries.
Shop the full pearl collection | Pearl necklaces | Pearl earrings | Pearl bracelets | Design your own at the GemBar
Have questions about caring for a specific piece? Visit our pearl jewelry guide or reach out to our team.
For stone-specific buying guides and care instructions, visit our Birthstone Guides resource.