Gift Guide
How to Clean Pearl Jewelry the Right Way
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Jewelry care
Pearls are organic — and they need to be treated that way.
Unlike gold, silver, or plated metal, pearls are a natural, organic material that reacts to chemicals, heat, and dryness in ways solid metal simply doesn't. This guide covers how to actually care for pearl jewelry, whether it's a family heirloom or a newer piece.
This is general educational guidance on caring for pearl jewelry from any source. See the Jewelry Care Guide for gold and silver pieces, or the Costume Jewelry Care Guide for plated fashion jewelry.
Quick Answer: How Do You Clean Pearl Jewelry?
Wipe pearls with a soft, slightly damp cloth after each wear — never soak them, and never use jewelry cleaning solutions, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam. Pearls are porous and can be damaged by chemicals that are completely safe for gold or silver.
Key Takeaways
- Pearls are organic, not mineral — they're more delicate than almost any other jewelry material.
- Perfume, hairspray, and lotion are more damaging to pearls than to metal or most gemstones — put pearls on last, after these products dry.
- Never use an ultrasonic cleaner, steam cleaner, or chemical jewelry dip on pearls, even ones labeled safe for "fine jewelry" generally.
- Pearls need some humidity to stay healthy — storing them in a sealed plastic bag for long periods can actually dry them out.
How to Clean Pearls Safely
- Wipe after every wear. A soft cloth, even just barely damp, removes body oils and residue that can otherwise dull a pearl's surface over time.
- Use only mild soap if needed. A tiny amount of gentle soap in lukewarm water on a cloth — not directly on the pearls, and never soaked — is the most a pearl piece should ever need.
- Dry immediately and completely with a separate soft cloth before storing.
- Restring periodically if strung. A pearl necklace or bracelet that's strung on silk thread should be professionally restrung every few years of regular wear, since the thread stretches and weakens over time.
What to Avoid
- Ultrasonic and steam cleaners — these can crack a pearl's surface layers or loosen the nacre (the pearl's outer coating) entirely.
- Chemical jewelry cleaners and dips, including many labeled for "all jewelry" — pearls are far more chemically sensitive than metal or hard gemstones.
- Perfume, hairspray, and lotion contact — apply these first and let them dry before putting pearls on, since direct contact can dull or discolor the surface permanently.
- Extended sun or heat exposure — pearls can dry out and become brittle with prolonged heat, similar to how skin does.
- Soaking of any kind, even in plain water for an extended period.
Storing Pearls Correctly
Pearls need slightly different storage logic than metal jewelry:
- Store separately from harder gemstones and metal pieces, which can scratch a pearl's relatively soft surface.
- A soft pouch or cloth-lined box works better than a hard, unlined compartment.
- Avoid airtight plastic bags for long-term storage. Pearls contain a small amount of moisture naturally, and sealing them away from all air for extended periods can actually dry them out and cause tiny surface cracks.
- Wear them, don't just store them. Pearls that are worn occasionally tend to stay healthier than pearls left untouched for years — the natural oils from skin contact can actually help maintain their luster.
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Related Guides
- Jewelry Care Guide (Gold & Silver)
- Costume Jewelry Care Guide
- What Does 925 Mean on Jewelry?
- How to Clean Tarnished Jewelry
- Shop All Jewelry
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear pearls in the shower?
It's best to avoid it. Soap, shampoo, and prolonged water exposure can dull a pearl's surface and, over time, weaken the silk thread on a strung piece.
Why do pearls sometimes look yellow or dull over time?
This is usually a sign of chemical exposure (perfume, lotion, cleaning products) or extended dry storage, both of which affect a pearl's organic surface layer. Gentle cleaning and proper storage help slow this down.
Are freshwater and saltwater pearls cared for differently?
The general care approach is the same for both — gentle wiping, no chemicals, no soaking. Any differences in durability between types are usually minor compared to how the pearls are cared for day to day.
How do I know if a pearl necklace needs restringing?
Visible gaps between knots, a stretched or loose-feeling strand, or thread showing signs of wear are all signs it's time for a professional restring, typically needed every few years with regular wear.
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