For centuries, pearls have been revered as symbols of elegance, purity, and enduring beauty. Worn as a single strand, a traditional pair of earrings, or even a delicate pendant, pearls embody grace in a way that no other gemstone can.

 However, unlike most gemstones that develop deep in the Earth, pearls are organic and developed as a by-product of living mollusks, which means they are much more fragile and need constant, gentle care.

If you have a pearl necklace or a beautiful pearl ring, you will want to know how to care for pearls. This guide will cover all the things you need to know about pearls, from how to clean pearls to how to store them, to questions of wetness and safe methods to clean real pearls or yellowed pearls.

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Key Characteristics of Pearls 

Pearls are unlike most gemstones; they originate from living organisms, as opposed to being mined from the earth. Since they are formed by nature, they have unique softness, luster, and texture that require thoughtful attention and care. Because nacre (mother-of-pearl) constitutes most of the composition of pearls, the surface luster, form, and tone of the pearl's beauty are affected by its environment and origin.

These are the aspects of pearls that characterize pearls as different from most gems:

• Organic Origin: Formed in oysters or mollusks when layers of nacre build around an irritant.  

• Composition: Made of calcium carbonate and conchiolin, both of which are easily affected by acids, heat, and chemicals.

• Luster: The main factor for their beauty, produced from light interacting with the nacre layer surfaces. 

• Hardness: The Mohs scale provides a relative hardness measure of pearls at 2.5 - 4.5, making them considerably softer than most other gemstones.

• Color: Ranges from traditional white and cream to pink, silver, gold, black, and lavender, depending upon the mollusk type and body of water.

• Surface: Relatively smooth but soft; slight scratching or substances that are too harsh will diminish the surface quickly.

• Temperature Sensitivity: They are reactive to temperature; excessive heat may dry and crack the nacre.

• Porosity: As living organisms, they can absorb substances such as oils, perfumes, and sweat, dulling their luster over time.

• Shape Variety: From perfectly round pearls to baroque (irregular) ones, the shape of the pearls influences their rarity and value.

Each of these qualities contributes to pearls' intense fragility as well as their allure. The user will be rewarded with expertly flawed pearls if they are handled carefully and gently.

Want to avoid damaging your jewelry while cleaning? Learn the key differences between Pearl and Mother of Pearl to understand which care methods are safe for each.

Why Do Pearls Need Special Care?

Pearls are more delicate than other gemstones. Due to their organic nature, they can lose their luster, change in color, or even crack in the wrong environment. 

Here’s why you should take special care: 

• Chemicals and cosmetics: Perfume, hair spray, and lotions can fade away pearl’s nacre. Always apply products before putting on your pearls.

• Acidity: Pearls are sensitive to acids and perspiration, which can damage them. 

• Heat and dryness: A prolonged period of heat can cause pearls to become brittle and crack.

• Hard surfaces: Pearls are soft, and on a hard surface, with rough handling or dropping them, they can scratch or chip. 

Step-By-Step Guide to Cleaning Pearls 

Cleaning pearls takes time and care. Stay away from aggressive chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners; these can cause permanent damage to your jewelry. Here you have a safe cleaning method for real pearls at home.

Step 1: Create Your Cleaning Solution

Using a bowl of lukewarm water, mix in a few drops of a mild soap (baby shampoo works well). Avoid using hot or cold water, as it can cause stress to the pearl's nacre.

Step 2: Gently Clean the Pearls

Dampen a clean, soft, lint-free cloth in the soapy water and wring the cloth out with just a little moisture on the cloth. Wipe each pearl one by one as you go—don't submerge and wash down an entire pearl strand, as it may weaken the silk string.

Step 3: Rinse the Pearls with a Damp Cloth

Using a separate, clean, damp cloth, rinse the soap off the pearls. Be sure not to soak the pearls.

Step 4: Allow Pearls to Air Dry

Rest the pearls flat on a clean towel to completely air dry before storing. If the strands are hung, the silk may stretch.

Step 5: How often?

After every wear, wipe the pearls down; that will remove the oils and dust. If needed, do a deeper clean of your pearls every few months. 

How to Clean Pearls That Have Yellowed 

With older pearls, yellowing is a common issue. It usually occurs when the pearls dry out and are exposed to air for extended periods of time.

Here are some steps to brighten yellowed pearls:

• Cleaning: Lightly rub each pearl with a soft, dry cloth damp with mild soapy water, and do not leave water on the pearls.  Rinse lightly and air dry.

• Rehydrate naturally: Pearls love a little humidity. Place them in a room with humidity for 24 hours (don't steam them directly).

• Professional advice: If the pearls are deeply yellowed, discuss with a jeweler. Never use bleach, vinegar, or any whitening agents - they will irreparably damage the nacre.

Advice: Wearing your pearls regularly is good because they will stay hydrated from the natural oils in your skin and help prevent yellowing over time.

After refreshing your pearls, explore the latest styles in Pearl Jewelry Trends 2024 to wear them more confidently.

Can Pearls Get Wet?

Pearls can handle a small amount of moisture, but should not ever be soaked in water or submerged in water. Water weakens silk thread and can also seep into the nacre, making it cloudy.

• Do not shower, swim, or exercise in pearls.

• If pearls do get wet, pat them dry carefully with a soft towel and lay them flat, and never hang them, which can stretch the string.

• Always clean them gently after moisture or sweat exposure.

Cleaning Methods To Avoid 

Pearls are more fragile than they look. Some popular “pearl cleaning hacks” can cause irreversible damage.

How to Store Pearls

Correct storage is equally vital to cleaning. Pearls require “air,” and therefore keeping them in an airtight box is not a good choice.

Keep these recommendations in mind when storing pearls safely: 

• Store pearls in a soft-cloth pouch or a lined jewelry box, not with other jewelry. 

• Do not store them with more durable gemstones, such as diamonds or sapphires, because they can easily scratch pearls. 

• Store pearls in a cool, dry place, away from heat, sunlight, or humidity. 

• Do not store pearls in plastic bags, because they can trap moisture in the bag, and the pearls can yellow. 

• If you plan to store your pearls for a long duration, take them out every now and then and wipe gently to rehydrate their surface.

Before choosing other gemstones to pair with pearls, learn the unique differences between Pearl vs Coral—from benefits to appearance.

How to Care For Pearl Jewelry

Caring for pearl jewelry entails more than simply cleaning. It is also about how to wear and treat your pearls.

• Last on, first off: You should always wear your pearls after applying perfume, lotion, or makeup, and you should always take them off first when undressing.

• Wipe them off after wearing: The best way to ensure clean pearls is to use a soft, damp cloth after every time you wear them, especially to remove perspiration or oil.

• Restring regularly: Have strand necklaces or bracelets restrung every year if you wear them frequently. Silk threads will stretch over time.

• Avoid chemicals: Remove pearls before cleaning, swimming, or exercising.

• Keep them hydrated: Wear them! Surprisingly, pearls do benefit from your body's natural moisture.

Now that your pearl jewelry is cleansed and energetically cleared, explore the healing and emotional benefits of Pearl Stone.

How to Maintain Pearl Shine

Even the most beautifully nurtured pearls may ultimately lose some luster over time. Below are tips to keep your pearls looking their best: 

• Polish after every wear: Use either a microfiber or chamois cloth. 

• Avoid excessive dryness: Pearls do prefer high humidity; however, pearls should not be kept just in sealed, dry boxes.

• Encourage professionals to polish them: If your pearls do not have the proper sheen and luster after cleaning, jewelers can clean and repolish them professionally and do so in a way that does not harm the natural finish.

Final Thoughts

Did you know pearls are living gems? They breathe, react, and age like us. The allure of pearls is not only in their lustrous surface but also in their softness and elegance in the way they drape when worn. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recommends cleaning pearls in warm, soapy water and using soft cloths. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are never recommended for your pearls.

By cleaning and storing as recommended, you are ensuring that not only the surface of your pearls will remain intact, but also their spirit, the gentle glow that has captivated us for centuries. Care for your gems with patience, kindness, and love, and they will light up your skin as beautifully as the first day you wore them.

FAQ

Q: How to clean pearls at home?

Use a gentle soap with lukewarm water. Wipe down gently with a soft cloth and dry flat; don’t soak your pearls.

Q: How to clean yellowed pearls?

Wipe gently with a humid cloth, then allow to dry and rest in a humid environment for a while. Do not use strong chemicals or graphite bleach.

Q: Can pearls get wet? 

Briefly, yes, but not soaked. The silk thread can become weakened when wet and can also damage the nacre. 

Q: How do you store pearls?

It's best to store your pearls in a soft pouch or in a jewelry box with a soft cloth lining and stored apart from harder gemstones and out of sunlight or any heat. 

Q: How often should pearl jewelry be cleaned?

Wipe them after every wear and deep-clean them every couple of months. Restring yearly for heavy wear.

Q: Can I use toothpaste or baking soda to polish pearls?

Never. These are too abrasive and will scratch the nacre.