How to Care for Pearl Jewellery: Cleaning, Storage & Tips
Pearls are one of nature's most delicate gemstones, and with a little care they'll stay lustrous for years to come. The good news: looking after pearl jewellery is simple once you know a few ground rules.
At Golden Rose Arts, every piece is handcrafted with genuine freshwater pearls in our Montreal workshop — and we want yours to look beautiful for decades. Here's how to care for them.
The Golden Rule: Last On, First Off
Put your pearls on last when getting dressed and take them off first when you get home. This keeps them away from:
- Perfume and body sprays
- Hairspray and cosmetics
- Lotions and sunscreen
Pearls are porous, so chemicals in these products can dull their nacre over time. Apply your perfume first, let it dry, and then put on your pearls.
Wipe Your Pearls After Every Wear
Perspiration and natural skin oils build up on the surface of pearls with normal wear. After taking your jewellery off, gently wipe each pearl with a soft, damp cloth and let the piece air-dry before putting it away. This quick habit goes a long way toward preserving their lustre.
How to Clean Pearl Jewellery
For a deeper clean every so often:
- Mix a few drops of mild soap (like baby shampoo) in lukewarm water.
- Dampen a soft cloth in the solution and gently wipe each pearl.
- Rinse with a clean, damp cloth — never soak pearls or run them under the tap.
- Lay the piece flat on a towel to dry completely before storing.
What to Avoid
Pearls are softer than most gemstones (around 2.5–3 on the Mohs scale), so treat them gently:
- Ultrasonic and steam cleaners — these can crack or damage the nacre.
- Harsh chemicals and bleach — even household cleaners are too strong.
- Abrasive cloths or brushes — a soft cloth is all you need.
- Swimming pools and hot tubs — chlorine and heat are both harmful.
- Showering with your pearls on — soap and shampoo residue dulls the surface.
How to Store Pearl Jewellery
Proper storage protects pearls from scratches and moisture:
- Store each piece in a soft pouch or lined jewellery box, separate from harder gemstones and metals that can scratch the nacre.
- Don't store pearls in an airtight container or plastic bag for long periods — pearls need a little air circulation, as excessive dryness can cause them to crack.
- Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Hang pearl necklaces flat or coiled rather than hanging, to avoid stretching the silk thread over time.
When to Get Your Pearls Restrung
Most pearl necklaces are strung on silk thread, which naturally stretches and weakens with wear. If you wear a necklace regularly, consider having it restrung every one to two years — or sooner if you notice fraying, gaps between pearls, or the strand feels loose.
Wear Them Often
Here's the best part: pearls love to be worn. Your skin's natural moisture helps keep them hydrated, so don't save them only for special occasions. A pair of freshwater pearl earrings or a simple strand is just as lovely with a sweater as with an evening dress.
If you're choosing your first piece or adding to your collection, see our guide to choosing a freshwater pearl necklace in Canada, then browse our necklace collection — every piece is handmade in our Montreal workshop and built to be enjoyed for years.
