Quick answer: Clean pearl jewellery with a soft, barely damp cloth after every wear. Never soak pearls, use ultrasonic cleaners, or clean them with harsh chemicals, since pearls are porous and can absorb moisture and lose their shine. Wipe gently, let them air dry fully before storing, and keep them away from perfume, hairspray and lotion, which all cause slow, permanent damage.
Pearls are different from every other gemstone in your jewellery box. They are organic, formed by a living mollusc, not mined from rock like a diamond or sapphire. That soft, organic structure is exactly why pearls need such a gentle cleaning routine, and why the wrong method can ruin them permanently.
This guide covers the safe way to clean pearls, what damages them, and how to keep a pearl necklace or earrings looking good for decades.
Why Pearls Need Special Care
A pearl’s shine, known as lustre, comes from thin layers of a substance called nacre, built up in fine layers by the mollusc that produced it. Nacre is soft compared to gemstones like diamond or sapphire, and it is porous, meaning it can absorb liquids and chemicals rather than simply repelling them off the surface. Once nacre is damaged, it cannot be repaired, only replaced, which is why prevention matters so much more with pearls than with harder stones.
The Safe Cleaning Method
- Wipe after every wear. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove body oils, sweat and everyday residue before storing.
- For a deeper clean, dampen the cloth slightly. Use plain water only, never a soap solution, and wring the cloth well so it is barely damp rather than wet.
- Wipe gently along each pearl. Avoid pressing hard or rubbing in circles, which can wear at the nacre over time.
- Lay flat to dry completely. Never hang a wet pearl necklace, since damp silk thread can stretch and weaken.
- Store only once fully dry. Trapped moisture in storage can encourage mould on the thread over time.
What to Never Do
Never soak pearls. Prolonged water contact can weaken the silk thread most pearl necklaces are strung on, and repeated soaking dulls the nacre over years.
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner. The vibration can crack pearls or loosen them from their setting, and this damage is often irreversible.
Never use chemical jewellery cleaners. Ammonia, chlorine and most commercial jewellery cleaning solutions are far too harsh for pearls and will dull or damage the surface.
Never use toothpaste or baking soda. Both are mildly abrasive and will scratch a pearl’s soft surface, permanently reducing its shine.
Genuine Pearls vs Imitation Pearls
Care needs differ slightly depending on what your pearls are actually made of.
| Type | What It Is | Care Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Natural pearl | Formed entirely by chance in the wild, extremely rare | Handle with the utmost care, consult a specialist for cleaning |
| Cultured pearl | Formed with human assistance, most pearls sold today | Follow the standard soft cloth method above |
| Imitation pearl | Glass, shell or plastic bead coated to resemble a pearl | More durable, but coating can still scratch or peel over time |
A simple way to check is the tooth test. Gently rub a pearl against the edge of a front tooth. Genuine pearls feel slightly gritty due to their layered structure, while imitation pearls feel perfectly smooth.
Wearing Pearls Without Damaging Them
The golden rule with pearls is to put them on last and take them off first. Perfume, hairspray, deodorant and makeup all contain chemicals that can dull nacre on contact, so applying these before putting on pearl jewellery, rather than after, protects the surface considerably. Avoid wearing pearls while showering, swimming, or during exercise, since sweat and water exposure both contribute to gradual wear.
Storing Pearls Correctly
Store pearls separately from other jewellery, ideally in a soft pouch or lined box, since harder gemstones and metals can scratch them on contact. Avoid airtight plastic bags, since pearls need a small amount of natural humidity to stay healthy and can actually dry out and crack in an overly sealed environment over many years.
When to Restring a Pearl Necklace
Most pearl necklaces are strung on silk thread with a small knot between each pearl, both to prevent pearls rubbing against each other and to stop the whole strand scattering if the thread breaks. Over years of regular wear, this thread stretches and weakens. As a general guide, a frequently worn strand should be restrung roughly every one to two years, while an occasionally worn piece can often go considerably longer. Visible gaps between pearls, or a thread that looks discoloured or frayed, are both signs it is time for a professional restring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean pearls with soap and water?
It is best avoided. Use plain water on a barely damp cloth instead, since soap residue can be difficult to fully rinse away and may dull the surface over time.
Why do my pearls look dull even though I clean them?
Dullness usually comes from chemical exposure, such as perfume or hairspray, rather than a lack of cleaning. Once nacre is damaged this way, it cannot be restored, only prevented from getting worse going forward.
How often should pearls be restrung?
Roughly every one to two years for frequently worn strands, or longer for occasional pieces. Visible gaps between pearls or a fraying thread are clear signs it is time.
Is it safe to wear pearls every day?
Yes, provided you follow the put-on-last, take-off-first rule and wipe them after each wear. Daily wear is generally fine as long as chemical exposure is minimised.
How can I tell if my pearls are real?
Gently rub a pearl against a front tooth. Genuine pearls feel slightly gritty due to their layered structure, while imitation pearls feel completely smooth.
Final Thoughts
Pearls reward gentle, consistent care far more than an occasional deep clean. A soft cloth after every wear, combined with putting them on last and taking them off first, will keep their lustre for decades. Pearl is also the traditional June birthstone, so if you are choosing a piece to mark a birthday, our birthstones by month guide covers the full meaning behind it, and our guide on cleaning silver jewellery with gemstones is worth reading if your pearls are set in a silver piece.