Pearl Care : How to Clean, Durability, Re plating, and Water Exposure

Pearls are organic gemstones with a delicate surface. Keep them away from perfumes, hairspray, acids, strong cleaners, ultrasonic machines, steam and long soaks. Wipe after every wear with a soft slightly damp cloth. Clean gently with a mild soap solution when needed, then dry fully. Remove before swimming, showers, workouts and household chores. Restring strands periodically. If your piece has plated metal near a pearl, ask a jeweller to remove or fully mask the pearl for any re plating work.

How to clean pearl jewellery at home

You will need: a bowl, lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap, two soft lint free cloths, a very soft brush for metal only.

1. Prepare

   Mix a few drops of mild soap in a small bowl of lukewarm water. Lay a dry cloth on the table.

2. Wipe the pearl

   Lightly dampen a clean cloth in the solution. Wipe each pearl gently. Do not soak. Do not rub hard.

3. Clean nearby metal

   If the setting or clasp needs attention, touch only the metal with a very soft brush slightly dampened in the solution. Keep the pearl surface dry except for the light wipe above.

4. Rinse carefully

   Lightly dampen a second cloth with clean water. Wipe the pearl to remove any soap residue. Again avoid soaking and avoid running taps over strands.

5. Dry fully

   Pat dry with a soft cloth. Leave the piece flat on a towel for at least fifteen minutes. Ensure thread and drill holes are fully dry before storing.

6. Protect

   Apply beauty products before jewellery. Remove pearls for sport, swimming and showering. Wipe after wear. Store flat and separate.

   
   

Water exposure explained

• Brief splashes can be managed if you dry immediately.

• Showers and baths introduce heat, soap and water flow that can stress thread and dull lustre.

• Pools and spas contain chlorine. Sea water contains salt. Both can damage nacre and thread.

• Humidity that is moderate is fine. Avoid prolonged heat and very dry storage as pearls do best with gentle ambient moisture.

  
  

Durability and restringing

• Pearls are resilient in their own way. Friction and chemicals wear them down over time.

• Strands should be checked every few months if worn often. Look for spacing between pearls, frayed thread or knots that no longer sit snugly. Many people restring every twelve to twenty four months depending on wear. Knotting between pearls helps prevent rubbing and limits loss if a strand breaks.

• Rings and bracelets experience more contact with surfaces. Expect more frequent light cleaning and earlier signs of surface wear than with earrings and pendants.

  
  

Re-plating near pearls

• If a clasp, chain or setting needs re plating in gold or rhodium, ask the jeweller to remove the pearl or fully mask it. Plating solutions and pre clean acids harm nacre.

• Confirm the metal finish you want and the thickness for high wear areas.

• After work, check that pearls are clean, secure and free from residues.

Short FAQ

Can I use a silver dip or abrasive polish near pearls?

No. Chemical dips and abrasive pastes attack nacre. Use a soft cloth and mild soap as described.

Are ultrasonic or steam cleaners safe?

No. Vibrations and heat can damage pearls, threads and adhesives.

How do I know when to restring?

If knots move easily, gaps appear, thread looks fuzzy or the clasp area shows wear, it is time to restring.

Can I wear perfume with pearls?

Yes with care. Apply fragrance first. Let it settle. Put pearls on last.

What if tarnish appears on silver near a pearl?

Use a quality polishing cloth on the metal only. Keep the cloth away from the pearl surface.

Key Notes

Topic	Guidance
Nature	Pearls are layered nacre. Surface is softer than most gemstones and can scratch or dull with friction and chemicals.
Everyday care	Last on first off. Put jewellery on after fragrance, lotion and hair products. Wipe pearls after wear with a soft cloth.
Cleaning	Use lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap. Light wipe only. No ultrasonic or steam. No abrasives.
Water exposure	Splashes happen. Dry immediately. Avoid showers, pools, spa and sea water.
Strands	Silk or similar thread can swell and weaken with water. Do not soak. Restring when knots loosen, thread frays or spacing changes.
Storage	Store flat for strands. Keep separate from harder stones and metals. Use a soft pouch in a dry place with light ventilation.
Durability	With gentle wear and routine care, pearls can last for generations. Rings and bracelets feel more friction than earrings and pendants.
Re plating	Pearls must never enter plating baths. A jeweller should remove the pearl or fully mask it before any re plating of metal parts.