How to Clean and Care for Pearl Necklaces

Pearl necklaces are among the most treasured pieces of jewellery in any collection, but unlike diamonds or gold, pearls require special attention to maintain their natural beauty. As organic gems formed inside living molluscs, pearls are more delicate than other gemstones and can be damaged by everyday substances like perfume, hairspray, and even the natural oils from your skin.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning and caring for your pearl necklaces, ensuring they remain lustrous and beautiful for generations to come.

Understanding Why Pearls Need Special Care

Before diving into cleaning techniques, it's important to understand what makes pearls unique. Unlike mineral gemstones, pearls are composed of nacre—layers of aragonite crystite and conchiolin produced by molluscs. This organic composition makes pearls relatively soft (2.5-4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale) and susceptible to damage from acids, chemicals, and abrasion.

The nacre that gives pearls their beautiful lustre is only microns thick on the surface. Even minor scratches or chemical exposure can damage this delicate layer, dulling your pearls' appearance permanently.

The Golden Rule: Last On, First Off

The most important pearl care habit to develop is simple: make your pearls the last thing you put on when getting dressed, and the first thing you take off when undressing. This simple practice protects your pearls from:

• Perfume and cologne: Alcohol-based fragrances can dry out and damage nacre
• Hairspray: The chemicals coat pearls with a dulling film
• Makeup and lotions: Oils and chemicals can penetrate the porous surface
• Sunscreen: Particularly damaging due to its chemical composition

Allow all products to dry completely before putting on your pearls. This single habit will do more to preserve your pearls than any cleaning routine.

Daily Care: The Soft Cloth Wipe

After each wearing, gently wipe your pearl necklace with a soft, lint-free cloth. This removes body oils, perspiration, and any other substances that may have accumulated during wear. A clean microfibre cloth or chamois leather works perfectly.

This simple daily practice takes only seconds but prevents the buildup of substances that can permanently damage your pearls over time.

Monthly Deep Cleaning: The Safe Method

For a more thorough cleaning, follow this gentle method once a month or whenever your pearls appear dull:

What You'll Need:

• Two soft, lint-free cloths
• Lukewarm water (never hot)
• A drop of mild, pH-neutral soap (baby shampoo works well)
• A soft towel for drying

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:

Step 1: Dampen one cloth with lukewarm water mixed with a tiny amount of mild soap. The cloth should be barely damp, not wet.

Step 2: Gently wipe each pearl individually, supporting the strand as you work. Never submerge a pearl necklace in water—this can weaken the silk thread and damage the knots.

Step 3: Use the second damp cloth (water only) to remove any soap residue.

Step 4: Lay the necklace flat on a soft towel to dry completely. Never hang pearls to dry, as this strains the silk thread when wet.

Step 5: Allow at least 24 hours for complete drying before storing. The silk thread inside needs time to dry thoroughly.

Dealing with Specific Issues

Yellowed Pearls

Slight yellowing is natural as pearls age, particularly in vintage pieces. Unfortunately, once nacre has yellowed from age or UV exposure, it cannot be reversed. Prevention through proper storage away from direct sunlight is key. However, if yellowing is due to surface buildup, the gentle cleaning method above may help restore some brightness.

Dull or Cloudy Appearance

Dullness often results from accumulated oils and lotions. Try the monthly deep cleaning method. If the dullness persists, the nacre surface may be damaged, which unfortunately cannot be repaired.

Sticky Residue

For stubborn residue from hairspray or other products, slightly dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water and gently rub the affected pearls. Avoid any scrubbing motion that could scratch the surface.

Professional Care: When to Seek Help

While regular home care is essential, professional attention is sometimes necessary:

• Restringing: Pearl necklaces should be restrung every 1-2 years with regular wear. Signs include stretched or fraying silk, visible gaps between pearls, or difficulty with the clasp.
• Clasp repairs: Damaged clasps should be repaired by a jeweller experienced with pearls
• Deep stains: A professional pearl specialist may be able to address issues home cleaning cannot

When selecting a professional for pearl work, ensure they have specific experience with pearls—not all jewellers understand the unique requirements of pearl care.

Wearing Your Pearls Regularly

Interestingly, one of the best things you can do for your pearls is wear them. The natural oils from your skin help keep pearls hydrated and lustrous. Pearls stored away for long periods can become dry and dull.

Of course, this doesn't mean wearing them for activities that could cause damage. Avoid wearing pearls when:

• Swimming (chlorine and salt water are harmful)
• Exercising (sweat is acidic)
• Cooking (heat and food acids can cause damage)
• Cleaning (household chemicals are dangerous for pearls)
• Gardening or manual work (risk of physical damage)

With proper care, a quality pearl necklace can last for generations, becoming even more precious as a family heirloom. The time you invest in caring for your pearls today will preserve their beauty for your children and grandchildren to enjoy.

Have questions about caring for your specific pearl necklace? Contact our team for personalised advice.