How to Clean and Store Pearls: What You Need to Know About Pearl Care

With proper care, a pearl that keeps its first-day shine for many years is a timeless jewel you can pass on to your children. The surface of a pearl consists of thin, overlapping layers of nacre; for this reason, contact with perfume, sweat and chemicals affects pearls faster than other precious stones. We have explained for you how to clean pearls, how to store them, and what to pay attention to in silver and gold-plated designs.

How to Clean Pearls

Pearls can easily be cleaned at home with a soft, lint-free cloth. Gently wiping your pearl earrings and necklaces that you wear every day with a dry cloth after each use prevents the sweat and cream residues that build up during the day from penetrating the nacre. As the surface of the pearl is delicate, you should take care not to press while wiping.

When a deeper cleaning is needed, you can use lukewarm water and a little soap. Moisten the cloth with mildly soapy water and wipe your pearl, then remove the soap with a second cloth moistened with water only, and leave it to dry. Pearl jewelry should not be immersed in water; especially in strung pearls, the thread absorbs water and may loosen over time.

You should not forget that the cleaning methods used for silver are not suitable for pearls. Jeweler's solution, vinegar and lemon can dull the nacre, toothpaste can leave fine scratches on the surface, and ultrasonic cleaning devices can damage the nacre layers with vibration. It is recommended that you apply perfume, hairspray and cream first and wait for them to dry, and put on your pearls last.

How to Store Pearl Jewelry

Pearl necklace and earrings should be stored separately from other jewelry, in a soft fabric bag or in a separate compartment of the jewelry box. Because metal chains and stones such as zircon are harder than nacre, fine lines may form over time on the surface of pearls kept together. When choosing a storage place, you should avoid damp areas such as the bathroom cabinet and windowsills that receive direct sunlight; moisture can affect the nacre, and sunlight can affect the natural glow of the pearl. The best way to preserve the shine of a pearl is to wear it; pearls left in a closed box for many years may become matte over time.

What Changes With Silver and Gold-Plated Pieces

Besides the pearl, the metal part of a piece needs its own care. Chila 925 Sterling Silver Pearl Necklace and other designs that pair 925 sterling silver with a natural baroque pearl tarnish over time, which is not a flaw but a natural trait of the metal. Polish the silver part with a soft polishing cloth, without letting the cloth touch the pearl. Liquid silver cleaners can harm pearls and shouldn't be used on these designs. You'll find care tips for silver pieces without pearls in our how to polish silver post, and you can explore designs that combine silver and pearl on the Silver Pearl Collection page.

Lysandra Pearl Necklace No.2 and other gold plated over brass designs need protecting in a different place: the plating that gives them the warm tone of gold. Take your piece off before showers, the sea and sport, and spray perfume before you put it on; that helps the plating last. Each design's material details are listed on its product page.

When Is Professional Care Needed?

It's worth having a specialist check your pearl jewelry from time to time, so you can keep wearing it with confidence. Strung pearls you wear often especially need their thread and clasp checked once a year, and restringing a loosened thread isn't something to do at home. If you notice a dull stain or a crack on the surface, or a loose clasp, ask us before you try cleaning it yourself; for care and repair of your pearl jewelry, you can reach us from our Contact Us page whenever you need to.

Three Common Questions

Can pearls get wet? A few drops of rain or a splash while washing your hands won't harm a pearl; just wipe it with a soft cloth. Take your pearls off for long spells in water, such as showers, the sea and the pool: chlorine in a pool can dull nacre, and seawater leaves salt on the surface as it dries.

How often should pearls be cleaned? Wiping with a dry cloth after each wear and cleaning with a damp cloth every few months is enough for most pearl jewelry. Pieces you wear a lot need it more often.

Do black or colored pearls need different care? No. Black and colored pearls have the same nacre structure and need the same care. Dull spots show up later on dark pearls, so don't skip the regular wipe. You can find the features of a real pearl in our How to Tell If a Pearl Is Real post.

As long as it's kept away from chemicals, wiped with a soft cloth after every wear and stored apart from other jewelry, a pearl is a jewel for life. Give the pieces you choose from the Ecru Atelier collection the care they deserve, and they'll stay as elegant as the first day.