HOW TO CARE FOR PEARL JEWELLERY

A Simple Guide

Pearl jewellery has a beauty that feels different from other accessories.

Whether you love a delicate pearl necklace, a pair of freshwater pearl earrings or a statement design, pearls bring a distinctive softness and character to a jewellery collection.

But pearls also need a little extra attention.

Unlike many gemstones, pearls are organic materials. Their surface can be more vulnerable to scratches, cosmetics and harsh chemicals, which means the way you wear and store them matters.

The good news is that caring for pearl jewellery doesn't need to be complicated.

With a few simple habits, you can help preserve the appearance of your favourite pearl pieces and enjoy wearing them for years to come.

Why does pearl jewellery need special care?

Pearls are formed inside molluscs and are made primarily of calcium carbonate arranged in layers, together with organic material.

Their distinctive lustre comes from the way light interacts with these layers.

However, pearls are relatively soft compared with many gemstones. They can be scratched by harder materials, and their surface may be damaged by acids, harsh cleaning products and some cosmetic ingredients.

This is why the best approach to pearl jewellery care is gentle cleaning, careful storage and avoiding unnecessary exposure to chemicals.

Whether your jewellery features freshwater pearls or another type of cultured pearl, these basic principles are useful.

1. Put your pearl jewellery on last

One of the easiest ways to care for pearl jewellery is to make it the final step in your getting-ready routine.

Perfume, hairspray, moisturiser and cosmetics can leave residue on pearls or expose them to ingredients that may affect their surface over time.

A simple routine can help:

Apply your skincare products.
Finish your makeup and hairstyle.
Allow products to settle or dry.
Put on your pearl jewellery.

This reduces the likelihood of pearls coming into direct contact with cosmetics.

The same principle applies when you're getting ready for an evening out or a special occasion.

Put your pearls on just before you leave, rather than wearing them while applying perfume or styling products.

2. How to clean pearl jewellery safely

If you're wondering how to clean pearl jewellery, the most important rule is to keep things gentle.

For routine cleaning, use a clean, soft cloth to wipe the pearls after wearing them.

This helps remove traces of sweat, skin oils and everyday residue.

If your pearl jewellery needs more attention, use a cloth very lightly dampened with clean water, provided the jewellery's construction allows it.

Then gently wipe the surface and allow the piece to dry completely before storing it.

Avoid soaking pearl jewellery, particularly if it includes knots, silk thread, glued components or other materials that could be affected by moisture.

Never assume that a cleaning method suitable for metal jewellery is also suitable for pearls.

Avoid using:

Bleach or household cleaning products.
Vinegar or other acidic solutions.
Abrasive cloths or brushes.
Steam cleaners.
Ultrasonic jewellery cleaners.
Strong jewellery-cleaning solutions unless specifically approved for the exact materials involved.

If your pearls are part of a complex or valuable piece, consult a professional jeweller before using anything beyond a soft cloth.

3. Store pearl jewellery separately

Correct storage is an important part of keeping pearl jewellery in good condition.

Because pearls are relatively soft, they can be scratched when they rub against harder gemstones, metal edges or other jewellery.

Instead of placing all your accessories in one jewellery box, store pearls separately.

A soft pouch or a compartment lined with fabric can help protect their surface.

For necklaces, make sure the piece is not tangled tightly with other chains.

If you have several necklaces, fastening them before storage and laying them separately can help prevent knots and friction.

You should also keep pearl jewellery away from excessive heat, direct sunlight and very dry conditions.

The aim is to create a clean, dry and protected place where your pearls won't be scratched or crushed.

4. Can you wear pearl jewellery every day?

Yes, you can enjoy pearl jewellery as part of your everyday style, provided you treat it with care.

Pearls don't have to be reserved for weddings, celebrations or formal occasions.

A pearl necklace can look beautiful with a T-shirt and jeans, while pearl earrings can bring a little detail to an otherwise simple outfit.

The key is to be mindful of the activities you're doing while wearing them.

It's best to remove pearl jewellery before:

Swimming in a pool or the sea.
Showering or bathing.
Exercising heavily.
Cleaning with household chemicals.
Applying beauty products directly around the jewellery.
Doing activities that could knock, scratch or pull the piece.

Pearls are made to be enjoyed, not hidden away. A little attention to when and how you wear them can help you enjoy your jewellery while protecting it from unnecessary damage.

A woman wearing a delicate gold chain necklace with a teardrop-shaped white pearl pendant, styled with a white ribbed tank top against a warm, softly lit background.

5. Keep pearl necklaces away from excessive pulling

If you wear pearl necklaces regularly, pay attention to the condition of the thread or chain.

Some pearl necklaces are strung on silk or other specialist threads, sometimes with knots between individual pearls.

These knots can help prevent pearls from rubbing together and reduce the risk of losing multiple pearls if the necklace breaks.

Over time, stringing materials may stretch or weaken.

If you notice loose knots, significant stretching or signs of wear, have the necklace assessed by a jeweller.

Avoid pulling a necklace to remove tangles. Instead, place it on a flat surface and gently work through the knot.

For delicate pieces, professional restringing may be the safest option.

6. Be careful with water and moisture

Can pearl jewellery get wet?

A brief splash of clean water doesn't necessarily mean a pearl is damaged, but routinely exposing pearl jewellery to water is not recommended.

Water can affect stringing materials, knots and certain jewellery components. Chlorinated swimming pools, salt water, soaps and shampoos introduce additional risks.

For this reason, remove pearl jewellery before showering, swimming or bathing.

If a piece gets damp, gently wipe it with a soft cloth and let it dry completely before storing it.

Avoid using a hairdryer or placing the jewellery near a direct heat source to speed up the process.

7. Check your pearl jewellery regularly

A quick inspection can help you identify small issues before they become bigger problems.

Every so often, take a moment to check:

Whether clasps close securely.
Whether chains or links show signs of wear.
Whether any pearls appear loose.
Whether threads or knots are fraying.
Whether metal components have become bent or damaged.

If something looks wrong, stop wearing the piece until it has been checked.

This is particularly important for pearl necklaces, where damaged stringing or a loose clasp could cause the jewellery to break or become lost.

For valuable or delicate pieces, a professional jeweller can advise on appropriate maintenance.

8. Avoid common pearl jewellery care mistakes

Sometimes, protecting your jewellery is simply about knowing what not to do.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Using a silver-cleaning solution on the entire piece. A product designed for silver may not be suitable for pearls. If your jewellery combines pearls and metal, avoid applying cleaning solutions directly to the pearls.

Keeping pearls loose in a crowded jewellery box. Contact with harder jewellery can scratch their surface.

Wearing pearls while swimming. Chlorine, salt water and other environmental factors can damage pearls or their jewellery components.

Using ultrasonic cleaners. Vibrations and cleaning solutions can be unsuitable for pearls and may damage delicate settings or stringing.

Storing pearls while they're still damp. Allow your jewellery to dry fully before putting it away.

Small habits make a difference, especially if you wear your pearl jewellery frequently.

How long can pearl jewellery last?

With appropriate care, pearl jewellery can remain beautiful for many years.

Its longevity depends on several factors, including the quality and condition of the pearls, the materials used in the design, how frequently the piece is worn and how it is stored.

Stringing, clasps and other components may need maintenance over time.

The most important thing is to treat pearl jewellery as a delicate material rather than assuming it can withstand the same conditions as every other accessory.

Careful handling and appropriate storage can help preserve its appearance.

A little care goes a long way

Pearls are beautiful because of their distinctive lustre, subtle variations and timeless appeal.

Looking after them doesn't require an elaborate routine. Wipe them gently after wearing, keep them away from harsh chemicals, store them separately and remove them before activities that could expose them to damage.

These simple habits can help you enjoy your favourite pieces for longer.

At Lucy Andy, we love jewellery that becomes part of everyday life. From pearl details to contemporary designs, we believe the pieces you love should be worn and enjoyed.

With a little care, your pearl jewellery can remain a treasured part of your collection.