How to Care for Pearls

Eternally elegant pearl jewelry has been popular throughout the world for centuries. As the June birthstone, pearls are both symbolic and stylish. These enchanting gems come in a rainbow of colors with various shapes, sizes and details that make each pearl unique.

Every jewelry collection can use some pearls, from earrings to strand necklaces and everything in between. Though these organic gems are incredibly popular, they are more sensitive than other gems like diamonds or sapphires.

You can keep any pearls at their best with our tips on how to care for pearls and pearl jewelry. These pearl care guides are useful for freshwater, South Sea, Tahitian, Akoya, baroque, and other varieties of pearls. We also have additional tips on caring for similar jewels like mother of pearl.

With the proper care, your pearl jewelry can last lifetimes.

Quick Pearl Care Tips

Whether you’re keeping a strand pearl necklace in shape or you’re looking to maintain your pearl earrings, all pearl jewelry has the same key care instructions:

Follow the last on, first off rule
Avoid exposing pearls to chemicals, perfumes or cosmetics
Don’t sleep, shower or exercise in any pearl jewelry
Keep pearls separate from beads or other jewels that can scratch them
Don’t submerge pearl strands in water
Wipe pearls with a soft cloth after each wear
Store pearl jewelry in its original packaging or a felt-lined box
Don’t store pearls in plastic bags
Gently spot clean pearl jewelry with warm water sparingly as needed
Wear your pearl jewelry regularly

Wearing your pearls regularly helps keep the jewelry at its best, as the natural oils from your skin can help revitalize pearls so they keep their signature shine.

More About the Last On, First Off Pearl Care Rule

Pearls are sensitive to chemicals like harsh cleaners, lotions and even cosmetics or perfumes. The delicate outer layers of pearls can be harmed by many chemicals, so it’s best to follow the last on, first off rule of pearl jewelry. This means that your pearls should be the last thing you put on when you’re getting ready and the first thing you take off when your day is done.

Following the last on, first off rule of pearls can help keep pearl rings, necklaces, earrings, and pearl bracelets at their best. It is one of the most crucial tips for how to take care of pearls, regardless of their setting.

Additional Tips on How to Care for Pearls

Pearls are soft gemstones, but they are surprisingly durable when the right care steps are taken. Storing pearls in soft boxes, avoiding chemical exposure and preventing scratches are the biggest steps in keeping your pearls at their best.

Do not use ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners on pearl jewelry. When in doubt, avoid submerging any pearl jewelry in water or jewelry cleaning solutions. If your pearl jewelry needs a deep cleaning, visit your local jewelry store.

How to Care for String of Pearls

Chic pearl strand necklaces and pearl strand bracelets are some of our most popular pearl jewelry styles. Whether you purchase your pearl strand jewelry from our online jewelry store or at other retailers, it likely uses silk or nylon threads through each pearl. Because pearl strings have unique construction, there are additional care tips for this pearl jewelry. Here are our leading tips on how to care for string of pearls:

Follow the last on, first off rule
Don’t submerge any string of pearls jewelry
Get your string of pearls inspected and re-strung every few years
Store strings of pearls lying flat
Do not store string of pearls hanging

To care for strings of pearls, follow all pearl jewelry care tips. Storing this jewelry flat will help prevent the nylon or silk from stretching and following the last on, first off rule will help protect pearl strands from chemicals.

How to Care for Mother of Pearl

Though mother of pearl jewelry can a look a little different than classic pearl jewelry, its upkeep is the same. Avoid chemicals, cosmetics, submerging in water, and direct contact with harder gemstones or materials. As with all pearl jewelry, you should also follow the last on, first off rule with mother of pearl pieces.

Styling Pearl Jewelry

Now that you know how to care for pearls, you’re ready to wear this popular jewelry. Pearls are popular for necklace layering, anniversary gifts, earring stacking, and graduation gifts. Pearl jewelry is often worn solo, but it can also be stacked or worn alongside other pieces for a maximalist look.