Pearls have an allure that transcends time - think of a strand of pearls passed down from your grandmother, still glowing with the same soft radiance as when she wore them. With proper care, pearls can indeed last for generations, making them some of the most enduring heirlooms. However, pearls are unlike hard gems such as diamonds or sapphires; they are organic and somewhat delicate. They need a bit of extra love to keep them at their best. The good news is that caring for pearls isn’t difficult, it mostly comes down to gentle handling and smart habits.
In this guide, we’ll share how to look after your pearls, so they remain breathtaking for not just your lifetime, but your children’s and grandchildren’s lifetimes as well.
Understanding Why Pearls Need Special Care
To care for pearls properly, it helps to know what they are and what can harm them. Pearls are formed of nacre, layer upon layer of microscopic calcium carbonate crystals laid down by an oyster or mussel. This nacre is what gives pearls their lustre and beauty. It’s also relatively soft. On the Mohs hardness scale, pearls rank about 2.5 to 3.0 out of 10. This means they can be easily scratched by harder materials. For context, a steel nail is about 5 on that scale, and glass is around 5.5 - so pearls can be scratched by many common objects (even other harder gemstones or metal edges).
Pearls are also sensitive to acids and chemicals. The calcium carbonate that makes up nacre can be eroded by acidic substances. Ever heard the old science experiment of dissolving an egg in vinegar? Vinegar (acetic acid) will similarly eat away at a pearl’s surface. You won’t likely dunk your pearls in vinegar, but even milder acids can damage them - things like perspiration (which can be slightly acidic), citrus juice, vinegar-based dressings, or household cleaning products. Pearls can also be damaged by alcohol and chemicals found in perfume, hair spray, cosmetics, and sunscreen. Even excessive heat or very dry conditions can cause pearls to dehydrate and develop a crazed or dull surface.
In short: pearls thrive when they’re worn and treated gently, and they dislike rough handling, harsh chemicals, and neglect.
Now, let’s translate that into practical do’s and don’ts.
Pearl Care Tips: Do’s and Don’ts
Following these tips will ensure your pearls stay as lovely as the day you got them:
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DO put pearls on last, and take them off first: Make “pearls last” your little mantra when dressing. This means when you’re getting ready, save your pearl necklace or earrings as the final touch after you’ve applied makeup, perfume, hair products, body lotion, etc. That way, your pearls avoid direct contact with any chemicals or sprays. When you come home, remove your pearl jewellery first thing (before kicking off your shoes even!), so you don’t accidentally snag them or expose them to any post-party cleaning routines. This habit alone prevents a lot of potential damage.
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DO wipe your pearls after wearing them: It’s a great practice to gently wipe each pearl with a soft cloth when you take off your jewellery for the day. A clean microfiber cloth or a jewellery polishing cloth (untreated, or specifically marked safe for pearls) works well. Why wipe them? Because it removes tiny traces of sweat or oils from your skin, which, if left on the pearls, could dull their shine over time or mildly eat into the nacre. Think of it as tucking your pearls into bed clean each night.
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DON’T use abrasive materials: Never use toothbrushes, scouring pads, or any rough fabric to clean pearls. Even paper towels can be too abrasive (they have fibres that can scratch). Stick to very soft cloths. Pearls have a smooth feel but a very fine texture on a microscopic level, so abrasion can wear them down.
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DO wear your pearls often: As counter-intuitive as it might sound for a delicate gem, wearing pearls is good for them. Pearls absorb moisture from the air and from your skin, which helps keep their nacre hydrated and lustrous. Pearls kept locked away in a dry box for years can slowly lose some of their lustre and even develop a crazed surface. By wearing them, you’re essentially giving them a conditioning treatment! (Plus, what’s the point of beautiful pearls if not to enjoy them?) Just remember, if you perspire a lot while wearing them - say, on a hot day, give them a gentle wipe down afterward.
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DON’T expose pearls to water and chemicals: Remove pearl jewellery before swimming (pools have chlorine, which is particularly bad for pearls, and even freshwater lakes/rivers might have microbes or pollutants that aren’t pearl-friendly). Also remove before showering or bathing; soaking pearls should be avoided. Never use harsh jewellery cleaners on pearls - those solutions are made for hard gems and metals, not organic gems. If your pearls do need a thorough clean (perhaps a strand has gotten a bit grimy over years of wear), the safest method is lukewarm water with a tiny drop of mild soap, and wiping each pearl with a soft cloth dipped in that solution. But generally, if you wipe them regularly as recommended, you won’t need to “wash” your pearls often.
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DON’T store pearls in airtight plastic or extreme conditions: Pearls should be stored away from heat vents or direct sunlight (long exposure to strong heat or sun can cause dehydration and discoloration). They also shouldn’t be kept in a very dry environment for long periods. Many jewellers recommend storing pearls in a slightly humid environment. An old trick is to leave a glass of water in the area where your pearls are stored, to maintain some humidity or simply, take them out and wear them periodically. If you have a safe or deposit box that’s very dry, consider keeping a small damp cotton ball in there (away from the pearls, not touching them, to add moisture to the air). Do not store pearls in sealed plastic bags; this can dry them out and some plastics emit vapours that might harm pearls. Instead, use the pouch or box that came with your pearls. A soft satin or velvet-lined box allows a bit of airflow.
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DO store pearls separately: Pearls can scratch each other a little bit (especially if one pearl has a rough area near its drill hole, it could scratch another). More importantly, other jewellery can definitely scratch pearls. Store your pearl pieces separate from metal chains, rings, or gemstones. Ideally, each piece sits in its own soft compartment. If you’re traveling, use a travel jewellery case with padded sections, or wrap your pearls in a soft cloth. For earrings, maybe keep them in a small earring box. The main idea is to avoid jostling and contact with harder objects.
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DON’T hang pearl necklaces: Store pearl necklaces flat if possible, or gently coiled on a soft surface.
By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll prevent the most common causes of pearl damage: scratching, chemical damage, and dehydration. Your pearls will remain glossy and intact.
Can Pearls “Age”? How to Keep Them Young and Radiant
You may have heard the term “pearls age” or “pearls mellow” over time. Unlike wine, pearls don’t exactly improve with age - but they can stay beautiful over many decades if cared for, or conversely, they can deteriorate if neglected. Here are a few notes on pearl aging and how to combat it:
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Yellowing: White pearls, especially vintage ones, can develop a creamy or yellowish tint as they age. Some people love the warm patina of antique pearls; others prefer the crisp white of new pearls. Yellowing can happen due to a combination of factors: exposure to chemicals, or simply the natural change in organic material over a very long time. Keeping pearls away from smoke and pollutants and cleaning them gently can slow any discolouration. Also, wearing them (again, yes!) can actually keep them from yellowing as much, because stored-away pearls that never see the light of day tend to yellow more.
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Cracking or peeling: Pearls that have very thin nacre (usually an issue only in some cultured pearls where not enough nacre grew over the bead) can in worst cases “peel” or flake. This is uncommon in any quality pearl (reputable jewellers won’t sell pearls with dangerously thin nacre). However, extremely dry conditions or high heat can cause nacre to crack. I once saw a pearl that sat near a radiator for months - its surface became patchy and cracked. Avoid extreme heat and maintain some ambient humidity for your pearls. If you notice any early signs of surface change (matte patches or hairline cracks), cease any at-home wear and take the piece to a jeweller for advice. Thankfully, such issues are rare if the pearls are of decent quality and you follow the care tips above.
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Lustre loss: Over many years, if pearls accumulate micro-scratches or a film of residue, their lustre can diminish. Regular gentle cleaning prevents this. Try giving them a good wipe with a damp cloth (just water) - years of old soap, perfume, etc., might come off and restore some shine. Jewellers can also gently polish pearls with special compounds to bring back lustre (this is delicate - not something to DIY). Never buff pearls aggressively; leave any deep cleaning to professionals.
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Re-polishing pearls: In some cases, professionals can lightly polish pearls to remove surface damage, but it’s a skilled task and can only be done if the nacre is thick enough. This is usually a last resort for pearls with visible scratches or dullness. The better approach is preventative care, so you never need this.
The bottom line: Pearls do not have to age poorly. We have examples of pearls from centuries past (such as famous pearls owned by European royalty) that still look stunning today because they were treasured and cared for. By treating your pearls kindly, you ensure they will last a lifetime and beyond.
Making Your Pearls Last for Generations
Pearls connect us to the past in a way few gems do. The idea that a granddaughter could wear the same strand of pearls her grandmother wore on her wedding day is so special. By caring for your pearls, you’re preserving not just a piece of jewellery, but likely a piece of family history and love.
A quick recap of the most important steps to remember:
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Keep pearls away from chemicals and acids (perfume, hairspray, sweat).
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Put pearls on last and take off first.
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Wipe them clean after use and store them softly and separately.
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Have them re-strung every few years if needed.
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Wear them and enjoy them - don’t let them sit drying out for ages.
At Raison d’Être, we provide a Product Care guide with each of our pearl pieces and offer support if you have any questions on maintenance. Our mission is for your Maya Sienna pearls to retain their beauty for decades.
Treat your pearls well, and they will reward you with everlasting radiance. Someday, you might pass your pearls down and delight in seeing them adorn a loved one, still shimmering as gorgeously as when you first fell in love with them. That is the magic of pearls - with a little care, their impact truly lasts for generations to come.