Quick answer: Pearls are soft, organic gems, so treat them gently. Follow the 'last on, first off' rule — put pearls on after perfume, hairspray and makeup, and take them off first. Wipe them with a soft, slightly damp cloth after each wear, store them flat and separately from harder jewelry, and never use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals. With this routine, pearls last generations.
Pearls aren't like diamonds — they're made of layered nacre, which is relatively soft and reacts to acids and chemicals. The good news: caring for them takes seconds.
The golden rule: last on, first off
Put your pearls on last, after you've applied perfume, hairspray, lotion and makeup — these contain chemicals and acids that dull nacre over time. Take them off first when you get home, before anything else. This single habit prevents most pearl damage.
How to clean pearls
- After each wear, wipe gently with a soft, lint-free cloth — slightly damp with plain water if needed.
- For a deeper clean, use a cloth dampened with mild soapy water, then wipe with a clean damp cloth and lay flat to dry.
- Never submerge a knotted strand — wet silk thread weakens and can stretch or discolor.
- Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam, vinegar, ammonia, bleach, or jewelry 'dips.' These attack the nacre.
How to store pearls
- Store them flat to avoid stretching the silk on a strand.
- Keep them separate from harder jewelry (diamonds, metal) that can scratch the surface — a soft pouch or fabric-lined box is ideal.
- Avoid airtight plastic long-term; pearls benefit from a little humidity and can dry out and crack if sealed away for years.
- Don't store them in a hot, dry safe for extended periods for the same reason.
What to avoid
| Don't | Why |
|---|---|
| Shower, swim or bathe in pearls | Chlorine, soap and prolonged water harm nacre and silk |
| Spray perfume/hairspray while wearing | Chemicals dull and pit the surface |
| Use ultrasonic or steam cleaners | Vibration/heat damages nacre and loosens knots |
| Store loose with other jewelry | Harder gems scratch the soft surface |
| Leave a strand hanging long-term | Stretches the silk thread |
Wear them often — really
Pearls actually benefit from being worn. The natural moisture and oils from your skin help keep the nacre lustrous. A pearl strand kept in a drawer for years can dry out faster than one worn regularly. So wear them — just follow the last-on, first-off rule.
When to re-string a knotted strand
If the silk between pearls looks loose, frayed, or discolored, or the pearls slide freely, it's time to re-string. For regularly worn necklaces, re-string every 1–2 years. Knots between pearls aren't just decorative — they stop pearls rubbing together and ensure you'd only ever lose one pearl if the thread broke.
Frequently asked questions
How do you clean pearls at home? Wipe them with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing. For a deeper clean use mild soapy water on a cloth, then wipe clean and dry flat. Avoid soaking knotted strands.
Can you wear pearls in the shower or pool? No. Soap, shampoo and especially chlorine damage the nacre, and water weakens the silk thread on knotted strands. Take pearls off first.
Can you wear pearls every day? Yes — daily wear is good for pearls, as skin oils maintain luster. Just keep them away from perfume, chemicals and water.
How often should pearls be re-strung? Every 1–2 years for frequently worn knotted strands, or sooner if the silk looks loose or worn.
Want the full picture? Read our Pearl Guide on choosing and caring for pearls, browse pearl necklaces, or ask our Montréal concierge a care question. Prestige Pearl strands are hand-knotted on silk for exactly this kind of longevity.