How do you clean pearl jewelry at home?

After each wear, wipe pearls gently with a soft damp cloth to remove oils and residue, then allow to air dry completely before storing. For deeper cleaning, use a cloth dampened with lukewarm water and a tiny amount of mild soap (baby shampoo), wipe each pearl, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue. Never submerge pearl strands in water, and never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam, or chemical jewelry cleaners.

What should you never use to clean pearls?

Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, ammonia-based cleaners, vinegar, baking soda, toothpaste, dish soap with degreasers, chlorine bleach, or abrasive cloths on pearls. These can permanently damage the nacre. Also avoid soaking pearl strands in water, as it weakens the silk thread.

How should you store pearl jewelry?

Store pearls separately from other jewelry in a soft cloth pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratching. Lay pearl necklaces flat to avoid stretching the silk thread. Avoid airtight containers and plastic bags — pearls need some moisture to prevent dehydration and cracking. Store in moderate humidity, away from heat and direct sunlight.

How often should pearl necklaces be restrung?

Pearl necklaces worn frequently should be restrung every 1-2 years. Occasionally worn pearls should be restrung every 2-3 years. Signs that restringing is needed include visible thread between pearls, stretched or discolored thread, or loose knots. Always have pearls restrung by a professional jeweler using silk thread with knots between each pearl.

Can you wear pearls every day?

Yes — pearls actually benefit from regular wear, as natural body oils in moderation help maintain their luster and prevent dehydration from long-term storage. However, always wipe pearls with a soft damp cloth after each wearing to remove excess oils and acids, and remove them before swimming, exercising, showering, or applying cosmetics.

Fine Jewelry Care · delicate-jewelry

How to Clean and Care for Pearls: The Complete Guide to Preserving Your Pearl Jewelry

A pearl is an organic gem of calcium carbonate laid down in layers of nacre around an irritant inside a mollusc, bound by a protein called conchiolin — which is why it sits at 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale and dissolves in acids that leave every mineral gemstone untouched.

Arta Talachian Published 8 April 2026 · Reviewed 6 September 2026 · 6 min read

Quick Answer

Pearls are wiped with a soft damp cloth after every wear and never soaked, because water weakens the silk thread and acids in perspiration and cosmetics erode nacre. Use lukewarm water with a trace of baby shampoo for a monthly deeper clean, applied on a barely damp cloth rather than by immersion. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners, vinegar, baking soda or toothpaste. Restring frequently worn strands every one to two years.

Pearls are organic and porous — the most delicate material in fine jewelry. The golden rule: wipe with a soft damp cloth after every wear, never use chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, store separately in a soft pouch, and have strands restrung every 1–2 years. Consistent gentle care is the only thing that preserves nacre long-term.

On This Page

Quick Answer Daily Cleaning Deep Cleaning What to Never Use Storage Restringing Full Expert Guide

Quick Answer: Pearl Care Essentials

After every wear: Wipe with a soft damp cloth — remove oils, perspiration, and residue before storing
Deep clean monthly: Soft cloth + lukewarm water + tiny amount of baby shampoo — never submerge strands
Never use: Ultrasonic cleaners, steam, ammonia, vinegar, baking soda, toothpaste, or chemical jewelry cleaners
Storage: Soft cloth pouch, laid flat, never airtight — pearls need moisture to prevent cracking
Restring: Every 1–2 years for frequently worn strands; silk thread with knots between each pearl
Wear them: Regular wear in moderation helps maintain luster — just wipe after each use

Daily Cleaning: After Every Wear

This is the single most important pearl care habit. Perspiration, skin oils, and cosmetic residue are mildly acidic and will slowly erode nacre if left on the surface.

Dampen a soft lint-free cloth with lukewarm water

Microfiber or a dedicated jewelry polishing cloth works best. Never use paper towels or rough fabric.

Gently wipe each pearl

Work along the surface of each pearl to remove oils, perspiration, and any residue. Do not rub aggressively.

Pat dry with a dry section of the cloth

Remove surface moisture before storing.

Air dry completely before storing — at least 30 minutes

Storing damp pearls can weaken silk thread and encourage mildew. Never use a hair dryer or heat source to speed drying.

The "Last On, First Off" rule: Always put pearls on after applying makeup, perfume, hairspray, and lotions. Remove them first when you return home.

Deep Cleaning (Monthly or As Needed)

Mix a tiny amount of mild soap with lukewarm water

Baby shampoo or a specialized pearl cleaner only. No dish soap, no jewelry cleaner, no degreaser.

Dampen a soft cloth in the solution and wring out excess

The cloth should be barely damp — not wet. Never dip the jewelry directly into water.

Wipe each pearl carefully

Work gently along the surface. For pearl strands, support the strand so it doesn’t stretch.

Rinse the cloth in clean lukewarm water, wring out, and wipe again

Remove all soap residue — soap left on pearls can dull the surface over time.

Pat dry and air dry completely before storing

At least 30 minutes. Never submerge pearl strands — water weakens silk thread.

What to Never Use on Pearls

Ultrasonic cleaners

The vibrations can damage nacre and loosen settings. Never use on pearls under any circumstances.

Steam cleaners

Heat can crack pearls and damage the nacre layer permanently.

Chemical jewelry cleaners, ammonia, or bleach

All are too harsh for organic gemstones. Will dissolve or etch the nacre surface.

Vinegar or acidic solutions

Pearls are calcium carbonate — acid literally dissolves them. Even mild acids cause irreversible damage.

Baking soda or toothpaste

Both are abrasive and will scratch the nacre surface, permanently dulling the luster.

Soaking pearl strands in water

Water weakens silk thread and can cause stretching or breakage. Wipe only — never soak.

How to Store Pearl Jewelry

✅ Do This

Store in a soft cloth pouch or lined jewelry box. Lay necklaces flat to prevent thread stretching. Keep in moderate humidity. Store separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching from harder stones and metals.

❌ Avoid This

Airtight containers (pearls need moisture to prevent cracking). Plastic bags (can emit chemicals that damage nacre). Direct sunlight or heat sources. Storing with other jewelry that can scratch the surface.

Pearl Restringing: When and How Often

Frequently Worn Pearls

Restring every 1–2 years. Regular wear puts stress on silk thread and knots.

Occasionally Worn Pearls

Restring every 2–3 years. Even infrequent wear causes gradual thread degradation.

Signs restringing is needed: Visible thread between pearls, stretched or discolored thread, loose knots.

Always use a professional jeweler who uses silk thread with a knot between each pearl — this prevents total loss if the strand breaks. DEEVE offers professional restringing services as part of our lifetime warranty commitment. Learn about our warranty →

Explore related care guides:

Jewelry Care Hub → Gold & Diamond Care Guide → Emerald Care Guide → Warranty & Services →

Want the full expert breakdown? Continue below for a comprehensive guide to pearl composition, care by pearl type, travel care, professional maintenance, and restoration.

Complete Expert Guide: Pearl Care & Maintenance

Understanding Pearl Composition and Vulnerability

What Makes Pearls Unique

Pearls are composed primarily of calcium carbonate (aragonite) in crystalline form, along with conchiolin (an organic protein). This organic composition makes them:

Softer than most gemstones (2.5–4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale)
Porous and susceptible to absorption of chemicals and oils
Sensitive to acids, including those in perfumes, cosmetics, and even perspiration
Vulnerable to dehydration and cracking if stored improperly

Since pearls are often set in 14K or 18K gold settings, it’s important to care for both the pearl and the metal. Learn more in our Complete Guide to Caring for Fine Jewelry.

When to Remove Pearl Jewelry

Always remove pearls before:

Swimming (chlorine and saltwater damage pearls)
Exercising (perspiration contains acids that can damage nacre)
Showering or bathing
Applying cosmetics, perfumes, or hair products
Cooking (exposure to heat and food acids)
Cleaning with household products
Sleeping

Special Considerations for Different Pearl Types

Freshwater Pearls

Generally more durable than saltwater pearls but still require gentle care following all guidelines above.

Akoya Pearls

Delicate nacre requires extra gentle handling and frequent restringing.

South Sea and Tahitian Pearls

Thicker nacre but still vulnerable to chemicals and acids. Follow all care guidelines meticulously.

Wearing Pearls Regularly

Contrary to popular belief, pearls benefit from regular wear. Natural body oils help maintain luster in moderation, regular wear prevents dehydration from long-term storage, and wearing allows you to monitor condition and catch issues early. However: always wipe pearls after wearing to remove excess oils and acids.

Professional Care and Maintenance

Annual Professional Inspection

Schedule professional inspection at least once a year covering: thread condition assessment, clasp security check, pearl surface examination for damage, setting inspection (for pearl rings and earrings), and professional cleaning if needed.

Restoring Luster to Dull Pearls

If pearls have lost their luster, consult a professional jeweler specializing in pearls. Professional cleaning may restore some luster, but severe damage may be irreversible. Prevention through proper care is always better than restoration.

Travel Care for Pearls

Use a padded jewelry travel case with separate compartments
Wrap each piece in soft cloth
Carry in your carry-on luggage (never checked bags)
Avoid wearing pearls during travel activities (swimming, hiking, etc.)
Bring a soft cloth for wiping after wear

Insurance and Documentation

Obtain professional appraisals for valuable pearl jewelry
Photograph your pieces from multiple angles
Keep all certificates of authenticity and purchase receipts
Consider jewelry insurance for valuable pieces
Update appraisals every 2–3 years

Signs Your Pearls Need Professional Attention

Visible thread between pearls in a strand
Dull or chalky appearance
Cracks or chips in the nacre
Loose or damaged clasps
Discolored or frayed thread
Loose settings in pearl rings or earrings

Related Care Guides

This guide was authored by Arta Talachian, Master Goldsmith & Certified Gemologist with 25+ years of experience in fine jewelry design, crafting, and appraisal. Drawing on recommendations from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS). For more expert resources, visit the Jewelry Care Guide Hub.

What to remember

Pearls are calcium carbonate, so acid dissolves them — perspiration, perfume and hairspray are the everyday threat, not dirt.
Wipe after every wear. This one habit does more for a strand's life than any deep clean performed later.
Never submerge a strand: water swells and weakens silk thread, and a stretched thread is what precedes a break.
An airtight box is the wrong storage. Pearls need some ambient moisture or the nacre dries and crazes.
Insist on a knot between each pearl when restringing — it stops a broken strand from becoming a floor of loose pearls.
Pearls improve with wear in moderation; the danger is the drawer, not the wearing.

Mentioned above Pearl Station Choker Necklace in 14K Gold $902.00 View the piece

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