How to Care for Pearl Jewelry: Keep Your Pearls Shining for Years
Pearl jewelry is not just an accessory; it’s a timeless treasure. Whether it’s a classic pearl necklace, a delicate pearl bracelet, or a statement pearl ring, these precious gems deserve the best care to maintain their natural beauty. However, pearls are organic and more delicate than other gemstones, so knowing how to properly care for them is essential if you want them to last for generations.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the best practices for cleaning, storing, and caring for your pearl jewelry.
1. Wear Your Pearls Often (But Wisely)
Believe it or not, the oils from your skin actually help pearl jewelry maintain its natural luster. So, the more you wear them, the better they’ll look! However, pearls are soft and can be damaged easily, so it’s important to wear them wisely. Avoid wearing pearl necklaces or pearl earrings when doing activities that may expose them to harsh chemicals, like swimming or applying perfume and hairspray.
Always remember: Pearls should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.
2. Keep Pearls Away from Chemicals
One of the most important rules in pearl care is to keep them away from chemicals. Substances like perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and makeup can dull the luster of your pearls over time. To protect your handcrafted pearl jewelry, make sure to apply any beauty products before putting on your pearls and allow everything to dry completely.
It’s also a good idea to avoid exposing your pearls to household cleaning products, as they can be equally damaging.
3. Clean Pearls Gently After Every Wear
It’s always a good idea to clean your pearl jewelry after wearing it. Pearls are porous and can absorb oils and sweat from your skin. To clean them, simply use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe them down after each wear. This helps to remove any residue or oils that could dull the pearls over time.
Never use harsh cleaners, abrasive materials, or ultrasonic jewelry cleaners on your pearls. Stick to water and mild soap if needed, but make sure you don’t submerge them—just wipe with a damp cloth and dry them immediately.
4. Store Pearls Properly
How you store your pearls is just as important as how you wear them. Pearls can easily get scratched when stored with other jewelry, especially harder gemstones like diamonds or metals. Always store your pearl earrings, pearl bracelets, or pearl rings separately in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box to avoid any damage.
Pearls also need air circulation to keep them from drying out, so avoid sealing them in airtight plastic bags. Instead, a soft cloth or felt-lined box will keep them safe and maintain their moisture balance.
5. Restring Pearl Necklaces Periodically
Over time, the silk or nylon string that holds your pearl necklace together can weaken, stretch, or even break. To prevent losing your pearls, it’s a good idea to have your pearl necklaces restrung every couple of years, depending on how often you wear them. Most jewelers recommend knotting between each pearl to avoid rubbing and to prevent losing all the pearls if the string breaks.
At Pearl Naked, we ensure that our handcrafted pearl necklaces are made with high-quality materials, but even the best pearls benefit from occasional restringing.
6. Avoid Exposure to Heat and Sunlight
Extreme heat and direct sunlight can damage your pearls, causing them to become brittle or discolored. It’s best to store your pearls in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heating vents. Excessive exposure to dry air can cause pearls to crack or lose their luster, so it’s important to store them with care.
7. Regular Inspections
Make it a habit to regularly inspect your pearl jewelry to ensure that all clasps are secure and that the pearls are still tightly strung. If you notice any wear or loosening, take your pearls to a professional jeweler for maintenance.
Conclusion: Love Your Pearls, and They’ll Love You Back
Caring for your pearl jewelry doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require attention to detail. By following these simple tips, you can keep your pearls looking as beautiful as the day you bought them.
Whether you own a delicate pearl necklace, an elegant pearl bracelet, or bold pearl earrings from Pearl Naked, the proper care will ensure they remain a cherished part of your jewelry collection for years to come.
Explore our collection of handcrafted pearl jewelry at Pearl Naked, and give your pearls the care they deserve!
