How To Care For Pearls

How To Care For Pearls
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Key Takeaways

  • Wipe pearls after each wear to remove oils, sunscreen, and perspiration that can dull their surface.
  • Avoid contact with chemicals such as perfume, hairspray, sanitiser, and cleaning products, as these can damage the nacre of the pearl or metal of the jewellery piece.
  • Store pearls in a soft, breathable pouch and keep them away from harder jewellery pieces that may scratch them.
  • Keep pearl strands flat and restring them every 12 to 24 months depending on how often they’re worn.
  • Avoid swimming, showering or soaking pearls as chlorine or saltwater can harm both the pearls the silk thread if they’re strung together in a pearl strand, or damage the metal of the jewellery piece..

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Pearls are one of nature’s most precious gemstones, formed slowly and shaped by Mother Nature herself. However, their organic nature means they require special care to preserve their lustre and longevity. Regular cleaning and proper storage are key to ensuring your pearl jewellery stays in pristine condition.  

This guide explains the essentials of pearl care, how to clean them, how to care for the metal elements of your jewellery, how to store them and what to avoid, so you can wear and enjoy your jewellery with confidence. 

Follow these simple steps to protect your investment and enjoy your pearls for years to come.  

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Understanding the Nature of Pearls 

Pearls are unique compared to other gemstones due to their origins. They are formed inside the pearl shell and are made of layers of nacre. This structure gives them their stunning lustre, but it also means they react differently to the elements, chemicals and rough surfaces compared to other gemstones.  

When not cared for properly they can become scratched, lose their lustre, or become yellowed. A few small habits make a significant difference in keeping them in good condition. 

Learn about Pearls

 How to Clean Pearls  

Here’s a step-by-step guide to clean you pearl jewellery: 

  1. Wipe with a Soft Cloth: After wearing your pearls, use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe away any oils or perspiration. This helps prevent buildup that can dull their shine. 
  2. Rinse: Only rise your pearls if you have swum with them in the pool or sea. It’s best to avoid doing this, but if you do then ensure you give them a short rinse in water and pat them dry with a soft cloth. 
  3. Special Care for Strands: For pearl strands, it’s best to avoid water, instead wiping each pearl individually with a soft cloth is best. They will also need to be restrung every 12 to 24 months based on wear.  
  4. Professional Cleaning: For deep cleaning, bring them to our head office at our Perth Studio.  
In-depth Product Care Guide

Best Practices for Storing Pearl Jewellery 

Proper storage is key to maintain the lustre of you precious pearls. When you receive your pearl jewellery, we recommend taking them out of their original gift boxes. Pearls should be stored in a soft, breathable pouch, away from any pieces that may scratch them. Avoid storing them in airtight containers, as pearls need moisture to prevent from drying out.  

For gold vermeil or sterling silver jewellery, we recommend anti-tarnish strips and regular polishing to keep your jewellery looking beautiful.

Silk is used in the crafting of pearl strands – so it is best for them to be laid flat to avoid stretching or tangling of the silk.  

For best results, store pearls in a cool, dry environment and avoid exposing them to excessive heat.  

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Caring for Pearls 

One of the most common mistakes people make with pearls or pearl jewellery is using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, which can strip the nacre and dull their shine.  

Cosmetics, sunscreens, sanitiser, perfumes, detergents, hairsprays and cleaning products are best to be avoided while wearing your pearls. These chemicals can erode the surface of your pearl – so keep them away to maintain their stunning lustre.   

It’s best to avoid swimming or showering while wearing your pearl jewellery, as the chlorine and chemicals in the water can damage the pearls surface. Even prolonged saltwater can affect the shin of your pearl – so be sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a clean, soft cloth.  

Another error is improper storage, such as keeping pearls in an airtight container, which can cause them to become brittle overtime.  

Finally, not wiping pearls after wear can lead to a buildup of oil, which overtime can dull their natural beauty.  

In-depth Product Care Guide

When to Get Professional Help

Even with impeccable care, jewellery benefits from occasional professional maintenance, especially heirloom pieces or those worn everyday.

  • Repolishing and cleaning can restore metals to like-new shine.
  • Clasp and setting checks ensure safety of your precious jewellery.
  • Restringing pearl strands, especially if they're worn often, keeps them secure.

Our team of pearl experts are always happy to answer any of your questions, and provide a complimentary cleaning service for all Pearls of Australia pearl jewellery pieces and an annual restringing service for your pearl strand necklaces and bracelets.

Contact Us
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Caring for all jewellery - beyond pearls

While pearls are uniquely delicate and require their own special care, quality jewellery, whether gold, silver, or vermeil, all benefits from thoughtful care and maintenance. Understanding the characteristics of different metals and how to preserve them will help your pieces stay radiant for years to come.

Our Metals

Caring for Sterling Silver Jewellery

Characteristics of Sterling Silver: Bright, reflective, lightweight and classic.

Care Tips for Sterling Silver:

  • Silver naturally oxidises over time, developing a patina that some wearers love, but it can be polished away if preferred.
  • Wipe with a soft polishing cloth after wear to remove oils and slow tarnishing.
  • For heavier tarnish, use a gentle silver cleaner or warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly, and avoid wetting the pearl itself.
Sterling Silver Jewellery

Caring for Gold Jewellery

Characteristics of Gold: Durable and elegant with varying hues depending on alloy mix.

Care Tips for Gold:

  • Gold is resistant to rust and corrosion, but can still scratch from everyday wear if not cared for properly.
  • Use a mild soap solution and soft cloth for cleaning.
  • Avoid harsh cleaners or chemicals, especially with pearls and other gemstones.
9ct Gold Jewellery18ct Gold Jewellery

Caring for Gold Vermeil Jewellery

Characteristics of Gold Vermeil: Silver base with a thick gold layer.

Care Tips for Gold Vermeil:

  • More susceptible to wear than solid gold.
  • Avoid water, lotions and perfumes, these accelerate plating wear.
  • Store separately from original gift box, and other jewellery.
  • Clean with dry polishing cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners.
Gold Vermeil Jewellery

    Shop Our Range Of Pearl Jewellery Today 

    Caring for your pearls ensures they can be worn often and passed on from one generation to the next in great condition. 

    Explore our range of Australian grown pearl jewellery, designed and crafted to highlight the natural qualities of each pearl. We also offer a cleaning and restringing service. Contact our team if you’d like your pearls assessed or maintained. 

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    How to Care For Pearls FAQs

    How do I properly care for and clean pearl jewellery?  

    Wipe your pearls after each wear, avoid chemicals, store them safely outside of their original gift box and keep them out of water. Read our in-depth product care guide here.

    Which jewellery brands provide professional pearl strand restringing? 

    Pearls of Australia provides professional restringing of pearl strands. Many specialist jewellers also offer this but ensure they are experienced with pearls. 

    What is the recommended storage for pearls?  

    A soft, breathable pouch or fabric-lined box, stored away from other jewellery and outside of its original gift box. 

    How often should pearls be professionally cleaned?  

    Pearls should be professionally cleaned every 1 to 2 years, or sooner if worn frequently. At Pearls of Australia, we offer this as a complimentary service annually.

    How do I care for Akoya pearls? 

    Avoid chemicals and water, wipe after wear, and store your Akoya pearls separately from other jewellery. 

    How do I care for South Sea pearls? 

    Treat South Sea Pearls the same as all pearl types, gentle cleaning, careful storage and no contact with chemicals.

    How do I clean pearl jewellery at home?  

    Use a soft cloth, and avoid soaking, scrubbing or any harsh cleaners. 

    Should I oil my pearls? 

    No. Oiling pearls is unnecessary and can cause residue buildup.

    How do I keep pearls from drying out? 

    Avoid airtight storage and wear them. 

    How do I check if a pearl is real? 

    Real pearls feel slightly gritty when rubbed lightly against your teeth. For certainty, seek professional assessment or certification. Discover our guide on how to check if pearls are real here.

    Do pearls deteriorate if not worn? 

    They may dry out overlong periods if stored incorrectly. Occasional wear helps maintain their condition. 

    What happens to pearls if you don’t wear them? 

    They can become dry or dull if sealed away without airflow. 

    Why can’t you get pearls wet? 

    Water can weaken silk threads, and chemicals in tap or pool water can affect the nacre of your precious pearl. 

    How do I take care of real pearls? 

    Wipe them, store them carefully, avoid chemical and have them checked occasionally. Discover our in-depth guide on how to care for your pearl jewellery here.

    Can pearls be worn every day? 

    Yes, provided they’re cared for and protected from chemicals and rough wear.