Pearls are among the most elegant and timeless gems in the world but unlike diamonds or rubies, they are relatively soft due to their organic formation and composition. Their delicate nature means they require a little more thought when wearing and storing in order to protect their appearance and condition. However, with the right know-how plus a little time and attention, the beauty and quality of your pearls will be protected and maintained, ensuring they can be treasured for generations to come.

Wearing your pearls

By taking a few precautions, it is perfectly safe to wear your pearls frequently, even daily, and it’s actually a great way to keep them looking lustrous. Wearing pearls next to the skin is not only flattering, the natural oils in our skin can help to maintain moisture levels in the pearls, keeping them looking their best and preventing them from drying out. The only caveat is to make sure you wipe them gently with a soft cloth each time you take them off as any dirt, pollution or cosmetic residue left sitting on the surface of the pearls won’t do them any good. With jewellery, it is typically bracelets and rings that are the most vulnerable to knocks and accidental damage whilst wearing and it is especially important to avoid this with pearls due to their soft nature. Never wear your pearl jewellery whilst gardening, working out, playing contact sports or doing any physical activity that may risk damaging them. This includes cleaning if using products such as bleach and white vinegar which will harm the surface of pearls.

Cosmetics and perfume

The old adage that your pearls should be the last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing you take off at night is a sound one. There are many commonly used cosmetics that will harm pearls if they repeatedly come into contact with them such as fragranced moisturisers and oils, foundation, fake tan, perfume, body sprays and hair mists as well as SPF, nail varnish and remover. So, finish getting ready and allow your products time to dry before putting on your pearls and always remember to wipe them over carefully when you take them off before putting them away.

How to clean your pearls

The ideal way to care for your pearls is to clean them gently and often. A careful wipe over with a soft, damp, lint-free cloth each time you take them off will ensure they remain looking their best for many years. Once you’ve done that, leave them to dry thoroughly before storing them safely. I certainly don’t recommend any form of commercial jewellery cleaner and supposed at-home cleaning remedies such as using vinegar to restore lustre, rubbing in olive oil or giving them a scrub with bicarbonate of soda or toothpaste and toothbrush should all be avoided. If your pearls need a little more of a deep clean once in a while, then wiping them thoroughly with a cloth dipped in very mild soapy water (eg baby shampoo – you want it fragrance and colour free) is a good way to remove any surface build up. Just remember to go over them a second time with a clean cloth dampened only with plain water to make sure no trace of soap remains. Cleaning devices such as steam cleaners and ultrasonic machines used to only be found in jewellers’ workshops but now smaller ‘at-home’ versions are available and whilst they may be great for your diamonds, they should never be used for your pearls.

Pearls and water

You might think that giving your pearls a good soak or wearing them in water would be completely safe, they were after all born in water. However, there is a big difference between the water in our seas and rivers and that which comes from our taps and fills our swimming pools. Neither your pearls nor their thread will thank you for a dunking in chlorinated or chemically treated water and whilst the pearls themselves won’t mind a dip in the sea, the thread shouldn’t be allowed to get wet. Thread stretches when wet and then shrinks when it dries and over time this will weaken it and increase the likelihood of breakage. So, no running your pearls under the tap to clean them and remember to take them off before you swim, shower, hot tub/ice plunge or take that well-deserved soak in a bubble bath.

Pearls and heat

Delicate souls that they are, pearls are not big fans of heat. Exposure to high temperatures can cause dehydration leading to splitting or cracking of the nacre as well as discolouration. Along with not storing near a heat source such as a radiator, make sure not to leave pearls in a bottom drawer if you have underfloor heating. Don’t use a hair dryer or hot styling tool whilst wearing them and never leave them sitting in direct sun for prolonged periods of time. Keep them cool and they will thank you for it.

When to re-string pearls

If you wear your pearl necklaces and bracelets frequently then I would recommend having them checked over professionally once a year and think about re-stringing every two years. Pearls that are only worn occasionally will need less regular maintenance. However often you wear your jewellery, it is a good idea to look over it carefully every now and then so that you can spot any potential problems such as a frayed or pulled thread, a loose knot, damaged fitting or wobbly clasp. These can then be dealt with promptly by a professional before any breakages happen. Regular re-stringing will help ensure the longevity of your pearls by keeping the thread secure and the knots tight and firm between every individual pearl thereby helping to cushion them from each other and avoid rubbing.

How to store pearls

Pearls should always be stored separately from all other jewellery, ideally in the box or fabric pouch they came with. Pearls are easily scratched (including by gemstones and metal jewellery settings) and can even be chipped or cracked if not taken care of. They should never be stored wrapped in plastic but rather a soft breathable fabric, ideally lint free and thick enough to cushion the pearls and then kept somewhere cool. Don’t keep them in humid/damp areas like a bathroom but neither will they like being stored long term in dry arid conditions such as a safe or safety deposit box. As mentioned above, avoid keeping them near a heat source such as a radiator or on a sunny windowsill. Necklaces should always be stored flat, never hung which will stretch and weaken the thread, widening the spaces between knots and spoiling the look of the necklace. They may seem a little demanding with their care needs, but a little considered tlc will help protect your pearls and keep them looking their very best.