Keep Your Pearl Jewelry Spotless with These 4 Easy Tips

Pearls can add a dash of sophistication to your day or evening wear. They’re meant to stand the wear and tear of daily use, but also require precious care to ensure they last a long time. If you’ve been wondering how to clean your pearl jewelry, we’ve assembled a comprehensive guide with easy-to-implement tips for keeping your pearl jewelry sparkling.

Whether you have pearl earrings or pearl bracelets, these tips can help you keep your pearl jewelry looking like new for many years to come. But first, let’s discuss why pearls require special cleaning and how you can be best prepared to protect your investment.

Why Pearls Need Cleaning

Pearls can be a wonderful gift for yourself or a loved one. In order to extend a pearl jewelry's lifetime, they require frequent cleaning to retain their soft glow. Pearls are lustrous and organic gemstones that have varying outer nacre coating thickness. The outer nacre layer is what gives a pearl its stunning beauty and sparkle. A thin nacre, however, can be vulnerable to damage.

Pearls can be defenseless against acid and alkaline chemicals as well as high levels of humidity. Beauty products such as hair spray or cosmetics can affect the shine of the pearl, which is why you should always avoid letting pearls come into contact with harsh chemicals. A gentle wipe with a soft cloth is all you need to do after every use.

How to Clean Pearl Jewelry

Pearl jewelry should be cleaned with a soft cloth every time it’s worn. In-depth cleaning can be performed when it’s noticeably stained. A soft cloth can remove any body oil, dust, or external contaminants. Cleaning pearls doesn’t have to be hard. All you need is some warm water, a mild soap, and soft cleansing cloths. When cleaning, handle the pearl gently to avoid any damage.

To begin the cleaning process, create a solution of lukewarm water and a few drops of a mild soap. It’s important to use lukewarm water because anything hotter or colder can affect the pearl’s luster. Dip the soft cloth in the water and soap mixture and gently wipe the pearls. Don’t submerge the pearl jewelry in the water solution.

Dip another soft cloth in fresh lukewarm water to remove any soapy residue. Afterward, let the pearls dry out on a soft cloth or towel. Avoid using a blow dryer to speed up the drying process, especially at high temperatures. For maximum care, take your pearl jewelry to your local jeweler for professional maintenance every year.

Additional Tips to Keep in Mind

Although pearls may withstand a hard drop, they are vulnerable to sharp objects, diamonds, or other gemstones. Pearl jewelry can be protected by storing them in a jewelry box that has several compartments. Separating each piece, especially the pearls, can put them out of harm’s way. A jewelry pouch can be used when traveling with pearls.

Due to their organic source, pearls can dehydrate if stored away for a long time. Pearls are meant to be worn. No matter how hard you try, pearl parts and the pearl itself will require some maintenance. The prongs, clasps, or screws may need replacement. The threads that hold together pearl necklaces may stretch or loosen over time. Consider restringing pearl necklaces annually.

Get Your Pearl Jewelry Professionally Cleaned at Corinne Jewelers

Now that you know how to clean pearl jewelry, you can set a reminder to do it regularly. If you have any questions about how to clean pearl jewelry or want a professional to take care of it, visit our showroom in Toms River, New Jersey for professional jewelry cleaning and jewelry repairs. Our master jewelers will take the stress out of cleaning your pearls!