How to Clean Pearl Jewelry

Posted on Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 in Pearls.


akoya pearl necklace strand

Pearl jewelry is more popular than ever right now. With so many people wearing pearls for the first time, a lot of individuals are left wondering how to take care of their favorite pearl pieces. Unlike certain other gemstones, pearls require special care. To maintain their natural luster and keep them looking their best, follow these tips when cleaning your pearl jewelry.

  • Wipe your pearls with a soft cloth after wearing them. This will help get rid of body oil, lotion, or other substances that may have ended up on your pearls.
  • Be gentle on your pearls while cleaning them. If you clean your pearls aggressively, their luster will wear off.
  • Never submerge your pearls in water. Doing so will weaken the silk thread holding your pearls together. If you need water to get rid of any hard-to-remove stains, it’s best to mix mild dish soap with lukewarm water and dip part of a soft cloth in the water before wiping the pearls. Then, dampen another cloth with just water to remove any soap residue. Dry the pearls off with a soft cloth and place the pearls on a dry, soft towel to let them air dry completely before putting them away.

Besides regularly cleaning your pearl jewelry, it’s also important to follow certain care tips to make sure your pearl jewelry lasts a long time. Like other jewelry, your pearls should be the last thing you put on in the morning (after putting on clothes, makeup, lotion, fragrance, etc.) and the first thing you take off when you get home. Unlike other necklaces and bracelets you may have, your pearl strands should not be hung on a jewelry rack. Instead, you should lay your pearls flat whenever you’re not wearing them. This will prevent the pearl strands from stretching. Your pearl jewelry should also be stored separately from your other jewelry to avoid any unnecessary scratches.

When you notice that the silk thread in-between your pearls has darkened, frayed, or loosened, that means it’s time to have your pearls re-strung. Take your pearl strand to a jeweler you trust, who will be able to re-string them for you.

Lastly, the best thing you can do to ensure your pearl jewelry lasts is to wear your pearl pieces frequently. Pearls benefit from a little moisture, so wearing them allows your pearls to stay moist and less prone to drying out.

If you have any questions about caring for your pearl jewelry, contact us at 414-276-2457 or info@kloiberjewelers.com.

View our pearl jewelry collection here.