A Small Routine for Pearl Care

Keep a soft cloth where you take off your jewelry. It is an easier habit to maintain than a complicated cleaning ritual, and for pearls it is a useful starting point. After wearing them, give the surface a gentle wipe before putting the piece away.

Pearls have a relatively soft surface. Abrasive cleaners, rough fabrics and vigorous polishing are not the answer to a dull-looking patch. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. If a piece needs more than a light clean, ask a jeweler who understands both pearls and the particular setting.

GIA recommends warm soapy water for occasional thorough cleaning, but a finished piece needs some judgment: a glued setting or delicate string can introduce other limits. Follow the maker's instructions and do not leave the jewelry soaking. If a strand becomes wet, let the string dry completely before wearing it again.

Put pearls on after perfume, hairspray and cosmetics have dried. Remove them for household cleaning, swimming and exercise. The point is to limit contact with chemicals, heat and perspiration rather than to make wearing them feel fragile or fussy.

Storage is mostly about separation. Do not drop a pearl ring into a dish of chains and gemstones. A soft pouch or a separate lined compartment gives it a safer place. Keep the jewelry away from prolonged heat and very dry storage conditions.

Every so often, look at the parts that hold everything together. Has the string stretched? Are knots worn, or is a clasp difficult to close? A pearl that moves in its setting is a reason to stop wearing the piece until it has been checked. Small repairs are easier to arrange before something is lost.

Further reading: GIA's pearl care and cleaning guidance.