Pearl Care
Small rituals. Lasting beauty.
A pearl’s glow is held in its delicate nacre. Gentle handling, a soft cloth and a little space of its own help preserve the beauty you chose it for.
Finish perfume, hairspray and skincare before putting on your pearls, and allow them to dry. Take your jewelry off before swimming, showering, exercising or sleeping. Keep it away from household cleaning products, too.
The daily ritual
A gentle daily ritual
After wearing, wipe your pearls with a very soft, clean cloth. Work gently along the piece, supporting the strand rather than pulling it through the fabric. This removes everyday residue before it builds up.
If a mark remains, use a cloth lightly dampened with lukewarm water. For occasional dirt, a little mild soap may be suitable; wipe away any residue with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid soaking the piece, particularly when it has thread or bonded settings. If you are unsure about its construction or finish, ask us first.
Let the jewelry dry flat on a soft cloth, away from heat. The thread must be completely dry before the strand is worn or stored. Never use a hair dryer to hurry it along.
Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are unsuitable for pearls. Keep abrasive polishing cloths, toothpaste, vinegar, alcohol and ordinary jewelry dips away from the nacre. A treatment that suits a metal setting may damage the pearl beside it.
Care guidance: GIA · Jewelers Mutual.
A place of their own
Give each piece a soft pouch or a separate, fabric-lined compartment. Pearls can be scratched by harder gemstones and metal edges, so avoid letting rings, chains or earring posts rub against them.
Lay strung necklaces and bracelets flat in a relaxed curve. Hanging them for long periods can stretch the thread. Fasten clasps gently and settle fine chains so that they do not tangle or press against the pearls.
Choose a place with a moderate temperature, away from radiators, hot windowsills and prolonged intense sunlight. Avoid very dry conditions and long-term airtight plastic storage. Pearls do not need to be stored in water or beside a wet cloth.
For travel, separate pieces in a padded jewelry case. Check that a clasp or earring post cannot touch another pearl, and that the case closes without squeezing the jewelry.
Storage guidance: Mikimoto · Jewelers of America.
A little attention,
from time to time
Before wearing, take a moment to check the clasp, connections and settings. On a strung piece, look for fraying, stretched thread or loosened knots. A pearl that moves in its setting, a clasp that no longer closes securely or a new crack deserves attention before the piece is worn again.
Frequently worn strands benefit from regular professional inspection. Restringing needs depend on the thread, the piece and how often it is worn; an annual check is a useful starting point for a favorite necklace. Knots help limit pearl loss if a strand breaks, but do not replace sound thread.
If your jewelry looks unusually dull, has been exposed to a harsh product or needs a repair, stop experimenting with cleaners. Contact us with a photograph and a brief description so we can help identify the appropriate next step for your PERLAVELLE piece.
Inspection guidance: Jewelers of America · Mikimoto.
Contact usThe same gentle habits apply to freshwater, Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls. The construction of the finished piece matters too: always follow any care instructions supplied with your jewelry.
Discover our pearl standards