How To Clean & Maintain Natural Pearls

Natural pearls are unique organic gemstones. Unlike hard crystals or metal jewelry, pearls have a delicate surface layer called nacre. Improper cleaning and storage will permanently damage their beautiful luster. If you want to keep your pearl necklaces, earrings and rings glowing for decades, you need to know how to clean and maintain natural pearls the right way.In this guide, we will show you how to clean and maintain natural pearls so that they keep their beautiful luster for years.

Whether you own freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls or South Sea pearls, these maintenance rules apply to all natural pearl jewelry.

Do’s: Correct Ways to Clean Natural Pearls

1. Daily Simple Wiping (Best Practice)

After every time you wear pearl jewelry, gently wipe each pearl with a soft, lint-free cotton cloth. This removes sweat, perfume residue, body oil and dust before these substances erode the nacre.

2. Mild Water Cleaning For Dirty Pearls

If pearls get obviously dirty, follow these steps:

1. Prepare clean room-temperature pure water. Do not use hot water.
2. Dampen the soft cloth slightly, do not soak pearls directly in water for a long time.
3. Wipe dirt gently, then lay the pearl jewelry flat in a cool place to air dry completely. Make sure the threading thread is fully dry before storage, to avoid mildew.

Don’ts: Things You Must Avoid

1. No chemical cleaners Never use bleach, dish soap, jewelry cleaner, alcohol, vinegar or ultrasonic cleaners. Chemicals and ultrasonic vibration will corrode the pearl surface and fade luster forever.
2. Keep away from cosmetics, perfume and hairspray Perfume, lotion and hairspray contain chemical ingredients. You should put on makeup and spray perfume first, then wear your pearl jewelry.
3. Avoid high temperature and direct sunlight Long-time sunshine and high heat will make pearls dehydrated, dull and easy to crack.
4. Do not wear pearls when bathing, swimming or exercising Hot bath water, pool chlorine and heavy sweat will harm pearls.

Proper Storage Tips for Natural Pearls

• Store pearls separately from other hard jewelry such as diamonds, metal accessories. Hard stones will scratch pearl nacre.
• Use a soft fabric jewelry pouch instead of plastic airtight bags. Plastic traps moisture and may damage pearls.
• If you do not wear pearls for a long time, take them out every few months. Pearls need tiny moisture in the air to stay bright.

How To Handle Strung Pearl Necklaces

Most pearl necklaces are strung with flexible thread. Check the thread regularly. If you find fraying, send them to restring. Broken thread may cause you to lose precious pearls. When storing a pearl strand, lay it flat instead of hanging it long-term. Hanging will continuously stretch the thread.

Final Professional Tips From Pearl Supplier

Natural pearls are sensitive to chemicals, perfume, hairspray, and high temperature. Even everyday items like lotion and spray can damage the pearl surface over time. That is why proper cleaning and regular maintenance are very important for pearl jewelry owners.Many customers wonder why their pearls slowly lose shine after several years. Most damage comes from daily chemicals and wrong cleaning methods. Gentle care keeps pearls glowing for generations.

If you are looking for high-quality wholesale natural freshwater pearls and finished pearl jewelry, Roygem Pearl provides stable supplies of all sizes and shapes. We supply loose pearls, pearl strands and DIY accessories for jewelry creators worldwide. Contact us for the latest wholesale catalog.