How to Care for Pearls (Without Overthinking It)
Pearls are the divas of the jewelry world… Timeless, elegant, and just a little high-maintenance. Unlike tougher gemstones, pearls are organic and delicate, which means they appreciate a softer touch and a bit of consideration. The good news? Caring for them is easy once you know the rules. Jenne Rayburn shares her go-to tips to keep your pearls glowing for years (and generations) to come.
Tip One: Last On, First Off … Pearls Like a Grand Entrance!
This is the golden rule of pearl care.
Last On:
Make pearls the final step in your getting-ready routine. Makeup, perfume, hairspray, and lotions may smell fabulous, but their chemicals can slowly dull a pearl’s shine or damage its surface. Pearls prefer a clean environment: thats very on brand!
First Off:
When the night’s over, take your pearls off before removing makeup or hopping into bed. This keeps them away from lingering cosmetics and body oils that can wear down the nacre. Pearls love beauty, not bedtime skincare.
Tip Two: Be Gentle—Pearls Are Not Built for Battle
Pearls are softer than most gemstones, so think “spa day,” not “power wash.”
Quick Wipe:
After each wear, gently wipe your pearls with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. This removes oils, perspiration, and whatever the day threw at you.
Occasional Deep Clean:
If your pearls need a little extra love, use a very mild soap solution (baby shampoo works beautifully) mixed with lukewarm water. Dampen a soft cloth, wring it out well, and gently wipe the pearls. No scrubbing, this isn’t grout!
Water Is Not Their Friend:
Never submerge pearl jewellery in water. It can weaken the silk thread and cause breakage. Always remove pearls before showering, swimming, or pretending you’re on a beach holiday.
Dry Completely:
Before storing, make sure pearls are fully dry. Damp pearls can weaken the string and invite mildew—definitely not the vibe.
Tip Three: Smart Storage = Happy Pearls
Where pearls live when you’re not wearing them matters.
Soft and Separate:
Store pearls in a soft cloth pouch or a lined jewellery box, away from harder gemstones or metal pieces that could scratch them. Pearls don’t enjoy rough roommates.
Skip Airtight Containers:
Pearls need a bit of moisture from the air to stay luminous. Airtight containers can dry them out and cause cracking. The packaging they came in? Perfect.
Lay Them Flat:
Always store pearl necklaces flat. Hanging them can stretch the silk thread over time, and pearls should never feel like they’re doing resistance training.
Tip Four: Keep an Eye on the String (It’s Doing a Lot of Work)
Over time, silk threads naturally stretch and weaken.
Regular Check-Ins:
Look for fraying, stretching, or gaps between pearls. If you spot any of these, it’s time for a refresh.
Professional Re-stringing:
I recommend having pearls professionally re-strung as soon as wear is visible. It’s simple preventative care—and far better than watching your pearls scatter dramatically across the floor.
Treat your pearls kindly, and they’ll return the favor with years of luminous beauty and zero diva meltdowns. XOXO Jenne