How to Care for Pearls: Cleaning & Storage | Murun Pearls

Saving pearls for special occasions does not necessarily keep them in better condition. In a crowded jewellery box, their surfaces can still rub against chains or other gemstones. Equally, pearl earrings or a necklace can be part of everyday life, provided they are worn and stored with care.

Can pearls get wet? Why should you apply perfume before putting on a necklace? And how do you know when a strand needs to be checked?

This Murun Pearls guide covers care at every stage: before you put your jewellery on, after you take it off, when you clean it, and while it is in storage. Understanding the materials makes these care habits easier to put into practice.

Pearl Care at a Glance

Why Do Pearls Need Different Care?

The lustre of Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian and freshwater pearls is linked to nacre, the layered material formed by a mollusc. The way light interacts with these layers creates the lustre and visual depth that make pearls so appealing.

Their surfaces are relatively soft, measuring around 2.5–3.0 on the Mohs hardness scale. This scale indicates resistance to scratching. Contact with harder gemstones or objects can therefore leave marks on pearls.

Pearls are only one part of a piece of jewellery. Necklaces have thread and clasps; earrings and pendants have settings, and some designs use adhesives. Care methods need to take all of these components into account. A method suitable for cleaning metal may not be suitable for the pearl mounted on it.

Wearing Pearls Every Day

1. Put pearls on after getting ready

Apply perfume, lotion, sunscreen, make-up and hair products before putting on your pearls. Allow the products to dry or be absorbed so the jewellery does not come into direct contact with cosmetics that are still wet.

If you need to reapply perfume, avoid spraying it near your jewellery. The same applies to hairspray when you are already wearing earrings or a necklace.

2. Consider your activities

You can wear pearls to work, to meet friends or to attend an event. However, take them off before swimming, bathing, exercising or cleaning the house. These activities can expose jewellery to chemicals, sweat, knocks or unnecessary pulling.

Rings and bracelets need extra attention because they move with your hands. Keep them away from cleaning solutions and hard surfaces. Set aside a small, safe place to put them when they need to be removed.

3. Wipe gently before storing

Gently wipe your pearls with a very soft, clean cloth after wearing them. If there is any residue from cosmetics or sweat, lightly dampen the cloth with clean water.

Use a light touch, especially on areas that have been in contact with skin. There is no need to rub the surface until it feels squeaky clean. If a strand becomes damp, lay it flat and let every part, including the thread, dry completely.

How to Clean Pearls Safely

Routine care usually requires no more than a soft cloth. Lukewarm water and a little mild soap may be used for occasional cleaning, provided the condition of the pearls and the jewellery’s construction allow it.

Before applying any liquid, check for flaking surfaces, worn thread or loose settings. If you notice any of these, stop cleaning at home and have the piece examined by a professional.

If you know your jewellery is suitable for this cleaning method:

1. Prepare lukewarm water with a little mild, non-abrasive soap. Avoid hot water.
2. Dampen a very soft cloth with the solution, then wring it out so it does not drip.
3. Gently wipe the pearls. Avoid soaking the strand, and do not pull on the thread while it is wet.
4. Use a second cloth, lightly dampened with clean water, to remove any soap residue.
5. Blot away moisture with a soft, dry cloth without rubbing firmly.
6. Lay the jewellery flat on a clean towel until it is completely dry before wearing or storing it.

Antique jewellery, treated pearls and designs with adhesives of unknown condition should be examined first. Always follow any care instructions specific to the piece.

Tools and products to avoid

Do not use ultrasonic machines, steam cleaners, bleach, acidic liquids, metal polish or abrasive products such as toothpaste to clean pearls.

A product labelled “jewellery cleaner” is not necessarily safe for every material. Do not use it on pearls unless it is clearly stated to be suitable. Also avoid drying jewellery with a hairdryer or any direct heat source.

How to Store and Protect Pearls

Give pearls their own space

Use a fabric-lined box or a soft pouch. Keep pearls separate from chains, diamonds and other jewellery that could scratch their surfaces.

Even a soft pouch should be positioned carefully. Do not place heavy objects on top of it, especially when travelling.

Lay strands flat

Strung necklaces and bracelets should be stored flat. If they are left hanging for long periods, the weight of the pearls puts continuous strain on the thread.

Arrange the strand neatly without pulling it. Position the clasp so it does not press against or rub the pearls beside it.

Avoid heat and very dry conditions

Do not leave pearls in a hot car, near a heater or anywhere exposed to intense heat from the sun.

Take care with long-term storage in very dry conditions, including those found in some safes and safe deposit boxes. Avoid storing pearls in plastic bags.

Protecting pearls from excessive dryness does not mean storing them wet. After cleaning, the thread and every component of the jewellery must still be dry before the piece is put away.

Care for Different Types of Pearl Jewellery

The principles for protecting the surface remain the same, but the components that need checking may differ.

When Should a Pearl Necklace Be Restrung?

Thread does not last forever. How often a strand is worn, its weight and its exposure to moisture all affect its condition.

For strands worn frequently, restringing about once a year can serve as a general guide. However, the jewellery’s condition matters more than a date on the calendar. Do not wait until then if you can already see a problem.

Have the strand checked if the thread begins to fray, the knots loosen or new gaps appear between the knots and pearls. A clasp that no longer closes securely also needs attention before the necklace is worn again.

Restringing is best carried out by a professional familiar with pearl jewellery. The thread and stringing technique should be chosen to suit the design, without assuming that one material is suitable for every strand.

If Your Pearls Begin to Lose Their Lustre

Residue can make a pearl’s surface look dull. A change in lustre, however, may also be related to wear or damage to the nacre.

Start with a gentle wipe. If there is no improvement, do not apply more pressure or switch to stronger cleaning liquids. Pearls are not polished in the same way as metal.

Cleaning can help remove dirt, but it should not be expected to restore damaged nacre. The piece needs to be examined in person to assess its condition.

Caring for Pearls with Murun Pearls

As an independent pearl jewellery house connecting Mongolia and Indonesia, Murun Pearls considers education an important part of choosing and enjoying jewellery.

Understanding pearls goes beyond colour, size and shape. How a piece is made and how its owner wears it also determine the care it needs. When choosing a design, ask how to clean it, how to store it and which components need checking.

Explore the Murun Pearls jewellery collection to find a design that suits your style and everyday activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pearls be worn every day?

Yes, as long as your activities and the condition of the jewellery allow it. Remove pearls before activities that put them at risk, wipe them after wearing and check their components regularly. Rings and bracelets generally need extra attention to prevent knocks and friction.

If pearls form in water, are they safe to wear while swimming?

The fact that pearls form in water does not make pearl jewellery resistant to every kind of water exposure. Chlorine, salt and soap, as well as the condition of the thread and settings, still need to be considered. It is best to remove pearl jewellery before swimming or bathing.

Do natural skin oils help care for pearls?

Do not rely on skin oils or sweat as a care method. Residue from wear still needs to be wiped away, and sweat can affect a pearl’s surface. There is no need to apply oil as part of a home care routine.

Are wet wipes safe to use?

Not necessarily. Fragrance, alcohol or other cleaning ingredients may make them unsuitable for pearls. Use a very soft, clean cloth instead, lightly dampened with clean water if needed.

Do Tahitian pearls need different care from Akoya or South Sea pearls?

The basic principles are the same, including for freshwater pearls: protect the surface from scratches, chemicals and excessive heat. Differences in care methods are more often determined by the jewellery’s construction, the condition of the nacre and any treatments the pearls have received.

You can enjoy your pearls without a complicated care routine. Wear them when appropriate, clean them gently and give them enough space in storage. These small habits help preserve the beauty of your jewellery from one wear to the next.