How to Clean and Care for Pearl Jewelry

Pearls are unlike any other gem you own. They're organic — formed by living creatures — which makes them wonderfully warm against the skin, but also more delicate than diamonds or sapphires. The good news: caring for them takes minutes, not money.

The golden rule: last on, first off

Pearls should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Perfume, hairspray, and lotion all contain chemicals that dull a pearl's lustre over time. Dress completely, let products dry, and then put on your pearls.

Cleaning pearls at home

After each wear, wipe your pearls gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth. That's it — this removes skin oils and any product residue before it can settle.

For a deeper clean a few times a year:

1. Mix lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap (dish soap is too harsh — think gentle hand soap)
2. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and wipe each pearl individually
3. Follow with a cloth dampened in clean water to remove soap traces
4. Lay flat on a towel to dry completely before storing

Never soak pearls, and never use ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, steam cleaners, or anything containing ammonia, bleach, or vinegar. These can permanently damage the nacre — the iridescent coating that gives pearls their glow.

Storing pearls properly

Pearls scratch more easily than harder gems, so keep them away from your other jewelry. A soft pouch or a lined compartment of their own is ideal. Two more tips most people don't know:

• Don't store pearls in an airtight container or plastic bag — they need a little humidity, and sealed environments can cause them to dry out and crack over time.
• If you have a strand, lay it flat rather than hanging it, so the silk thread doesn't stretch.

Wear them often

Here's the loveliest part of pearl care: pearls actually benefit from being worn. The natural oils in your skin keep the nacre lustrous. A pearl that lives in a box grows dull; a pearl that's loved stays radiant.

When to restring

If you own a pearl necklace or bracelet strung on silk, check it yearly. If you see gaps between pearls and knots, or the thread looks frayed, it's time to restring. With regular wear, every two to three years is a good rhythm.

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Every Maristella piece is handmade with freshwater pearls chosen one by one. If you have a question about caring for a piece you bought from us, email us — we're happy to help.