How To Clean Pearl Jewelry
Few pieces in a jewelry box feel as timeless as a strand of pearls. They glow with quiet confidence, complementing everything from a silk blouse to a bridal gown. But pearls are also delicate by nature, and caring for them properly ensures that their luster — and their story — lasts a lifetime.
At Plateau Jewelers in Sammamish, WA, we treat pearls as living gems: precious, organic, and deserving of patience. Here’s how to care for yours at home and when to bring them to a professional for expert attention.
The Nature of Pearls
Unlike most gemstones, pearls aren’t mined — they’re grown. Formed inside oysters, they’re composed of thin layers of nacre, giving them that subtle, mirror-like glow. This structure, however, also makes them porous and soft, meaning exposure to chemicals, heat, or friction can damage them over time.
Gem Fact: Pearls rank just 2.5–4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale — softer than a fingernail. That’s why gentle handling is key.
How to Clean Pearl Jewelry at Home
1. Wipe After Each Wear
After wearing your pearls, gently wipe them with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove oils and residue. Think of it as part of your evening ritual — a small gesture that preserves their brilliance day after day.
Jeweler’s Tip: Use a clean, lint-free cloth. Avoid tissues or paper towels, which can scratch the nacre’s surface.
2. Use Mild Soap and Water When Needed
When your pearls need more than a light wipe:
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Prepare a bowl with lukewarm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
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Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and gently clean each pearl.
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Wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove any residue.
Never submerge your pearl necklace in water. Moisture can stretch or weaken the silk thread over time.
3. Let Them Rest Flat to Dry
Lay your pearls on a clean towel to air dry completely before storing. Hanging them while damp may cause the thread to lose its shape or tension.
What to Avoid
Certain cleaning habits that work for other jewelry can permanently dull pearls. Avoid:
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Ultrasonic or steam cleaners
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Toothpaste or baking soda
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Hot water or alcohol
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Chemical jewelry cleaners
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Prolonged sunlight or direct heat
Caring for Pearl Strands and Studs
The method is the same, but their settings require attention.
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For pearl rings, clean only the metal setting with a soft brush — not the pearl itself.
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For earrings, clean posts gently with a cloth before wiping the pearls.
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For necklaces or bracelets, have them re-strung every 1–2 years to keep the silk thread strong.
Customer Q&A:
Question: “Why do pearls need to be restrung?”
Answer: Silk gradually stretches and absorbs natural oils. Re-stringing ensures the pearls stay evenly spaced, secure, and beautifully draped.
Storing Your Pearls
Proper storage is part of good care. Pearls need air circulation and protection from hard surfaces.
Best Practices:
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Store them in a soft pouch or fabric-lined box, separate from other jewelry.
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Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture.
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Wear them often — pearls benefit from the natural oils of your skin, which help maintain their glow.
When to Seek Professional Care
Even with regular home care, pearls occasionally need expert attention — especially heirloom pieces or those showing signs of wear.
At Plateau Jewelers, our team provides:
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Hand cleaning and polishing by specialists trained in pearl preservation.
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Re-stringing services using high-quality silk or nylon thread.
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Setting inspection and repair, ensuring every clasp and mount is secure.
The Art of Timeless Care
Pearls are living reflections of light — and their beauty deepens when cared for intentionally. Cleaning them isn’t just maintenance; it’s a ritual of appreciation for something natural, rare, and enduring.
At Plateau Jewelers, we’ve spent decades helping families care for jewelry that carries meaning. Whether it’s a simple cleaning, a re-stringing, or a full restoration, our experts are here to help your pearls shine — now and for generations to come.
Visit our Sammamish showroom or schedule a consultation to restore your pearl jewelry with the expertise it deserves.
Plateau Jewelers
2830 228th Ave SE, Sammamish, WA 98075
(425) 313-0657