Pearl Care 101: How to Clean, Store & Shine Your Freshwater Pearls

August 30, 2025

Your pearls deserve the same care you'd give any treasured keepsake. Whether they're a gift from someone special or a piece you bought to mark a meaningful moment, proper care ensures they'll shine for years—and perhaps even become someone else's beloved heirloom one day.

At Beloved Moments Jewels, we work with freshwater pearls and S925 sterling silver daily in our Toronto studio. Here's the gentle, proven routine we recommend to keep your pieces luminous.

Why Pearls Need Special Care

Unlike metal or gemstones, pearls are organic—they're formed by living molluscs and composed primarily of nacre (calcium carbonate). This makes them more porous and sensitive to chemicals, heat, and abrasion than most jewelry materials.

The good news? Caring for pearls is simple once you know the basics.

The Golden Rules: Last On, First Off

Before you wear your pearls:

Apply makeup, perfume, hairspray, and lotions first
Let everything dry for a few minutes
Then put on your jewelry

When you take them off:

Remove pearls first, before washing your face or applying skincare
Wipe them gently with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils and residue
This 10-second habit prevents buildup and keeps your pearls glowing

This simple routine—last on, first off—is the most important pearl care habit you can build.

How to Clean Freshwater Pearls (The Right Way)

You'll need:

Two soft, lint-free cloths (microfiber works beautifully)
Lukewarm water
Optional: one drop of mild soap (dish soap or baby shampoo)

The process:

Dampen the first cloth with lukewarm water. If your pearls have visible buildup, add one tiny drop of mild soap to the water.
Wipe each pearl gently with the damp cloth. Never soak pearls in water—this can weaken the silk thread and damage the nacre.
Use the second dry cloth to pat the pearls dry.
Lay the piece flat on a clean towel and let it air-dry completely (10-15 minutes) before storing.

What to avoid:

Chemical jewelry cleaners or "dips"
Vinegar, alcohol, or household cleaners
Ultrasonic or steam cleaners (these can crack pearls)
Abrasive cloths or brushes
Submerging pearls in water

Think of it as giving your pearls a gentle spa treatment—not a deep scrub.

How to Clean S925 Sterling Silver

Your silver settings or chains need different care depending on their finish.

For unplated S925 sterling silver:

Use a quality silver polishing cloth to buff away tarnish gently
Important: Avoid touching the pearls with the polishing cloth—only polish the silver components

For gold-plated S925 (gold tone finish):

Wipe with a soft, dry cloth only
Do not use silver polishing cloths or chemical dips—these will remove the gold plating
If tarnish appears beneath the plating, it's time to have the piece re-plated by a jeweler

A quick wipe after each wear prevents most tarnish and keeps your silver pieces shining.

How to Store Pearl Jewelry (The Smart Way)

Daily storage:

Use a soft pouch (like the one your BMJ piece came in) or a lined jewelry case
Store pearls separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches
Keep them away from heat, direct sunlight, and humidity extremes
Never store pearls in plastic bags long-term—they need air circulation

Travel storage:

Place each piece in a small cloth pouch or zip bag
Pack inside a hard jewelry case to prevent crushing
Keep your jewelry case in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage

For strung pearl necklaces or bracelets:

Always store flat (never hang pearl necklaces—the weight can stretch the thread)
Ensure the piece is completely dry before storing
Check the silk thread regularly for fraying, gaps, or discoloration

If you notice any wear on the thread, have your pearls restrung. A good rule: restring pearl necklaces every 1-2 years if worn regularly.

Your Weekly 30-Second Jewelry Routine

Make this quick check part of your Sunday reset:

Wipe: Use a soft cloth to remove any oils or residue from the week
Coil: Loosely coil chains to prevent tangling (never twist or knot)
Check: Inspect clasps, earring backs, and knots between pearls

That's it. Thirty seconds of care equals years of wear.

When to See a Jeweler

Stop wearing a piece and book a professional repair if you notice:

Loose stones or pearls
Bent posts or clasps
Broken or fraying thread on strung pearls
Discoloration that doesn't come off with gentle cleaning
Missing knots between pearls (strung pieces should have knots to prevent loss)

Most jewelry repairs are quick and affordable—and they're always worth it to preserve a meaningful piece.

The Pieces That Last: Everyday Pearls from BMJ

At Beloved Moments Jewels, we curate pearl jewelry designed for real life—pieces you'll wear often and treasure long-term. Our freshwater pearls are set in quality S925 sterling silver, inspected personally before they reach you, and packaged with care instructions.

Shop our most-loved styles:

Pearl Earrings Collection: Timeless studs and drops for every occasion
Pearl Necklaces: Delicate layers and statement pieces
Complete Pearl Edit: Browse the full collection

Every piece is ready to become part of your story—and with proper care, it can be passed down as a beloved heirloom.

Quick Reference: Pearl Care Cheat Sheet

Do: ✓ Wipe pearls after every wear
✓ Store separately in a soft pouch
✓ Apply perfume/makeup before putting on jewelry
✓ Have strung pearls checked annually
✓ Use lukewarm water and mild soap only

Don't: ✗ Soak pearls in water
✗ Use chemical cleaners or ultrasonic machines
✗ Store in plastic bags long-term
✗ Hang pearl necklaces
✗ Apply perfume or hairspray while wearing pearls

Care guidance informed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Source: gia.edu/pearl-care-cleaning

Beloved Moments Jewels is a Toronto-based jewelry brand specializing in timeless, minimalist pieces for everyday elegance. Explore our curated collection at belovedmomentsjewels.com.

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