Pearls are the only organic gem, produced by living molluscs rather than formed in the Earth, and this biological origin makes them uniquely sensitive to their environment. Unlike diamonds or sapphires, which can withstand a wide range of conditions without harm, pearl jewellery requires specific, consistent care to preserve the nacre surface that gives each pearl its distinctive lustre. The good news is that pearl care is simple and takes only moments, when done consistently. This guide covers everything you need to know: daily handling, cleaning, storage, what substances to avoid, re-stringing, jewellery-type-specific care, and when to seek professional help.
For guidance on pearl types and quality factors, see our pearls guide. For pearl styling inspiration, see our pearl styling guide.
Key Takeaways
- Pearls are organic gems rated Mohs 2.5–4.5, significantly softer than most gemstones, and their nacre surface is sensitive to acids, chemicals, abrasion, and prolonged dryness.
- The single most important daily habit is wiping pearls gently with a soft, damp cloth after every wear to remove oils, perspiration, and residue before they are stored.
- Always put pearls on last, after applying perfume, cosmetics, sunscreen, and hairspray, and take them off first before showering, swimming, or cleaning.
- Store pearl necklaces flat (not hanging) to prevent thread stretching, separately from other jewellery to prevent scratching.
- Pearl necklaces should be professionally re-strung every one to three years depending on how frequently they are worn.
- In Singapore's tropical climate, avoid storing pearls in sealed containers that trap humidity; use silica gel packets to manage moisture in storage boxes.
Understanding Pearl Care
Why Pearl Care Is Different
Pearl care is more demanding than the care required for most other gemstones because nacre, the substance that makes a pearl beautiful, is both the source of its lustre and its most vulnerable quality. Nacre is composed of microscopic calcium carbonate platelets bound by organic proteins. Acids dissolve these platelets. Abrasion scratches them. Prolonged dryness can cause nacre to crack and peel. Chemicals in everyday products, perfumes, sunscreens, cosmetics, household cleaners, can erode nacre gradually, causing pearls to lose their luminosity irreversibly over time.
Understanding why pearls need care makes it easier to remember how to care for them: every precaution comes back to protecting the nacre from the things that break it down.
The Golden Rule: Put Pearls On Last, Take Them Off First
The single most important pearl care habit is the order in which you dress and undress.
Put pearls on last, after applying all makeup, foundation, lipstick, mascara, perfume, hairspray, sunscreen, and hand cream. These products contain alcohol, acids, and chemicals that react with nacre. By the time you put pearls on, these substances should already be fully absorbed into skin or hair.
Take pearls off first, before removing makeup, showering, swimming, exercising, gardening, cooking, or cleaning. Pearls should come off before any activity that exposes them to water, sweat, chemicals, or impact.
This sequencing alone, if followed consistently, will dramatically extend the life and lustre of any pearl jewellery.
Daily Cleaning
After Every Wear
After removing pearl jewellery, wipe each piece gently with a soft, clean, slightly damp cloth, a microfibre cloth or clean cotton chamois work well. This removes the accumulated skin oils, perspiration residue, and any traces of cosmetics or sunscreen before they can be absorbed into the nacre surface or deposited in the drill holes of a pearl strand.
After wiping, lay the piece flat on a dry, soft cloth and allow it to air-dry completely before storing. This is particularly important for pearl necklaces, storing a strand that is still slightly damp can weaken the silk thread significantly over time.
Deeper Cleaning at Home
For a more thorough clean when the pearls feel less than their brightest, use a bowl of lukewarm water with one or two drops of very mild liquid soap. Dip a soft cloth (not a brush) into the solution and gently wipe each pearl individually. Rinse by wiping with a fresh, damp cloth, then lay flat to dry completely.
Never submerge a pearl necklace in water: Prolonged soaking weakens silk thread and causes it to stretch and lose tension. For pearl earrings and pendants with no thread, brief careful rinsing is safer, but always dry thoroughly afterwards.
| Substance | Risk | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Perfume / Cologne | Alcohol and acids erode nacre | Apply before wearing pearls |
| Hairspray | Lacquer coats and dulls nacre | Apply before wearing pearls |
| Sunscreen | Chemical filters react with nacre | Apply and allow to absorb before wearing pearls |
| Makeup & Foundation | Oils and pigments build up on the surface | Apply before wearing pearls |
| Chlorine (pools) | Damages metal clasps; affects nacre | Remove before swimming |
| Saltwater | Corrosive to silk thread and metal | Remove before ocean swimming |
| Household cleaners | Bleach and ammonia destroy nacre | Remove before any cleaning |
| Vinegar / Lemon Juice | Acids dissolve calcium carbonate nacre | Never use for cleaning |
| Toothpaste | Abrasive — scratches nacre | Never use for cleaning |
| Ultrasonic Cleaners | Vibration can loosen nacre | Not recommended for pearls |
| Steam cleaners | Heat can damage nacre | Not recommended for pearls |
*Nacre: Mother-of-pearl, the shiny substance in shells
Storing Pearl Jewellery
The Basics
Store pearl jewellery separately from other pieces to prevent harder gemstones, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, from scratching the soft nacre surface. A dedicated soft pouch (suede, silk, or cotton) for each piece, or a fabric-lined jewellery box with individual compartments, provides the best protection.
Pearl necklaces must be stored flat, not draped over a hook or hanging vertically. Hanging strains the silk thread at specific points, causing it to weaken and stretch unevenly over time. Lay pearl necklaces flat in a drawer or a flat-bottomed box or pouch.
Singapore's Tropical Climate: Specific Considerations
Singapore's consistently high humidity is a specific challenge for pearl storage. While pearls need some ambient moisture to prevent the nacre from drying out and cracking (a genuine risk in air-conditioned environments), excessive humidity can promote the growth of mould around the silk thread and clasp of pearl necklaces, and cause the metal findings to tarnish more quickly.
The practical balance for Singapore storage:
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In heavily air-conditioned rooms, where air is very dry, include one or two small silica gel packets in the storage space, and replace them every two to three months. Avoid leaving pearls in direct air-conditioning airflow.
- In naturally humid storage, do not use sealed airtight containers, which trap moisture. Allow some air circulation. Fabric-lined boxes are better than sealed plastic cases.
Avoid direct sunlight: UV exposure accelerates nacre deterioration and can cause pearls to yellow over time. Store away from windows.
Re-stringing Pearl Necklaces
Why Re-stringing Matters
Pearl necklaces are strung on silk thread — and silk, however strong initially, weakens and degrades over time through exposure to moisture, body oils, and the mechanical stress of regular wear. A weakened thread is a serious risk: it can break without warning, scattering and potentially losing individual pearls.
Re-stringing also serves a hygienic purpose. Over time, oils, skin cells, and residue accumulate inside the drill holes of the pearls and within the thread knots between them creating a source of chemical contact that can dull the pearls' interior lustre.
How Often to Re-string
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Daily or near-daily wear: Re-string every 12 to 18 months.
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Regular but not daily wear: Re-string every 2 to 3 years.
- Occasional wear — Inspect annually; re-string every 3 to 5 years or when the thread shows any sign of discolouration, looseness, or fraying.
Signs That Re-stringing Is Needed
- The thread appears grey, yellow, or darkened (indicating oil and residue accumulation)
- There is visible slack or looseness between pearls, or the knots feel loose
- The thread appears frayed, thinned, or damaged at any point
- A pearl feels loose or moves more than it should on its strand
For professional re-stringing and pearl maintenance, visit Poh Heng's Jewellery Services at any of our island-wide boutiques, our team will inspect the thread, clasps, and pearl condition and advise on what is needed.
Jewellery-Type-Specific Care
Pearl Necklaces
Pearl necklaces are the most care-intensive pearl jewellery type, primarily due to the silk thread that connects them. In addition to the daily wiping routine, store flat, avoid hanging, and monitor the thread regularly for signs of wear. When wearing a pearl necklace, the clasp provides the safest grip for putting on and removing the piece, handle by the clasp rather than the strand.
Pearl Earrings
Pearl earrings have less skin contact than necklaces and bracelets, and therefore accumulate less oil and residue on the pearl surface. However, they do collect product from hairspray and perfume, and the earring post or hook can accumulate skin residue at the ear contact point. Wipe the pearl surface and the metal findings after each wear. Store individually, separate earring pairs in individual pouches or compartments to prevent the posts scratching the pearl surfaces.
Pearl Bracelets
Pearl bracelets have significant skin contact throughout the day and are particularly exposed to hand creams, soaps, and perspiration on the wrist. They require the same daily wiping care as necklaces. As with necklaces, pearl bracelets on silk thread need regular re-stringing inspection. Avoid wearing pearl bracelets during activities involving water, chemicals, or physical impact.
Pearl Rings
Pearl rings face the highest daily abrasion of any pearl jewellery type, as the pearl is directly exposed to contact with surfaces and objects throughout the day. Pearl rings are best reserved for occasional rather than daily wear. When worn, avoid any activity involving impact, water, or chemicals. Store with particular care to protect the pearl from contact with harder jewellery pieces.
Professional Care and Maintenance
Annual Professional Cleaning
Professional cleaning by a reputable jeweller removes built-up residue that daily cloth-wiping cannot fully address, including deposits inside the drill holes of pearl strands and around the clasp findings, and provides an expert inspection of the thread and setting condition.
At Poh Heng, our Jewellery Services include professional pearl cleaning, inspection, and re-stringing. Our experienced team will assess the condition of your pearl jewellery and advise on any maintenance required. Visit any of our islandwide boutiques for assistance.
Addressing Discolouration
Pearls that have yellowed or dulled significantly may be recoverable through professional cleaning and polishing, but this depends on the cause and extent of the discolouration. Yellowing from surface residue accumulation is often reversible; yellowing from acid damage to the nacre itself or from prolonged sunlight exposure may be permanent. If your pearls have changed colour or lost their lustre, bring them to any Poh Heng boutique for an expert assessment before attempting any home remedy.
Signs of Damage to Watch For
- Surface dullness or cloudiness that does not respond to gentle cleaning.
- Visible pitting, cracks, or peeling of the nacre surface.
- A pearl that feels rough or uneven when rolled between fingers.
- Significant yellowing or browning of the pearl surface.
- A loose, discoloured, or fraying thread in a pearl strand.
Any of these signs warrants professional attention. Early intervention is almost always more effective, and less costly, than waiting until damage becomes severe.
Travelling with Pearl Jewellery
When travelling, pearl jewellery requires the same basic care with some additional considerations:
- Carry pearl jewellery in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage to avoid pressure changes, temperature extremes, and the physical impact of baggage handling.
- Use a dedicated travel jewellery case with padded individual compartments rather than loose in a makeup bag.
- In beach or water holiday destinations, leave significant pearl pieces in the hotel safe when going to the beach, pool, or engaging in outdoor activities.
Be particularly mindful of sunscreen application, in sunny destinations, sunscreen is applied more frequently and in larger quantities, increasing the risk of product contact with pearls.
Closing Thoughts
Pearl jewellery, cared for properly, is among the most enduring of all jewellery categories, pearls can be worn, passed down, and treasured across generations when given consistent attention. The investment of a few minutes of care after each wearing is what makes the difference between pearls that remain luminous for decades and those that dull prematurely.
Explore our full pearl jewellery collection online, or visit any Poh Heng boutique for expert care, professional re-stringing, and personalised advice on maintaining your pearl jewellery. Our Jewellery Services team is always on hand to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean pearl jewellery at home?
After each wear, gently wipe each pearl with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove oils and residue. For a deeper clean, use a cloth dampened with a mild soap solution, wipe each pearl individually, then wipe with a clean damp cloth and lay flat to dry completely. Never submerge a pearl necklace or use abrasive materials, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam.
Can I wear pearl jewellery every day?
Yes, with consistent care. Wipe after every wear, put them on last and take them off first, avoid chemical exposure, and store correctly. Pearl necklaces worn daily should be re-strung every 12 to 18 months. Pearl rings are better suited to occasional rather than daily wear due to the abrasion risk.
How often should I re-string my pearl necklace?
For daily wear, every 12 to 18 months. For regular but not daily wear, every 2 to 3 years. For occasional wear, inspect annually and re-string every 3 to 5 years, or sooner if the thread looks grey, loose, or frayed. Professional re-stringing is available at Poh Heng's Jewellery Services.
What is the best way to store pearl jewellery in Singapore's humid climate?
Store pearls in a fabric-lined jewellery box or individual soft pouches, not in sealed airtight containers, which can trap moisture and promote mould on the silk thread. In heavily air-conditioned rooms, include one or two silica gel packets in the storage space. Store away from direct sunlight and away from air-conditioning vents. Store pearl necklaces flat, not hanging.
What should I never use to clean pearls?
Avoid toothpaste (abrasive), vinegar or lemon juice (acids dissolve nacre), ultrasonic cleaners (vibration can loosen nacre layers), steam cleaners (heat damages nacre), ammonia-based cleaners, and chlorine. Also, avoid abrasive cloths, brushes, or any commercial silver or metal cleaners.
My pearls have turned yellow — can they be restored?
Yellowing caused by surface residue accumulation can often be partially or fully reversed through professional cleaning. Yellowing caused by acid damage to the nacre or prolonged UV exposure may be permanent. Bring your pearls to any Poh Heng boutique for an expert assessment, our team can advise on the best course of action.
Can I swim or shower with pearl jewellery on?
No. Chlorinated pool water degrades the metal findings and affects the silk thread of pearl strands. Saltwater is corrosive to both thread and metal clasps. Soap and shower water can build up inside the drill holes of pearl strands. Always remove pearl jewellery before any water exposure.