The complete guide to caring for your pearl jewellery

At Lela’s Workshop, we love creating stand out pieces with genuine freshwater pearls. Most of the pearls we use are Designer grade (unless stated otherwise in the item description) so you can trust you are getting the best possible quality.

Unlike gemstones that are mined from the earth, pearls are organic treasures created by living oysters and mollusks, making them uniquely delicate and requiring special care.

Understanding pearl composition

Pearls are composed primarily of nacre, a crystalline substance that creates their signature iridescent luster. This organic material is naturally porous and relatively soft, ranking only 2.5-4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This softness makes pearls susceptible to scratches, chemical damage, and environmental factors that harder gemstones can easily withstand.

The golden rules of pearl care

Clean gently and regularly

The most important rule for pearl maintenance is gentle, regular cleaning. After each wear, wipe your pearls with a soft, damp cloth to remove oils, perfume, and other residues that can dull their surface over time.

For deeper cleaning, use lukewarm water and a mild soap specifically designed for delicate materials. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or abrasive cleaners that can damage the nacre.

Never soak pearl jewellery completely, as water can weaken the silk thread used in stringing and potentially damage the drill holes in the pearls themselves. Instead, clean each pearl individually with a soft cloth or gentle brush, then dry thoroughly with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Lela's Workshop recommends Town Talk - Pearl Care kit.

Store them separately

Pearls should never be stored with harder jewellery pieces that could scratch their surface. Keep them in a soft pouch, lined jewellery box, or wrapped in silk or velvet cloth. All our designs come with a monogrammed Lela’s Workshop pouch so make sure you store your jewellery in it when not wearing it.

Avoid storing pearls in airtight containers or plastic bags for extended periods, as they need some moisture from the air to prevent cracking.

Mind the environment

Extreme temperatures and humidity fluctuations can damage pearls. Store them in a stable environment away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and areas prone to temperature swings like attics or basements. If you live in a very dry climate, consider placing a small glass of water nearby (not touching) to provide gentle humidity.

What to avoid: Pearl's greatest enemies

Chemicals and cosmetics

Pearls are particularly vulnerable to acids and chemicals found in everyday products. Always put on your pearls last when getting ready, after applying perfume, hairspray, lotions, and makeup. These products can eat away at the nacre over time, causing irreversible damage.

Remove pearl jewellery before swimming in chlorinated pools, cleaning with household chemicals, or engaging in activities where they might come into contact with harsh substances. Even natural acids from your skin can affect pearls over time, which is why regular gentle cleaning is so important.

Physical damage

Despite their association with elegance, pearls are surprisingly delicate. Remove them before exercising, gardening, cooking, or any activity where they might be bumped, scratched, or subjected to impact. The drill holes in pearls are particularly vulnerable points where cracks can begin.

Be especially careful with pearl rings and bracelets, which are more prone to impact during daily activities than necklaces or earrings.

Professional maintenance

Regular restringing

Pearl necklaces and bracelets should be restrung every few years, depending on how frequently they're worn. The silk thread naturally stretches and weakens over time, and oils from the skin accelerate this process. A professional jeweller can assess whether restringing is needed and ensure proper knotting between each pearl to prevent loss if the strand breaks.

Professional cleaning

While regular at-home care is essential, occasional professional cleaning can restore your pearls' original luster. A qualified jeweller experienced with pearls can safely deep-clean your pieces and check for any structural issues that need attention.

Special considerations for different pearl types

Cultured vs. natural pearls

Both cultured and natural pearls require the same basic care, though natural pearls, being rarer and often more valuable, may warrant extra caution and more frequent professional assessments.

Freshwater vs. saltwater pearls

Freshwater pearls are generally more durable than their saltwater counterparts and can handle slightly more robust cleaning, but the same gentle principles apply to both types.

Signs your pearls need attention

Watch for these warning signs that indicate your pearls need professional care:

• Dull or chalky appearance despite regular cleaning

• Visible scratches or chips on the surface

• Loose or stretched stringing

• Discoloration that doesn't improve with gentle cleaning

• Cracks around the drill holes
  

The reward of proper care

With consistent, gentle care, quality pearls can maintain their beauty for decades or even centuries. Many antique pearl pieces still display remarkable luster thanks to proper maintenance.