Pearl Care Guide: How to Keep Pearls Lustrous for Life
The only gemstone born of a living creature deserves a ritual of its own.
Pearls are the only gemstone born of a living creature, and that makes them different. A pearl is not mined from rock — it is grown, layer by luminous layer, inside an oyster. That organic origin is exactly what gives a pearl its soft, moonlit glow, and it is also why pearls ask for a little tenderness in return.
How to Clean Pearls
Pearls are soft and porous, so less is always more. After wearing them, wipe each pearl with a clean, slightly damp, soft cloth and let them air dry before putting them away. Never soak pearls, never use an ultrasonic cleaner or steam, and never reach for household cleaners, ammonia, or vinegar — any of these can dull or etch the nacre. If the silk thread on a knotted strand ever looks stretched or gray, that is the strand's gentle way of telling you it is time for a re-knot.
How to Store Pearls
Pearls need to breathe. Store them in a soft pouch or the fabric-lined box they arrived in, never in airtight plastic, which can trap moisture and leave the nacre looking lifeless. Keep pearls away from other harder jewelry so they are not scratched — a strand of baroque pearls, with its soft irregular surface, is especially worth its own little pouch. Lay necklaces flat rather than hanging them, so the silk keeps its shape.
The One Rule That Matters Most: Last On, First Off
A pearl should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Perfume, hairspray, lotion, and even the salt of your skin can cloud the surface over time. The ritual is simple: finish your fragrance and styling, then fasten your pearls; when you come home, unclasp them before anything else. Treat pearls this way and their glow can genuinely outlive a lifetime of wear.
Caring for Baroque Pearls
Baroque pearls — the free-form, irregular pearls we use across our Puraperla collection — carry their own set of textures, dimples, and organic edges. That raw individuality is the point, not a flaw. Because their surface is uneven, they are a touch more delicate than perfectly round pearls, so the same care applies, just with a softer hand. A gentle wipe after wear is enough to keep every ridge and hollow glowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
· Q: Can I get my pearls wet? A: A light splash is fine, but avoid wearing pearls while swimming, showering, or exercising — chlorine, soap, and sweat all dull the nacre over time.
· Q: Should I store pearls in plastic? A: No. Airtight plastic traps moisture and can dry out the nacre. A soft fabric pouch or lined box is best.
· Q: Why do pearls dull? A: Perfume, cosmetics, and skin oils build up on the porous nacre. A gentle wipe after each wear prevents most dulling.
· Q: How do I know when to re-knot my pearl strand? A: When the silk thread between pearls looks stretched, darkened, or you can see more thread than pearl, it is time to have the strand re-knotted by a jeweler.
Wear Them, Don't Shelter Them
Pearls reward being worn. The natural oils of your skin, in small amounts, actually help keep the nacre luminous — so do not save them for a drawer. Explore the Necklaces collection or our latest New Arrivals, and let a strand of pearls become part of your everyday. Cared for with a soft hand, they will be with you for decades.