Expert review: Drescher Éva — owner/manager of DRESCHER Jewellery®, qualified gold, silver and gemstone jewellery appraiser with professional jewellery-store management and sales experience.
Pearls are more delicate than most other jewellery materials, and they don't respond well to the same care routine you'd use on metal or harder gemstones. Here's what actually damages pearls, and how to clean, store and look after pearl jewellery properly.
How Hard Are Pearls, and Why Does It Matter for Everyday Wear?
Pearls are relatively soft as gems go — GIA rates them at just 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which measures resistance to scratching — making them susceptible to scratching and abrasion, so pearl jewellery calls for gentle handling.
Can Heat or Light Damage Pearl Jewellery?
Yes — according to GIA, high heat can burn cultured pearls or cause discolouration, splitting or cracking, and intense light can dehydrate a pearl and crack its nacre.
What Chemicals and Products Should You Keep Pearls Away From?
Pearls should be kept away from chemicals and acids. GIA specifically identifies substances including hairspray, perfume, cosmetics and perspiration as potentially damaging to pearl surfaces.
How Should You Clean Pearl Jewellery at Home?
Never clean pearls in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner — GIA recommends warm, soapy water for occasional, thorough cleaning, and a soft, clean cloth to wipe pearls after each wearing; if the piece is strung, make sure the string is completely dry before you wear it again.
How Should You Store Pearl Jewellery?
Store pearls in a soft pouch or case, away from harder jewellery that could scratch them, and avoid very dry or hot environments — GIA specifically advises against these storage conditions.
Does a Pearl Necklace Need Restringing Over Time?
Possibly — GIA notes that the silk cord a pearl necklace is strung on can darken, stretch or wear thin over time, so periodic restringing may be needed. Most pearl necklaces are knotted between each pearl, meaning a broken string only loses a single pearl rather than the whole strand.
Every DRESCHER Jewellery® pearl piece is set in hallmarked, rhodium-plated 925 sterling silver, the same standard our 925 Sterling Silver guide explains in full. For what a pearl actually is and how it differs from mother-of-pearl, see our Mother-of-Pearl vs Pearl guide. Browse our pearl jewellery collection to see the range.
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