How to Care for Pearls: Cleaning, Water, Storage & Yellowing Guide

 

The simplest pearl-care rule is: put pearls on last and take them off first, wipe them gently after wear, and avoid unnecessary exposure to perfume, cosmetics, acids, harsh chemicals, high heat and abrasion. A small amount of clean water is different from prolonged soaking, so getting a pearl slightly wet is not the same as wearing pearl jewelry in the shower, pool or hot spring. GIA rates pearl at 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making its surface relatively easy to scratch or abrade.

 

Pearl Care at a Glance

Why Do Pearls Need Special Care?

Pearls differ from mineral gemstones such as diamond or sapphire.

They are organic gem materials formed by mollusks, and GIA rates pearl at only 2.5 on the Mohs scale, which means its surface is relatively susceptible to scratching and abrasion. Aging and dehydration can also make some pearls more fragile.

High heat can discolor, split or crack cultured pearls, while acids and chemicals including hairspray, perfume, cosmetics and perspiration can affect the pearl surface.

Pearl care is therefore less about aggressive cleaning and more about protecting the surface before damage happens.

 

Should Pearls Go On Last and Come Off First?

Yes.

A useful routine is to finish:

skincare,
sunscreen,
makeup,
hair products,
and fragrance

before putting pearl jewelry on.

When you are about to shower, remove makeup, change clothes or exercise, take the pearls off first.

GIA recommends putting pearls on after perfume and cosmetics, while MIKIMOTO similarly advises wearing pearl jewelry as the final touch after makeup and hair styling.

The easy phrase to remember is:

Last on, first off.

 

Can You Wear Pearls Every Day?

Yes.

Pearls are not jewelry that must remain unworn in a box.

Frequent wear simply means more exposure to perspiration, skin oils, cosmetics and environmental residue.

After wearing them, gently wipe the pearl surface with a very soft, clean cloth before putting the jewelry away.

GIA recommends wiping cultured pearls with a very soft clean cloth after each wearing.

There is no need to deep-clean pearls every day.

 

Can Pearls Get Wet?

Occasional contact with a small amount of clean water is different from prolonged soaking.

GIA states that warm soapy water can be used for occasional thorough cleaning of pearls. If the pearls are strung, the string must be completely dry before the jewelry is worn again.

So a few drops of water do not automatically mean that a pearl is ruined.

However, routine pearl care should still avoid prolonged exposure to:

chlorinated pool water,
salt water,
hot springs,
shower water containing personal-care products,
and other chemical-heavy environments.

The issue is often not water alone, but everything else in the water and the construction of the complete jewelry piece.

 

Can You Shower With Pearls?

It is better not to.

Showers expose jewelry to shampoo, conditioner, body wash, heat and prolonged moisture.

MONI's current general care guidance also recommends removing jewelry before showering.

For simple everyday care:

remove pearl jewelry before showering.

 

Can You Swim With Pearls?

It is not recommended.

Pearls can be affected by chemicals, and chlorinated pools are not a suitable environment for prolonged pearl exposure.

At the beach, you also have to consider salt water, sand, sunscreen, impact and the practical risk of losing the jewelry.

Remove pearl pieces before swimming or water activities whenever practical.

 

If MONI Pearl Jewelry Is “Water Resistant,” Can You Shower in It?

Water Resistant does not mean prolonged soaking is recommended.

For example, MONI's current MEP12 pearl butterfly earrings are listed as:

18K Gold Vermeil | Natural Freshwater Pearl | MONI Diamond Simulants | Hypoallergenic

and are also labeled Water Resistant and Hypoallergenic.

At the same time, MONI's current general care instructions recommend removing jewelry for showering, sleeping and sports and avoiding perfume, hairspray and makeup.

So:

Water Resistant ≠ designed for prolonged soaking.

The two statements address different things: ordinary water exposure versus long-term care.

 

How Should You Clean Pearls After Wearing Them?

For routine care, cleaning can be very simple.

Step 1: Wipe After Wear

Use a very soft, clean cloth to gently remove perspiration, skin oils and light residue.

Both GIA and MIKIMOTO recommend gentle wiping after wear.

Step 2: Use a Slightly Damp Cloth for Visible Residue

If a dry cloth is not enough, slightly dampen a soft cloth and wipe the surface gently.

Allow the jewelry to dry completely before storing it.

For pieces that combine pearls with Gold Vermeil, other gemstones, adhesives or complex settings, a slightly damp cloth can be a conservative first step when you are unsure whether the whole piece should be immersed.

 

How Do You Deep-Clean Pearls?

GIA states that warm, soapy water is safe for occasional thorough pearl cleaning when appropriate.

A gentle process is:

1. Use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild soap.

2. Clean very gently with a soft cloth or soft tool.

3. Do not scrub aggressively.

4. Blot away excess moisture.

5. Let the jewelry dry naturally.

6. For strung pearls, wait until the string is completely dry before wearing.

GIA notes that wet silk thread can stretch and collect dirt.

If a piece also includes Gold Vermeil, plated metal, glued components, treated gemstones or delicate settings, confirm the complete jewelry-care requirements before immersing it.

 

Can Pearls Go in an Ultrasonic Cleaner?

No.

GIA's current Pearl Care and Cleaning Guide specifically states that pearls should never be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.

GIA's broader jewelry-care guidance also lists organic gem materials such as pearls among materials that should not be ultrasonically cleaned.

 

Can Pearls Be Steam-Cleaned?

No.

GIA also specifically advises against steam cleaning pearls. High heat can discolor, split or crack cultured pearls.

Avoid using steam, very hot water or a hot hair dryer as a shortcut.

 

Can You Clean Pearls With Toothpaste or Baking Soda?

It is not recommended.

Pearl's low hardness makes the surface vulnerable to abrasion. GIA rates pearl at 2.5 on the Mohs scale and emphasizes protection from scratching and wear.

A product being described as a “natural cleaner” does not make it pearl-safe.

 

Can You Use Vinegar or Lemon on Pearls?

No.

Vinegar and lemon are acidic, and GIA states that pearls can be damaged by acids.

Do not use acidic household products in an attempt to whiten, brighten or clean pearl jewelry.

 

Can You Use Alcohol, Bleach or Nail Polish Remover?

Avoid strong household chemicals.

GIA states that pearls can be damaged by many chemicals and acids.

If ordinary gentle care cannot remove a problem, professional inspection is a better next step than experimenting with stronger household solutions.

 

Can You Dry Pearls With a Hair Dryer?

Avoid high heat.

GIA notes that high heat can cause cultured pearls to discolor, split or crack.

Instead, gently blot excess moisture with a soft cloth and allow the jewelry to air-dry safely.

For strung pearls, make sure the string is completely dry before wearing them again.

 

Can Perfume Damage Pearls?

Repeated direct perfume exposure is not ideal for pearl jewelry.

GIA specifically lists perfume, hairspray and cosmetics among substances that can damage pearls, while MIKIMOTO recommends applying these products before wearing pearl jewelry.

The easy rule is:

fragrance first, pearls last.

 

Does Sweat Affect Pearls?

Perspiration can affect pearl surfaces and luster.

Both GIA and MIKIMOTO identify perspiration as something that should be removed from pearls after wear.

After a hot day, you do not need aggressive cleaning.

A gentle wipe with a soft clean cloth is usually the better routine.

 

How Should Pearls Be Stored?

The main storage rule is:

keep pearls away from harder jewelry that can scratch them.

GIA recommends keeping pearls away from sharp or rough objects and storing them in a soft pouch or case. MIKIMOTO likewise recommends separating pieces in a compartmented jewelry box to prevent scratches and tangles.

Do not pile pearl jewelry together with hard gemstones, metal clasps or rings.

 

Should Pearls Be Stored in a Plastic Bag?

For long-term storage, a soft jewelry pouch or lined case is a better default.

GIA specifically recommends a soft pouch or case for pearl storage.

The primary goal is to protect the pearl surface from friction, scratching and unsuitable storage conditions.

 

Can Pearls Stay in a Safe for Years?

Pearls should not be kept for extended periods in an extremely hot or excessively dry environment.

GIA notes that aging and dehydration can make some pearls more fragile and recommends avoiding dry, hot storage conditions.

MIKIMOTO similarly cautions that prolonged storage in a very dry security box may dehydrate pearls.

This does not mean pearls need to absorb perspiration or be intentionally wetted.

Simply avoid extreme storage conditions.

 

Should a Pearl Necklace Be Stored Flat?

For strung pearl necklaces, storing them flat in a protected area can avoid putting unnecessary long-term tension on the string.

Fasten clasps and keep pieces separate to prevent tangling and scratching, in line with MIKIMOTO's storage guidance.

 

How Often Should Pearl Necklaces Be Restrung?

There is no one interval that applies to everyone.

Consider:

how often the necklace is worn,
the type of string,
whether it has stretched,
whether it has become thin or dirty,
and whether gaps between pearls are increasing.

GIA recommends periodically inspecting pearl strings, and frequently worn strands may need more regular restringing.

If the thread looks stretched, frayed or worn, have it professionally checked before it breaks.

 

Do Pearls Turn Yellow?

Pearl appearance can change over time, but yellowing does not have one single cause.

Possible factors include aging, dehydration, heat, chemical exposure, accumulated residue and changes in certain pearl treatments.

GIA notes that high heat can discolor pearls and that dye, impregnation or coating treatments can change over time.

Do not respond to yellowing by using acids or aggressive bleaching products at home.

 

Can Dull Pearls Become Shiny Again?

It depends on why they look dull.

If the surface is covered with perspiration, oils or cosmetics, gentle cleaning may improve the appearance.

If the nacre itself has been scratched, abraded, chemically damaged or significantly aged, cleaning cannot simply restore the original surface.

With pearls, prevention is more useful than aggressive polishing after damage.

 

How Should You Care for MONI Jewellery Pearls?

MONI Jewellery currently has a dedicated freshwater pearl collection including earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings.

Materials can vary by individual product.

For example, the current MEP12 pearl butterfly earrings are described as:

18K Gold Vermeil | Natural Freshwater Pearl | MONI Diamond Simulants | Hypoallergenic

and are labeled Water Resistant, Hypoallergenic and covered by a five-year warranty.

For this type of jewelry, care needs to consider not only the pearl but also the sterling silver base, Gold Vermeil surface, stone settings and the complete construction.

MONI's current general care instructions recommend removing jewelry before showering, sleeping and sports and avoiding perfume, hairspray and makeup.

A simple routine for MONI pearl jewelry is:

put it on last → avoid chemicals → remove it before showering or swimming → wipe gently after wear → store separately once completely dry.

 

Pearl Care Checklist

• Put pearls on last and take them off first.

• Wipe them with a very soft clean cloth after wear.

• Do not panic over a small splash of clean water, but avoid prolonged soaking.

• Remove pearls before showering, swimming, hot springs and sports.

• Avoid direct contact with perfume, hairspray, cosmetics, acids and harsh chemicals.

• Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaning.

• Do not clean pearls with toothpaste, baking soda, vinegar or lemon.

• Allow pearls to air-dry instead of using high heat.

• Store them separately from harder jewelry.

• Inspect strung pearl jewelry periodically and restring it when the thread becomes stretched or worn.

Pearl Care FAQ

 

Can pearls be worn every day?

Yes. Wipe them gently with a very soft clean cloth after wear to remove perspiration and surface residue. GIA recommends this routine for cultured pearls.

 

Can pearls get wet?

A small amount of clean water is different from prolonged immersion. GIA allows occasional cleaning with warm soapy water when appropriate, but strung pearls must be completely dry before being worn again.

 

Can you shower with pearls?

It is better not to. Showering exposes jewelry to water, shampoo and other products, and MONI's current care guidance recommends removing jewelry before showering.

 

Can you swim with pearls?

It is not recommended. Pool chemicals, salt water and physical activity add unnecessary chemical and mechanical exposure.

 

Can Water Resistant pearl jewelry be soaked?

Water Resistant should not be interpreted as a recommendation for prolonged soaking. Some MONI pearl products are labeled Water Resistant, while MONI's general care guidance still recommends removing jewelry for showering, sleeping and sports.

 

Can you clean pearls with mild soap?

GIA states that warm soapy water can be used for occasional thorough pearl cleaning. If the piece also contains Gold Vermeil, other gemstones, adhesives or delicate construction, confirm that the entire item is suitable first.

 

Can pearls go in an ultrasonic cleaner?

No. GIA specifically states that pearls should never be cleaned ultrasonically or with steam.

 

Can toothpaste be used on pearls?

It is not recommended. Pearl ranks only 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale and is easily abraded.

 

Can vinegar or lemon clean pearls?

No. Pearls can be damaged by acids.

 

What should you do if pearls turn yellow?

Do not use acids or home bleaching methods. Yellowing can have several causes, including residue, aging, dehydration, heat or changes in treatments. If gentle cleaning does not help, professional evaluation is more appropriate.

 

Can dull pearls be polished?

Pearls should not be aggressively polished like metal. Gentle cleaning can improve dullness caused by surface residue, but actual nacre abrasion or chemical damage cannot simply be polished away.

 

How often should a pearl necklace be restrung?

There is no universal schedule. Inspect the string periodically and consider restringing if it stretches, becomes thin, frays or develops larger gaps between pearls.

 

How should pearls be stored?

Keep them in a soft pouch or lined jewelry case, separate from harder gemstones and metal edges. Avoid long-term storage in very hot or excessively dry conditions.

 

 

 

References: Gemological Institute of America (GIA); MIKIMOTO; MONI Jewellery

This article provides general pearl and jewelry-care information. Individual pieces can combine pearls with sterling silver, Gold Vermeil, gemstones, string, adhesives or other construction methods, so always follow the latest care information for the complete product.