Pearl Care & Cleaning
Pearls are organic gems — formed inside living oysters over years. Their surface is nacre: thin, luminous layers of aragonite that give pearls their glow. With simple, consistent care, pearl jewelry can be worn and enjoyed for generations.
- Last On, First Off
- Wipe After Every Wear
- Store Separately
- Avoid All Chemicals
The essentials.
Do
- Put pearls on after makeup, perfume, and hairspray
- Wipe gently with a soft cloth — dry or slightly damp — after each wear
- Store in a soft pouch or lined compartment
- Wear your pearls regularly — skin contact keeps nacre hydrated
- Have strands professionally restrung every 1–2 years
Don't
- Spray perfume or hairspray directly on pearls
- Use soap, detergent, or jewelry cleaning solutions
- Store pearls in an airtight container or plastic bag
- Wear pearls in swimming pools, hot springs, or the shower
- Let pearls rub against hard gemstones or metal clasps
Cleaning routine.
- 01
Wipe
Use a soft, lint-free cloth — dry or slightly dampened with water only. Gently wipe each pearl to remove body oils, perspiration, and any surface residue from the day.
- 02
Dry
Lay the strand flat on a soft towel and allow it to air dry completely before storing. Never hang a wet pearl strand — the weight stretches the silk thread.
- 03
Store
Once dry, place pearls in a soft pouch or lined compartment. Keep them separate from other jewelry — particularly items with hard gemstones or sharp metal edges.
Keep them safe.
Pearls are softer than almost every other gemstone — about 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. A diamond, sapphire, or even a simple gold clasp can scratch nacre on contact. Separate storage is not optional; it is the single most important thing you can do to protect your pearls long-term.
Use a soft pouch, a silk-lined box, or a dedicated compartment in your jewelry case. Avoid plastic bags and airtight containers — pearls are organic and need a small amount of ambient moisture to prevent the nacre from drying out and cracking over time.
Every Pearls.jp purchase ships in a presentation box with a protective pouch — designed for both display and long-term storage.
Professional restringing.
Pearl strands are traditionally strung on silk thread with individual knots tied between each pearl. This prevents pearls from rubbing against each other and ensures that if the strand breaks, only one pearl is lost. Over time, silk naturally stretches and weakens with regular wear.
Have your pearl strand checked when knots appear loose, the thread looks discolored, or the strand has lost its drape. For frequently worn strands, a professional restringing every one to two years is a reasonable guideline.
Complimentary restringing for all pearl strands purchased from Pearls.jp. Our master stringer uses traditional Japanese technique with individual knotting on silk thread.
Repair & Restringing Services →Common questions.
How should I store my pearls?
Store pearls in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box, separated from other jewelry. Hard gemstones and metals can scratch the nacre surface. Avoid airtight containers — pearls are organic and benefit from a small amount of ambient moisture.
Can I wear pearls with perfume or hairspray?
Apply perfume, hairspray, and lotions before putting on your pearls. These products contain chemicals and alcohol that can dull the nacre and weaken silk thread over time. The general rule is: pearls go on last, come off first.
How do I clean my pearls after wearing them?
After each wearing, gently wipe your pearls with a soft cloth — dry or slightly damp. If dampening, use water only — no soap, no detergent, no jewelry cleaner. This removes body oils and perspiration that can erode the nacre over time.
How often should pearl necklaces be restrung?
Pearl strands should be professionally restrung when the silk thread shows signs of stretching, discoloration, or when knots between pearls begin to loosen. For strands worn frequently, this is typically every one to two years. Pearls.jp offers complimentary restringing for pearls purchased from the store.