Luminous for Life: A Guide to Caring for Your Pearl Jewellery

Pearls are timeless symbols of elegance and sophistication, but unlike hardier gemstones, they require a little extra attention to maintain their exquisite lustre and remain beautiful for generations to come. At Pieces of Eight Gallery, our artists each bring a distinctive contemporary vision to this most ancient of gems. Whether your piece is a baroque drop earring, a keshi pearl pendant, or a sculptural ring, the care principles are the same. Follow these essential tips to protect your treasures.

The Golden Rule: Last On, First Off

This is perhaps the most important rule for pearl care. Pearls are organic gems and can be damaged by the chemicals found in everyday products.

Last On:

Always put your pearls on after you've applied makeup, perfume, hairspray, and lotions. These products contain chemicals that, over time, can dull a pearl's lustre or etch its surface.

First Off:

When you're ready to remove them, take your pearls off before removing makeup or getting ready for bed. This reduces the chance of contact with cosmetics and the body oils that accumulate throughout the day and can harm a pearl's nacre over time.

Clean with Care: Gentle is Key

Pearls are relatively soft (rating just 2.5–3 on the Mohs scale) and can scratch easily. Abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals are a definite no-go.

Wipe them down after each wear.

A soft, damp, lint-free cloth is all you need to remove oils, perspiration, or residue that builds up through the day.

For a deeper clean, use a mild soap solution occasionally.

A very small amount of baby shampoo mixed with lukewarm water works well. Dampen a soft cloth with the solution, wring it out thoroughly, and gently wipe the pearls — never scrub.

Avoid submerging pearl jewellery in water.

Water can weaken silk threading and potentially damage settings. Remove pearl pieces before showering or swimming.

Always dry thoroughly before storing.

Leaving pearls damp can weaken stringing thread and, over time, encourage mildew.

Smart Storage: Protect Them from Harm

How you store your pearls is just as important as how you wear them.

• Keep them separate: Store pearl pieces away from other jewellery in a soft cloth pouch or lined jewellery box. The nacre can be scratched by harder gemstones or metal edges.
• Avoid airtight containers: Pearls are porous and need a little ambient moisture to maintain their lustre — sealing them away completely can cause them to dry out and crack. Store your pieces in the packaging provided by the gallery when not in use.
• Store necklaces flat: Rather than hanging them, lay pearl necklaces flat to prevent the weight of the pearls from stretching or stressing the thread or chain over time.

Re-stringing: An Important Maintenance Step

If your pearl necklace or bracelet is strung on silk thread, it will naturally stretch and weaken with wear. Check periodically for signs of stretching, fraying, or visible gaps between the pearls. If you notice any of these, have the piece re-strung professionally before a break occurs. This is a straightforward and affordable service — simply bring your piece into the gallery and we can arrange it for you.

A Living Material Deserves Living Care

Every pearl in our collection is the product of a living organism — an organic marvel shaped by nature and then, in the hands of our artists, transformed into something wholly contemporary. The nacre that gives each pearl its glow is the same material that makes it vulnerable. A little consistent care is all it takes to ensure that a pearl piece of jewellery remains as luminous as the day you first wore it.

Explore the full pearl collection at Pieces of Eight Gallery.