How To Clean Pearl Jewelry

Pearls glow differently from every other gem. Their radiance isn’t sharp or faceted — it’s soft, living, and quietly luminous. They rest against the skin with a warmth that feels almost intimate, a presence that has made them cherished for centuries.

But this very softness is why pearls require a different kind of care — the kind that comes from slow craftsmanship, gentle handling, and decades of understanding how organic gems behave.

What follows is a jeweler’s perspective, the kind handed down at the bench — thoughtful, precise, and meant to help you care for your pearls with the same attentiveness given in a fine workshop.

Understanding Pearl Sensitivity

Pearls are formed organically, one layer of nacre at a time. Each layer is delicate, reactive, and meant to be protected. Unlike diamonds or sapphires, pearls respond directly to the world around them — makeup, perfume, heat, acidity, and even the oils on your skin.

Cleaning a pearl isn’t about restoring shine.

It’s about preserving nacre.

How to Clean Pearl Jewelry (Through a Jeweler’s Eyes)

There is a rhythm to cleaning pearls — slow, intentional, and precise. Expert jewelers never rush this process, and you shouldn’t either. Here’s how to bring that same approach into your home.

Step One: Begin With a Soft, Damp Cloth

Every jeweler starts here: a clean, lint-free cloth that’s lightly moistened.

Each pearl is wiped individually, turned gently between the fingers, as if the goal isn’t to clean but to listen to the surface.

This removes:

• Oils

• Makeup

• Dust

• Environmental residue

• The pressure is whisper-light.

Pearls respond best to softness. A jeweler never presses; they glide. That same motion at home preserves the depth and warmth of the nacre.

Step Two: Dry Immediately

After wiping, pearls should be patted dry with a separate soft cloth.

• They should then rest flat on a towel until the silk thread is completely dry.

• Moisture changes the tension of the silk, and pearl strands depend on tension to drape beautifully.

Step Three: When Pearls Need Deeper Care

Over time, makeup and perfume may settle around knots or along the edges of a pearl. For this, jewelers use a cloth dampened with distilled water and the slightest touch of mild, fragrance-free soap.

• Never soak pearls.

• Never submerge them.

• Never expose them to streams of water.

From the Jeweler’s Bench

Soaking pearls can flatten their glow and loosen their knots. Even a brief dip in water can cause the silk to stretch, making the necklace uneven.

How Improper Cleaning Leads to Damage

Pearl wear often tells a jeweler a story — not just about how the piece was loved, but how it was cleaned. Over time, the wrong methods create visible changes:

• A satin glow becomes chalky

• Silk knots stretch and loosen

• The strand loses its graceful drape

• Pearls begin touching, rubbing, wearing each other down

These changes arise slowly, almost imperceptibly — until one day, the pearls look “tired” instead of luminous.

From the Jeweler’s Bench

A jeweler often sees the silk before the pearl. The way the strand hangs tells us if cleaning or restringing is needed long before the gem itself does.

Storing Pearls With Care

Pearls rest best when treated like delicate textiles rather than hard gemstones.

Store pearls:

• Lying flat

• In a lined jewelry box or soft pouch

• Away from direct sunlight

• Separate from harder stones (to avoid scratches)

• Never in airtight containers (pearls need a breath of humidity)

When a Professional’s Hand Is Needed

Even with excellent care at home, pearls benefit from professional attention every one to two years. A jeweler can evaluate:

• Knot integrity

• Thread condition

• Nacre thickness

• Overall wear

• Pearl-to-pearl spacing

If the strand looks uneven, if the thread appears fuzzy, if pearls are shifting from their knots — it’s time for restringing.

From the Jeweler’s Bench

A well-strung strand should feel like silk and fall like water. When it no longer does, it’s ready for renewal.

Pearls Are Cared For, Not Cleaned

That is the central truth of expert pearl care.

Pearls are not scrubbed, polished, or brightened.

They are protected, preserved, and handled with a gentleness that echoes their origin.

Their glow is not a surface trait — it is a memory of every layer they hold. Cleaning them well is an act of gratitude for something the ocean gave slowly and intentionally.

For Care, Guidance, and Professional Hands: Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry

In the quiet elegance of Plaza Oaks Shopping Center, Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry has been helping clients care for their fine jewelry since 1981. Founded by Cathy Eastham — a proud first-generation jeweler and recipient of the 2022 Woman of Distinction presented by Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest — the boutique remains a trusted destination for those who value craftsmanship, artistry, and knowledgeable care.

Whether your pearls need cleaning, restringing, evaluation, or simply expert eyes on their condition:

• Schedule a consultation

• Bring in heirloom strands for assessment

• Explore exclusive pearl pieces in our curated collections

Address: 2101 W Wadley Suite 31, Midland, Texas 79705

Contact: Cathy@cathyeastham.com

(432) 682-8008

Hours: Monday – Friday 10am – 5:30pm | Saturday by appointment

Copyright © 2023 Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry