Proper Care & Cleaning for Pearls

How to Care for Your Priceless Natural & Cultured Pearls:

Table of Contents:

1. How to properly store pearls
2. The best liquid cleaner to use; Homemade or professional?
3. Daily practices - Tips to prolong the life of your pearls

If you are the owner of a set of magnificent natural pearls, there are a few things you need to know before cleaning.  Natural pearls are highly delicate and require special care when cleaning and storing them.  Every tip listed below can be applied when caring for cultured pearls as well.  Cultured pearls like natural are more fragile than other gems and require special care. Do not use toothbrushes or abrasive cloths to clean pearls! 

How to Properly Store Pearls

Do not store your natural pearls next to other jewelry.  Natural pearls are considered to be "soft" gems meaning they can become easily damaged when not handled properly.  When removing your pearl jewelry, do not place it where it can be scratched by other pieces.  You should store them in a separate zippered pouch. 

Homemade or Professional Grade Cleaner; Which is the BEST?

Do not use home-made cleaners!  Pearls are primarily made of calcium carbonate and can completely dissolve in vinegar! Pearls can even become less colorful and lose their shape over time just by coming in contact with the oils in your skin and can also experience damage from perfumes and lemon juice.   Always use a cleaner that is specially formulated for delicate gems like Delicate Gem & Pearl Cleaner by Blitz.  This non-toxic formula is guaranteed to safely remove oils and dirt from the pearl's surface without damaging it.    

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Pearls

When you remove your pearls at the end of the day, wipe them down with a non-abrasive cloth to remove oils and perspiration, which can also cause the pearl to deteriorate over time.  Blitz recommends the MoonGlow™ Cloth for Pearls.  This cloth will remove oils and perspiration released by your skin without risking the essential oils and substances of your soft stone.