Yes, pearls can lose their luster and even dry out if not worn, because the natural oils from your skin help keep them hydrated and radiant; however, they also need proper storage in a breathable pouch (not plastic) and gentle cleaning to maintain their shine long-term, as chemicals, sweat, and dust can damage them. Wearing them regularly, but wiping them down afterward, is the best way to maintain their natural glow.
Pearls can age because they are made of biological materials. They might lose their shine, peel, or break down over time. Pearl jewelry, on the other hand, can keep its beauty and shape for hundreds of years if it is stored and cared for properly. Wearing pearl jewelry is probably the best way to keep it in good shape.
How to Clean Pearls: A Gentle Touch for Radiant Shine
Pearls require delicate care to preserve their luster and longevity.
The organic structure that gives rise to a pearl's lustre and colour may be damaged by intense light or heat, pollution, acidity from cosmetics and perspiration. We do not recommend wearing pearls in swimming pools or saunas as heat, chlorine and other chemicals can damage the pearl or its setting.
Yes, pearls can lose their lustre if proper care is not taken when wearing, cleaning and storing them. Pearls are composed of calcium carbonate, which is alkaline in nature. As a result, exposure to acids or harsh chemicals will reduce their lustre.
It was Jackie Kennedy who said 'pearls are always appropriate,' meaning that they suit all occasions and all outfits. Indeed pearls are still worn by many brides on their wedding days and feature in most jewellers' windows today.
A pearl's luster is the result of a thin layer of nacre coating the nucleus of the pearl. You can wipe your pearls with oil to make them shinier, but once a pearl has lost its original luster, you can't bring it back. A pearl can grow dull from perspiration or from drying out.
Real pearls have a distinctive deep luster with a slightly soft, glowing appearance rather than a sharp reflection.
Never bathe or swim in your pearls—water can weaken the silk or nylon cord. Remove your pearls before exercising or spending time in the sauna. The surface of a pearl is soft and easily scratched. Avoid wearing bristly fabrics, like Shetland wool, or clothing with sequins, beading and metallic thread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Cleaning Your Pearls
For jewelry that shouldn't be cleaned with Dawn, consider these alternatives: Pearl Jewelry: Wipe with a damp cloth and store separately to avoid scratches. Opal & Emerald Jewelry: Use a dry, soft cloth to gently polish the surface. Costume Jewelry: A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth is often enough.
Cleaning Your Pearls
After wearing your pearls, it's advisable to softly wipe them with a damp, soft cloth. This gentle action effectively eliminates any dirt, oils, or perspiration that might have accumulated on the pearls throughout the day.
Who Should Avoid Pearl? Pearl may not suit everyone. People with strong or negative Mars, Saturn, or Rahu in their horoscope should avoid wearing pearls. Pearl also doesn't go well with gemstones like Gomed (Hessonite), Lehsunia (Cat's Eye), or Neelam (Blue Sapphire).
Pearls are making waves again in the fashion world, and 2025 is shaping up to be their boldest year yet. If you're curious about the latest pearl jewelry trends 2025, this guide will help you navigate the season's must-haves and the styles to leave behind.
The sad reality is that old, second-hand cultured pearls aren't worth a lot. There's no obvious place to sell them and you won't get much from a jeweller or by putting them on eBay. Our advice is to keep them as a memento or give them to someone who'll appreciate them.
Wondering how to clean pearls that have yellowed? Start by mixing distilled water with mild soap in a 1:10 ratio and soaking the pearls in this solution for 5-10 minutes. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe them clean, and a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach any crevices.
When pearls are not cushioned by a knot between them, that grittiness will make the pearls wear against each other. All this combined for a perfect storm of deterioration. You can see where layers of nacre have flaked away, as well as where it almost looks like "rot" has set in.
Pearl earrings can get wet occasionally, but they don't like it. Repeated exposure to water will shorten their life and dull their shine. Pearls are organic gemstones made from layers of nacre. That nacre is both delicate and slightly porous.
Diana's love for pearls started early in her life. While her school friends often wore diamond studs, the future princess usually chose pearls. At the age of 15, Lady Diana Spencer was first seen wearing a pair of simple pearl earrings; she wore them as a bridesmaid at her sister's wedding.
“A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” - Coco Chanel.
She was further distressed when her father married the widowed Jackie Kennedy in 1968, a match that raised eyebrows across the world. Christina Onassis believed that Jackie was after her father's money, referring to her as “my father's unfortunate obsession.”