To get pearls white again, gently wipe them with a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and water solution, then rinse with a clean damp cloth and air dry flat, but for significant yellowing, professional cleaning might be best as home methods focus on surface dirt, not deep discoloration from chemicals or age. Avoid harsh chemicals (vinegar, baking soda), ultrasonic cleaners, or soaking, as these can damage the delicate nacre and silk stringing, causing irreversible harm.
Add a few drops of a mild soap to warm water. Use a soft clean to wipe over each pearl. This removes dust and remnants of perfumes and lotions. Use a non-whitening, non charcoal toothpaste to brush over the silver clasp.I use a baby toothpaste which is the most gentle I could find. Toothpastes can be abrasive and dull.
Never use ultrasonic, steam cleaners, detergents, baking soda, bleaches or any ammonia-based cleansers. Avoid commercial jewellery cleaners, unless they are specifically made for pearls. Avoid using toothbrushes, scouring pads or abrasive materials when cleaning pearls, as they can get scratched easily.
This includes items, such as baking soda and vinegar. The chemicals present in these natural cleansers could eat into the outer layer of the pearl and cause irreversible damage. Avoid cleaning the stone with a toothbrush or any other abrasive material as they could potentially scratch the surface of the gem.
Yes. I have swapped out focal pearls on earrings when the original pearls had peeling nacre and put in higher quality pearls, using acetone to clean off the glue. This would be an easier repair to make as there are no other pearls to worry about damaging...
Do not under any circumstances soak your pearls in water and hydrogen peroxide solutions, water and bleach, etc. These are all harsh bleaching agents that dry out the nacre and will cause the pearl to disintegrate, and we all will be very sad.
If your pearls require a deeper clean, you can use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap to gently wipe them. Be sure to rinse the pearls thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Never soak your pearls in water as it can weaken the silk thread holding them together.
Can you clean your pearls with baking soda? No. Baking soda is abrasive and can damage the delicate nacre of the pearl, causing it to dull or scratch.
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.
Pearls should never be cleaned in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. It's safe to use warm, soapy water for occasional, thorough cleaning. If the pearls are strung, be sure the string is completely dry before wearing. For routine care, it's best to wipe cultured pearls with a very soft, clean cloth after each wearing.
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.
Pearl Cleaning
From £20. Price is dependent on the item and the amount of work that is required. Contact us for a personalised quote.
Why do pearls go yellow? Pearls go yellow when they dehydrate. After all, pearls are formed in oysters or mussels and originate in either fresh or saltwater depending on the type of pearl. As such, yellowed pearls occur more frequently if you allow your pearls to dehydrate.
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.
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.
Christopher Anderson: These Few Precious Days: The Final Year of Jack with Jackie. Mirror: “As John F Kennedy lay dying Jackie whispered – I love you Jack, I love you”
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.
So yes, pearls really can dissolve in vinegar. It's not an instant melt, but it's a real chemical reaction that eventually eats away the pearl's structure. Whether you're testing an old legend or just want to keep your pearls pristine, now you know: keep the vinegar in the kitchen and the pearls in a padded box.
You should never use vinegar to clean your jewellery – it may be a great cleaning substance at home, but vinegar is not recommended for cleaning jewellery, especially precious metals like silver and gold. Vinegar is acidic and can damage the finish, patina, or any gemstones in your precious pieces.
Professional cleaning: If your pearls are heavily soiled or discolored, or if you haven't cleaned them in a long time, it may be necessary to have them professionally cleaned by a jeweler or pearl specialist. This can help to remove stubborn buildup and restore the pearls' natural beauty.
While less common, String of Pearls can also be propagated from individual pearls. Start by selecting plump, healthy pearls from a thriving plant and gently remove them, ensuring you include the base where the pearl attaches to the stem. Allow the pearls to dry and callous over for one to two days in a shaded area.
In 2025, pearl styling is all about contrast - soft lustre meets bold design, and classic shapes are reimagined with sculptural precision. Whether worn as delicate accents or standout pieces, pearls now complement both minimalist wardrobes and statement looks with equal ease.