The Correct Way to Clean Your Pearls (It's Not With Ultrasound): A Guide That Won't Make Your Grandmother Faint

So, you’ve inherited your great-aunt Mildred’s stunning pearl necklace, or perhaps you’ve treated yourself to a beautiful strand from a renowned house like Mikimoto. They’re luminous, they’re elegant, and after a few wears, they’ve started to look a little… well, like they’ve actually lived. Your first instinct might be to toss them into that ultrasonic jewelry cleaner you got for your diamond studs. Stop right there! If pearls could scream, that would be the moment. Cleaning pearls is more like caring for a delicate houseplant than scrubbing a pot—it requires a gentle touch, specific knowledge, and absolutely no ultrasonic baths. Let's dive into the why and the how, so your pearls can maintain their legendary luster for generations to come.

Pearls are the divas of the jewelry world, and for good reason. Unlike a resilient sapphire ring or a tough G-Shock watch, a pearl is an organic gemstone formed within a mollusk. Their surface is made of layers of nacre, a crystalline substance that gives them their beautiful iridescence (that’s the ‘orient’ for you pearl connoisseurs). This surface is surprisingly soft and porous. Think of it like the finish on a priceless antique wooden table—you wouldn’t take a scouring pad to it, would you? Harsh chemicals, abrasive brushes, and especially ultrasonic cleaners can wear away this delicate nacre, leaving your pearls dull, scratched, and eternally sad.

Why Your Ultrasonic Cleaner is a Pearl's Worst Nightmare

An ultrasonic cleaner works by sending high-frequency sound waves through a liquid, creating millions of tiny bubbles that implode with enough force to blast away dirt and grime. It’s fantastic for lifting grease from under the prongs of a diamond piece or cleaning the intricate links of a Byzantine chain. For a pearl, it’s pure torture. Those powerful shockwaves can literally shake the nacre apart, causing cracks, peeling, and irreversible damage. It’s the equivalent of putting a silk blouse in a industrial washing machine on the heavy-duty cycle—the outcome will be tragic.

The Golden Rules of Post-Wear Pearl Care

The best cleaning happens *before* your pearls even need a deep clean. Pearls are susceptible to acids, and guess what your skin naturally produces? Yep, acids from sweat and oils. The single most important thing you can do for your pearls is to give them a quick wipe with a very soft, lint-free cloth (think microfiber or a special jewelry cloth) after every wear. This simple habit removes those lingering oils and perspiration before they can seep into the porous surface and dim your pearl’s glow. Always put your pearls on *after* applying perfume, hairspray, and makeup. Those beauty products are a cocktail of chemicals that are no friend to nacre.

The Step-by-Step Guide to a Safe & Sparkling Pearl Clean

Every few months, or if they’ve had a particularly exciting night out, your pearls might need a little more than a wipe-down. Here’s the safe and correct way to do it.

What You’ll Need:
- A bowl of lukewarm water (not hot, not cold)
- A few drops of incredibly mild, phosphate-free soap (castile soap or a dedicated jewelry cleaner safe for organics is perfect)
- A very soft, clean brush (a baby’s toothbrush with ultra-soft bristles is ideal)
- A clean, lint-free cloth
- A towel

The Process:
1. Mix the Solution: Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add just a drop or two of soap. You want suds, but not a bubble bath.
2. Dampen the Cloth: Dip a corner of your soft cloth into the soapy water and wring it out thoroughly. It should be barely damp, not dripping wet.
3. Gently Wipe: Carefully wipe each pearl with the damp cloth. Be gentle—you’re wiping, not scrubbing.
4. For Stubborn Grime: If there’s dirt stuck in a crevice, you can *very gently* use the soft brush dipped in the soapy water. Use a light, circular motion.
5. Rinse (Carefully!): Dampen a different part of the cloth with clean, lukewarm water (no soap) and wipe each pearl to remove any soap residue. Do not submerge the entire strand in water, especially if the silk string is old.
6. Dry Thoroughly: Lay the pearls flat on a clean, dry towel and allow them to air dry completely. Never hang them to dry, as the wet silk can stretch.
7. The Final Polish: Once completely dry, give them a final polish with a dry, soft cloth to restore their shine.

What About the String?

If your pearls are strung on silk, which most classic strands are, you need to be extra mindful of moisture. Silk is a thread and can weaken when wet, increasing the risk of breaking. This is another prime reason to avoid soaking them. If your pearls are knotted, you should have them restrung by a professional every year or two if you wear them frequently, or every few years if worn occasionally. This prevents catastrophic breakage and pearl loss. We offer expert restringing services here at Robinson’s—it’s a small investment to protect a large one.

Storing Your Pearls: Don't Let Them Play Rough

Your pearls need a cozy, protected home. Never toss them into a jewelry box where they can bounce against harder pieces like tennis bracelets, emerald cut rings, or other fine jewelry. Their soft nacre can be easily scratched. Store them separately in a soft pouch, a lined jewelry box compartment, or wrapped in a soft cloth. It’s also a good idea to lay them flat rather than hanging them for long-term storage to prevent the silk strand from stretching.

When to Call in the Professionals

If your pearls are truly vintage, an heirloom piece from our Estate & Vintage collection, or if they’ve been damaged, it’s best to bring them to us. Our experts can assess their condition, recommend the best course of action, and handle them with the care they deserve. We can also help you find stunning new pieces to add to your collection, from modern huggie earrings with pearls to classic strands from our incredible family of designers like Roberto Coin or Oscar Heyman.

Remember, treating your pearls with a little TLC isn’t just about maintenance—it’s about preservation. By following these simple steps, you ensure that your beautiful pearls, whether a gift from a loved one or a gift to yourself, will continue to radiate their warm, elegant glow for many, many years. Now go forth and be brilliant (and gentle)!