Pearls A Timeless Treasure: How to Clean, Store and Preserve

Pearls are among the most timeless gemstones, adding an unmatched touch of elegance to your look. For centuries, queens and princesses have adorned themselves with pearls, celebrated for their rarity, beauty, and the charm they bring to women. 

At Pollux, we present to you a distinguished collection of Freshwater Pearls, beautifully incorporated into unique designs with refined touches. And because pearls are delicate treasures of nature, we’d like to share with you the best ways to care for your natural pearls and store them properly to preserve their luster and protect them from damage. 

Whether you own a pearl necklace, earrings, or bracelet, proper care is essential to maintaining their quality, brilliance, and longevity. 

In the following guide, Pollux will provide you with essential tips on how to care for your pearls—including storage, cleaning, and protection. With just a few simple steps, you can keep your pearl jewelry shining and beautiful for many years to come.

Best Steps to Clean Your Pearls 

Follow these steps to gently and safely clean your pearl pieces:

•  Wipe the pearls with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust or residue.
• Mix a small amount of mild baby shampoo with lukewarm water. Dampen a clean, soft cloth with the solution and gently wipe the pearls.
• Avoid abrasive materials such as toothbrushes, as they may scratch the surface of the pearls.
• Rinse the pearls with clean water to remove shampoo residue.
• Pat them dry with a soft towel.
• Always allow pearls to air-dry completely before storing.
• Never use harsh chemicals, steam cleaners, or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage pearls.

How to Preserve Your Pearls

Pearls are soft and can easily be scratched or worn down if not stored and handled properly. With the right care, however, your pearl jewelry can remain a timeless treasure. 

Freshwater pearls, such as those from Pollux, thrive on gentle moisture and even benefit from the natural oils of your skin when worn. This is why wearing them often is one of the best ways to keep them radiant. 

After each wear, gently wipe your pearls with a soft cloth to remove sweat, perfume, oils, or impurities before returning them to their case. Store them separately from other jewelry to avoid scratches—wrapped in a soft cotton cloth or placed inside a fabric pouch.

Storing Your Pearls

• Do not store pearls in airtight containers; they need moisture to stay intact. In overly dry environments, they may crack.
• If you keep them in a jewelry box or a warm environment, place a slightly damp cloth nearby and re-moisten it occasionally.
• Keep pearls away from vinegar, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, hairspray, perfume, and cosmetics—these substances will undoubtedly damage their surface.
• Always put on your pearls after applying makeup, perfume, or hairspray to avoid exposure to chemicals that could erode their nacre.
• Avoid exercising while wearing pearls, as sweat can harm them.
• Never bathe or swim in pearls—the chlorine in water can dull their shine, and the silk thread holding them may stretch or break when wet.
• Do not hang pearl necklaces on jewelry stands, as this puts pressure on the silk thread, causing it to stretch.
• Have your pearls restrung every 2–3 years, or annually if worn frequently, to ensure durability and safety.

With the right care, your pearls will remain luminous, elegant, and everlasting—just like the timeless.