Pearls are meant to be worn, but they do not behave like stainless steel or waterproof PVD jewellery. A natural pearl has an organic surface that responds to moisture, chemicals, friction and the way it is stored.
The best care routine is gentle and consistent: put pearls on after beauty products, keep them away from showers and workouts, wipe them after wearing and store them separately from harder jewellery.
Quick answer: natural pearl necklaces should not be submerged or worn in the shower, pool, sea or gym. Wipe the pearls with a very soft, slightly damp cloth, allow the necklace to dry flat and store it separately in a soft compartment.
Why pearls need different care
Natural pearls are formed by living molluscs and have an outer surface made of layers of nacre. This gives them their distinctive glow, subtle colour variation and organic character.
Nacre is softer and more sensitive than stainless steel. It can be affected by:
- Perfume
- Hairspray
- Skincare and SPF
- Sweat
- Soap and shampoo
- Chlorine and saltwater
- Abrasive cloths
- Contact with harder jewellery
This is why one care routine should not be applied to every material in a jewellery collection.
Are natural pearls supposed to look perfectly round?
No. Natural and cultured freshwater pearls can vary in shape, size, surface and lustre. Small differences are part of their character rather than evidence that the necklace is damaged.
Organic pearls may be slightly oval, irregular or softly textured. Compare the necklace with its original product images before assuming a natural variation is a defect.
Put pearls on last
Complete your beauty routine before fastening the necklace:
- Apply skincare and SPF.
- Use perfume and hairspray.
- Allow products to dry or absorb.
- Put on clothing.
- Add the pearl necklace last.
This reduces direct contact with sprays, oils and alcohol-based products. When getting ready for bed, remove pearls first so they do not catch on clothing.
Can you shower with a pearl necklace?
No. Natural pearls should not be treated as waterproof. Shower water is combined with shampoo, conditioner, soap, heat and repeated moisture, all of which can affect the pearl surface and the way the necklace is constructed.
Remove a pearl necklace before showering, bathing or using a sauna. Keep it outside the humid bathroom rather than placing it beside the sink.
For the difference between pearl care and waterproof non-pearl jewellery, read what waterproof jewellery really means.
Can you swim with pearls?
No. Chlorine and saltwater are unsuitable for natural pearls. Swimming also increases the chance that a clasp opens or the necklace is lost.
If a pearl necklace is accidentally exposed to pool or sea water, wipe it carefully with a soft cloth dampened with fresh water and let it dry flat. Do not scrub or use chemical cleaners.
Can you work out in a pearl necklace?
Remove pearls before exercise. Sweat, repeated movement and friction from sports clothing can affect the surface. The strand can also catch on equipment or move during running and floor exercises.
Choose compact non-pearl jewellery for active days and read our practical gym jewellery guide.
How to clean a pearl necklace after wearing it
For routine care:
- Lay the necklace on a clean, soft towel.
- Use a very soft cloth that is dry or barely damp with fresh lukewarm water.
- Wipe each pearl gently without pulling the strand.
- Wipe the clasp separately, taking care not to rub metal hard against the pearls.
- Leave the necklace flat until completely dry.
Do not wear or store the necklace while the strand or spaces between pearls remain damp.
Can you wash pearls with soap?
Routine pearl cleaning usually does not require soap. Strong or heavily fragranced products can leave residue or affect the surface.
When a necklace needs more than a gentle wipe, follow the product-specific instructions or consult a professional jeweller experienced with pearls. Do not experiment with household cleaning solutions.
What products should never be used on pearls?
Avoid:
- Toothpaste
- Baking soda
- Vinegar or lemon juice
- Alcohol
- Bleach
- Metal polish
- Silver dip
- Ultrasonic cleaners
- Steam cleaners
- Abrasive brushes or cloths
Acidic, alkaline, abrasive and highly concentrated products can damage the delicate surface.
How to clean the gold clasp or details
When the necklace combines pearls with PVD gold-plated stainless-steel details, clean the metal carefully without soaking the pearl section.
Use a soft, barely damp cloth on the clasp, then dry it immediately. Do not use metal polish, as it can transfer onto the pearls or affect the plated finish.
Always follow the individual product description and the Jewellery & Care FAQ.
How often should a pearl necklace be cleaned?
Wipe pearls after each wear, especially after a warm day or contact with skincare. This light routine is safer than waiting for residue to build and then using a more intensive cleaning method.
A professional clean may be appropriate when:
- The strand is heavily soiled.
- The clasp needs repair.
- The necklace has become stretched.
- Individual pearls move on the strand.
- You are unsure how to clean a vintage or valuable piece.
How to store a pearl necklace
Store the necklace flat in a soft, separate compartment. Do not hang it for long periods, as the weight of the pearls can place tension on the strand.
Keep pearls away from:
- Rings with sharp or textured edges
- Chains that can scratch the surface
- Direct sunlight
- Radiators and high heat
- Humid bathrooms
- Beauty-product storage
A soft, breathable pouch or lined jewellery box is usually suitable. Make sure the necklace is completely dry first.
See our complete jewellery storage guide for organisation tips.
Should pearl necklaces be stored in plastic?
A tightly sealed plastic bag is not always the best long-term choice because it can trap moisture and does not protect against pressure. A soft, lined and appropriately ventilated compartment is preferable.
For short travel, place the dry necklace in its own soft pouch inside a structured jewellery case.
Can pearls scratch?
Yes. Pearls are softer than many metals and gemstones. Contact with rings, textured chains or hard clasps can leave marks.
Do not drop a pearl necklace into a mixed jewellery bowl. Keep it separate both at home and while travelling.
How to travel with a pearl necklace
- Wipe and dry the necklace before packing.
- Lay it in a soft pouch without tight folds.
- Place the pouch in a structured case.
- Keep hard jewellery in other compartments.
- Carry the case in your personal bag where practical.
- Do not leave it in a hot car or direct sunlight.
Check the clasp before wearing the necklace on holiday, and remove it before the beach, pool or shower.
Does wearing pearls help maintain them?
Pearls are made to be enjoyed, but this does not mean they benefit from sweat, creams or constant moisture. Regular, careful wear is appropriate when the necklace is wiped afterwards and kept away from damaging conditions.
Avoid extreme claims that pearls must be worn constantly to remain healthy. The practical priorities are gentle handling, clean storage and protection from chemicals and abrasion.
How to check the strand and clasp
Before wearing:
- Check that the clasp closes securely.
- Look for visible stretching or gaps.
- Make sure no pearl feels loose.
- Inspect the metal details for rough or bent edges.
- Stop wearing the necklace when the construction looks damaged.
Professional restringing may be needed over time, especially for necklaces worn frequently.
How to style pearls without making them feel formal
Natural pearls can feel modern when contrasted with clean gold chains, a simple T-shirt, sports-inspired clothing or an open shirt.
Keep the styling relaxed:
- Pair one pearl necklace with a fine gold chain.
- Combine organic pearls with small hoops.
- Wear pearls with denim or a clean white top.
- Use a single pearl detail as the focal point.
Explore the Lumière Pearl Necklace, Luna Pearl Necklace and Pearl Toggle Necklace for different proportions and closures.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear a pearl necklace every day?
Yes, with gentle care. Keep it away from water, workouts and beauty products, then wipe and store it properly after wearing.
Can I shower with freshwater pearls?
No. Freshwater pearls are natural organic material and should not be submerged or exposed repeatedly to soap, shampoo and steam.
How do I restore shine to dull pearls?
Begin with a gentle wipe using a very soft, barely damp cloth. Do not polish aggressively. Seek professional advice when the surface remains dull or damaged.
Why are my pearls not perfectly round?
Freshwater pearls naturally vary in shape, surface and size. Organic variation is part of their appearance.
Can I clean pearls with jewellery cleaner?
Only when the cleaner explicitly states that it is suitable for natural pearls and the product instructions allow it. General metal or gemstone cleaners may be too harsh.
How should I store pearls overnight?
Lay the clean, dry necklace flat in a soft separate compartment away from harder jewellery.
Can perfume damage a pearl necklace?
Direct and repeated contact can affect the surface. Apply perfume first, let it dry and put the necklace on last.
Can pearl necklaces be layered?
Yes. Pair pearls with a smooth fine chain and keep enough space between the layers to reduce rubbing and tangling.
Wear them, then care for them
Pearls do not need to remain hidden in a box. They simply need a different routine from waterproof metal jewellery. Put them on last, remove them before water or exercise, wipe them gently and give them a soft place of their own.
Discover natural pearl styles in the Necklaces collection or browse all everyday jewellery in All Jewellery.
