How to Care for Pearl Jewelry — A Complete Guide

Pearls are one of our favorite things to work with at LaRue & Co. — they're organic, luminous, and endlessly versatile. But they're also one of the most misunderstood gems when it comes to care. Unlike diamonds or sapphires, pearls are soft and porous, which means they need a little extra love. Here's everything you need to know.

The Golden Rule: Last On, First Off

Pearls should always be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. That means after your perfume, hairspray, lotion, and makeup — all of which can dull the surface of a pearl over time. Chemicals are a pearl's worst enemy.

Keep Them Away From Water

Take your pearls off before you shower, swim, or wash dishes. Water — especially chlorinated or salt water — can weaken the silk thread that pearls are strung on and damage the nacre (the iridescent outer layer that gives pearls their glow). Our Sea Nymph Necklace and Jade Sea Nymph Necklace are strung on a silk hybrid thread for durability, but it's still best practice to keep them dry.

Wipe Them After Every Wear

After you take your pearls off, give them a gentle wipe with a soft, dry cloth — a microfiber cloth or even a clean cotton t-shirt works perfectly. This removes any oils or residue from your skin before they have a chance to build up. It takes five seconds and makes a huge difference over time.

Store Them Separately

Pearls are soft (only a 2.5-4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale) which means harder gems and metals can scratch them. Store your pearl pieces in a soft pouch or a separate compartment in your jewelry box, away from chains and rings that could scratch the surface.

Let Them Breathe

Unlike most gems, pearls actually benefit from a little humidity — they're organic, after all. Don't store them in an airtight container or a safe for long periods of time. A jewelry box or soft pouch in a room-temperature environment is ideal.

Re-String Regularly

If you wear a pearl strand regularly, have it re-strung every few years. The silk thread can stretch and weaken over time, and a broken strand is heartbreaking (and messy). We offer re-stringing services at LaRue & Co. — reach out if your strand needs some love.

What About Baroque Pearls?

Baroque pearls — the irregular, organic-shaped pearls we use in pieces like the Warrior Pearl Necklace, Tethys Earrings, and Ursula's Song Necklace — follow all the same care rules. Their irregular shape is part of their beauty, not a flaw, and with proper care they'll stay luminous for decades.

Have questions about a specific piece? We're always here.

— Charlotte, LaRue & Co. New York