30-second answer

Pearls are organic gemstones and more delicate than diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and 18K gold. They dislike acids, alkalis, perfume, hairspray, and long-term sweat residue, and are not suitable for soaking, showering, swimming, or ultrasonic cleaning.

Pearls are not entirely forbidden from touching a drop of water, but they should never be soaked for long periods, exposed to water containing chemicals or care products, or put away without being wiped clean after wear.

Mikimoto’s pearl care advice also reminds wearers to avoid contact with cosmetics, hairspray and fragrance, and recommends putting pearls on as the final step when getting dressed; after wearing, they should be gently wiped with a soft cloth.

Why Are Pearls So Delicate?

Pearls are composed mainly of calcium carbonate and organic matter, with a nacre surface. Their beauty comes from a soft lustre, rather than the intense reflection of diamonds.

But precisely because the nacre is so delicate, it is also more vulnerable to external influences:

  1. Acidic substances can damage the surface lustre.
  2. Fragrance, hairspray and skincare products may leave chemical residue.
  3. If perspiration is not wiped away for long periods, pearls may lose their lustre.
  4. Friction can scratch the surface.
  5. A dry environment may cause the nacre to lose moisture.
  6. Prolonged dampness may, in turn, affect the silk thread and metal fittings.

Can Pearls Come into Contact with Water?

Brief everyday contact with clean water will not necessarily ruin pearls at once, but it is not recommended to let pearls remain in contact with water for long periods, especially:

  1. Bath water.
  2. Pool water.
  3. Seawater.
  4. Hot spring water.
  5. Water containing hand wash, body wash or shampoo.
  6. Disinfectant water or cleaning solution.

Pearl necklaces are especially not recommended for soaking, as moisture may affect the threading, knots and metal clasp.

Why Should Pearls Not Come into Contact with Fragrance?

Fragrance, hairspray, skincare products, sunscreen and cosmetics may contain alcohol, oils, acidic or alkaline components, or other chemicals. These substances can adhere to the surface of pearls and, over time, affect their lustre.

The correct order is:

  1. Apply skincare first.
  2. Then apply makeup.
  3. Spray fragrance and styling products.
  4. Once the skin and hair are dry.
  5. Put on the pearls last.

In other words, as the pearl industry often says:Put them on last, take them off first.

How Should Pearls Be Cleaned After Wearing?

After each wear, we recommend:

  1. Gently wipe them with a soft, clean cloth that is slightly damp or dry.
  2. Remove perspiration, sebum and cosmetic residue.
  3. Do not scrub with a toothbrush.
  4. Do not wipe with alcohol.
  5. Do not clean them with ultrasound.
  6. Store them only once they are completely dry.

If the pearls are visibly dirty, they should be handled by a specialist.

How Should Pearls Be Stored?

Pearl storage should avoid two extremes: too dry and too damp.

Recommendations:

  1. Keep them separately in a soft pouch or a velvet-lined box.
  2. Do not store them together with diamonds or metal chains.
  3. Do not keep them sealed for long periods in an entirely airtight plastic bag.
  4. Avoid direct sunlight.
  5. Avoid high heat, excessive dryness or excessive humidity.
  6. Lay pearl necklaces flat to avoid prolonged hanging and stretching of the silk thread.

Celeste Bespoke recommendation

Celeste Jewellery recommends that clients regard pearls as "jewellery that needs to breathe and be treated gently."

Suitable occasions for pearls:

  1. Weddings.
  2. Evening dinners.
  3. Elegant workwear.
  4. Anniversary gifts.
  5. Light everyday wear.

Occasions unsuitable for pearls:

  1. Fitness training.
  2. Swimming.
  3. Hot spring bathing.
  4. Cooking.
  5. Housework.
  6. Prolonged outdoor exposure to strong sunlight.

If a client wants a pearl ring, Celeste Jewellery should particularly point out: pearl rings are more prone to knocks and scratches than pearl necklaces and earrings, and are not suitable for high-intensity everyday wear.

FAQ

Q1: Can you wear pearls in the shower?

Not recommended. Body wash, shampoo and steam all affect pearls and the threading structure.

Q2: Can pearls be disinfected with alcohol?

Not recommended. Alcohol may damage the surface lustre of pearls.

Q3: Is it true that pearls become brighter the more you wear them?

Moderate wear and proper wiping help preserve lustre, but perspiration and chemical residue will damage pearls.

Q4: Can yellowing pearls be restored?

Minor stains can be professionally cleaned, but aged nacre or severe damage is usually difficult to restore fully.