Pearls are organic gemstones, which makes them more sensitive than diamonds or sapphires. Their surface can be scratched, dulled, or eroded by chemicals and rough handling. With the right care, they last a lifetime. Without it, the lustre fades faster than it should. A few simple habits make all the difference.

The short answer: pearls and chemicals don't get along. Avoid contact with the following:

Perfume and hairspray.  These contain alcohol and other chemicals that erode nacre over time. Put your pearls on last, after your fragrance has dried.

Lotions, sunscreen, and oils.  These coat the surface and dull the lustre. Apply skincare first, let it absorb, then put your jewelry on.

Cleaning products and chlorine.  Never wear pearls while cleaning, swimming, or in a hot tub. Chlorine and household chemicals are particularly damaging.

Sweat.  Salt and acids in perspiration can gradually weaken the nacre. Try to remove your pearls before intense activity or exercise.

The golden rule: pearls go on last and come off first.

We'd recommend against it. Water itself won't ruin a pearl, but soap, shampoo, and especially chlorinated or saltwater will. Prolonged moisture can also weaken any thread or setting over time. The safer habit is to remove your pearls before any water exposure in the shower, pool, ocean, or otherwise.

Store your pieces separately from other jewelry — pearls scratch easily when they come into contact with harder gemstones or metal clasps. Your Anaara soft pouch works perfectly. Avoid airtight containers or plastic bags, as pearls benefit from a small amount of moisture in the air.

Avoid storing pearls in direct sunlight or near heat sources — prolonged exposure can cause discolouration and surface cracking.

With proper care, pearls can last over generations. Wear them often. The natural oils from your skin give them a warm, lived-in glow over time.

What dulls pearls is chemical exposure or getting scratched. The pieces that lose their lustre are usually the ones that were stored in airtight boxes or lockers for years, or frequently exposed to perfume and skincare products without being cleaned.

Wear yours regularly and care for them well, and they'll reward you for it.

Pearls need a gentle touch. Here's what we recommend:

After each wear: wipe your pearls with a soft, dry cloth — soft, clean cotton works well. This removes any residue from skin, oils, or products before it has a chance to build up.

For a deeper clean: dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water. Make sure that it is just damp and not soaking.  Gently wipe each pearl. Lay the piece flat on a dry cloth to air dry completely before storing.

Always let your pearls dry fully before putting them away — storing them damp can weaken the setting over time.

No! And this is important. Most commercial jewellery cleaners contain chemicals that are specifically designed for hard stones and metals, not organic gemstones. They can strip the nacre from a pearl quickly and permanently.

Ultrasonic cleaners are equally damaging. The vibrations can crack the nacreous surface of the pearl. Stick to a soft, clean cotton cloth. Pearls are one of the few gemstones that genuinely require their own approach.

Use the same gentle method, a soft damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap, applied carefully around the setting.

Avoid soaking the piece or submerging it in water.

If you notice buildup in small crevices of the setting, a dry soft-bristled toothbrush (toothbrushes designed for babies, with the softest bristle might be an option), used very lightly can help dislodge it without touching the pearl surface.

If soap has been used in cleaning the setting,then rinse it carefully, and dry flat. If soap has not been used, then air dry and flat dry the piece.

For pieces where the pearl is prominently set and hard to clean around, a professional jeweller's cleaning once a year is a worthwhile investment.

A quick wipe after every wear is the most effective habit. A deeper clean every few weeks , or any time you notice dulling,  keeps them in their best condition.

If you wear your pieces daily, cleaning every two months or so is a good rhythm. The goal isn't to overcleanse them, just to prevent buildup from sitting on the surface long enough to cause damage.