Because they are an organic gem comprised of calcium carbonate, pearls require more specialized care than most other gems materials. They are particularly subject to deterioration from contact with chemicals, including components in household cleaners, perfumes, cosmetics and hair care products of all kinds.

The surface of a pearl is soft and is easily damaged. Pearls set in rings and bracelets are more subject to scuffing and scratching than pearls set in brooches, earrings, necklaces or strands. A pearl ring or bracelet should be considered a special-occasion piece, not for daily wear and DEFINITELY not to be worn while working with the hands.

A good rule of thumb is that pearls are THE LAST THING YOU PUT ON when dressing and THE FIRST THING YOU TAKE OFF when you get home. NEVER apply perfume or hairspray when you are wearing pearl jewelry, especially a strand of pearls.

NEVER USE DETERGENTS, HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS, COMMERCIAL JEWELRY CLEANERS OR TARNISH REMOVERS ON PEARL JEWELRY.

• Avoid commercial jewelry cleaners on pearls unless specifically recommended for pearl cleaning. Many commercial cleaners contain ammonia, which will cause deterioration. Vinegar will also deteriorate pearls if not rinsed off right away. Never clean pearls in an ultrasonic cleaners which can damage pearls.
• Hairspray, perfumes, and cosmetics can disintegrate the pearl's surface, so should always be used prior to putting on your pearl jewelry.
• To clean pearls avoid abrasive powdered cleaners, baking soda, toothbrushes, scouring pads, or materials that can damage the pearls surface.  Gently rub pearls with a soft cloth to remove caked-on dirt, body oils, and perspiration (which is acidic) and harmful to a pearl's surface and color.  Cloth may be dampened if necessary.
• Store your pearl jewelry in a soft jewelry bag, or wrap your jewelry in a linen handkerchief to protect it from scratches and damage.
• Avoid storing pearls in sealed plastic bags or excessively dry places which can cause your pearls to crack.  Pearls are composed of approx. 2 to 4% water along with calcium carbonate and organic binder called conchiolin. Storing pearls near a heater or places exposed to strong sunlight results in dehydration and causes pearls to become brittle and crack.

  Remove pearls before performing strenuous exercise or work that could result in damage to pearl jewelry.

• Restring pearls periodically. When excessive wear is noticeable once a year is recommended. For your very fine pearls it is recommended pearls be silk knotted between each pearl to prevent damage from pearls rubbing against each other, or getting lost if silk cord breaks.
• Pearls that have a dirty oily build-up around the drill holes up can be washed in a sudsy water with a small amount of mild liquid hand soap. Lay pearls flat on a damp absorbent hand towel to dry after washing. Your pearl strand should be dry when the towel is dry. To prevent silk cord from stretching do not wear pearls wet, or hang pearls to dry.