How to Clean Akoya Pearls Without Damaging Their Luster
How to Clean
Akoya Pearls
Pearls are the one gem that needs the gentlest hand. Here is how to keep Akoya pearls luminous - what to do after each wear, what to avoid, and how to care for a pearl-and-diamond necklace.
Wipe after
every wear
The single most useful habit takes ten seconds and prevents most problems.
- After taking the pearls off, wipe each one with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- For a little more, dampen the cloth with plain water - not soaking wet - and wipe again.
- Follow with a dry cloth and let the necklace air-dry flat before it goes away.
This lifts the perfume, lotion and skin oils that, left on, slowly cloud a pearl's surface. Doing it every time is what keeps the luster bright for years.
What to
avoid
Pearls are soft and porous, so most jewellery-cleaning shortcuts work against them.
A pearl-and-diamond
piece, zone by zone
A necklace that mixes pearls with a diamond centre is really two care jobs in one. The pearls want only the gentle wipe above. The diamond centre and metal can take a little more - a soft brush with mild soapy water - but keep that moisture away from the pearls and the string.
Because construction varies, check with the maker before any wet cleaning of a mixed piece, so you match the method to its specific metal, setting and thread.
How to
store them
Store pearls flat in a soft pouch or a lined compartment, away from harder pieces that could scratch them. Lay a long strand flat rather than hanging it, so the thread doesn't stretch over time.
Pearls also like a little humidity - a very dry drawer or a safe with strong desiccant isn't ideal for long storage.
When to see a
jeweler
Some care belongs to a professional. Have a strand looked at if the thread between pearls looks stretched or grubby, if the clasp feels loose, or if a pearl seems to move on the string.
For pearls worn often, a periodic restring keeps them secure and even - and it's the moment to have the clasp and diamond setting checked too.
Diamond Long Necklace
A 91.5 cm necklace of spaced Akoya pearls with a double-sided diamond centre. Wipe the pearls after wear, keep moisture off the string, and clean the diamond centre separately - and check with us before any wet cleaning of this specific piece.
Frequently asked
How do you clean Akoya pearls?
Wipe Akoya pearls gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth after each wear to remove skin oils and residue, then let them dry flat before storing. Avoid soaking them, and skip chemicals, perfume and ultrasonic cleaners, which can dull the nacre or weaken the string.
Can you get Akoya pearls wet?
A quick wipe with a damp cloth is fine, but avoid submerging or soaking a pearl necklace. Water can seep into the drill holes and weaken the silk thread over time, and pearls should not be worn while swimming or showering.
How do you store a pearl necklace?
Store pearls flat in a soft pouch or a lined compartment, away from harder jewellery that could scratch them. Lay a strand flat rather than hanging it, so the thread does not stretch, and keep it somewhere that is not too dry.
How often should a pearl necklace be restrung?
For pearls worn often, many jewelers suggest restringing every year or two, or whenever the thread looks stretched or dirty between the pearls. A jeweler can check the thread and clasp at the same time.
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