How to Care for Freshwater Pearls (Without Babying Them)

Pearls have a reputation for being delicate. They're not fragile — they're just honest. A pearl is a living surface, formed layer by layer over months, and it responds to how you treat it. Look after it properly and it only gets better with age. Here's the whole ritual, no fuss.

Wipe them after you wear them

Pearls sit against your skin, and skin means sweat and oils. After a day out, wipe each piece with a soft, damp cloth before you put it away. That single habit does more than any deep clean.

Clean gently, rarely

If a piece needs more than a wipe, use mild soap and lukewarm water, rinse gently, and pat dry with a towel. Never submerge a strand — water weakens the silk thread that holds it together. And skip harsh scrubbing; the shine you love is a thin natural layer, so treat it kindly.

What to keep them away from

Pearls and chemicals don't mix. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, bleach, vinegar, ammonia and acetone — all of them erode the surface. Everyday culprits count too: perfume, lotion, hairspray and long hours in direct sun or damp. The rule that covers all of it: apply last. Perfume and cosmetics go on first, pearls go on when you're ready to walk out.

Store them right

Keep pearls in a pouch or box, separate from other jewellery so nothing scratches them. Let them dry fully before storing so the strand keeps its elasticity. Dark and cool is ideal — a drawer beats a sunny shelf.

Wear them — that's the secret

Here's the part people miss: pearls thrive on contact with your skin. Left in a box for years, they can dull. Worn regularly, they stay vibrant. So the best care advice we have is the easiest one to follow — put them on.

Break the rules, but guard their grit. Your story deserves to endure. Our full care and repair details live on the Care page, and every Pryte piece is made to be worn, not shelved.

FAQ

How do I clean freshwater pearls at home?
Wipe them with a soft, damp cloth after each wear. For a deeper clean, use mild soap and lukewarm water, rinse gently and pat dry — never soak the strand, as water weakens the silk thread.

What damages pearls?
Chemicals and abrasion. Keep pearls away from ultrasonic cleaners, steam, bleach, vinegar, ammonia, acetone, perfume, lotion and hairspray, and avoid prolonged sun or moisture.

How should I store pearls?
In a pouch or box, separate from other jewellery, somewhere dark and cool. Let them dry completely before storing.

Do pearls need to be worn to stay shiny?
Yes — pearls stay most vibrant with regular skin contact. Left unworn for long periods they can lose lustre.