Caring for Your Pearls
A pearl is an organic gem — alive, gentle, and quietly precious.
Take care of her, and she will shine with you for a lifetime.
1Why Pearls Deserve a Softer Touch
Unlike diamonds or sapphires, pearls are born inside a living shell. Their main composition is calcium carbonate with traces of protein, giving them a Mohs hardness of just 2.5–4.5. That means she:
Scratches easily
Softer than your fingernail or most metals — surface marks dull her glow.
Reacts to acids
Sweat, perfume, and cosmetics slowly dissolve her nacre layer.
Dries out in heat
Sunlight and dry air make her yellow, crack, or lose lustre.
Strung on silk
Pearl strands are knotted on silk — the thread needs restringing in time.
Think of pearls as an extension of your skin — treat her the way you treat yourself.
2The Golden Rule · Last On, First Off
Remember a simple ritual: last on, first off. After makeup, perfume, lotion, and hair styling are done — put your pearls on. When you come home, take them off first, before washing, removing makeup, or showering.
Before leaving home
Finish your makeup, hair, and fragrance — your pearls are the final touch.
When you come home
First, remove your pearls — wipe gently and return them to their pouch.
3Five Things to Keep Away from Your Pearls
The following substances dull, yellow, or permanently damage a pearl's nacre:
Perfume & fragrance
Alcohol dissolves the nacre layer and dulls the lustre.
Cosmetics & hair products
Chemicals slowly cloud her surface; apply before wearing.
Sweat, sea water & pools
Remove before workouts, swimming, or spa visits — salt and chlorine harm pearls.
Ultrasonic cleaners
Vibrations cause fine cracks in the nacre — never put pearls inside.
Direct sunlight & heat
Hot cars, ovens, and hair dryers dry out and yellow your pearls.
4Daily Cleaning in Three Steps
Five seconds after each wear. Make it a habit, and her glow lasts a decade longer.
Wipe with a soft, dry cloth
After removing your pearls, gently wipe with the velvet pouch we send, or a clean microfibre cloth. Move in a circular motion to remove sweat, oils, and makeup. Never use paper tissue — the fibres scratch the nacre.
Damp cloth for stubborn marks
If anything lingers, dampen a cotton cloth with pure water (filtered or bottled), wring it almost dry, wipe, then immediately blot with a dry cloth. Tap water leaves chlorine and minerals on the surface.
Air-dry in the shade
Lay the pearls flat on a clean, soft surface in a cool, shaded spot for 10–15 minutes. Once completely dry, return them to their pouch. Never use a hair dryer.
5How to Store Your Pearls
When she rests, how you store her decides how long she will stay with you.
Store separately
Each piece in its own pouch or compartment to prevent scratches.
Lay flat, don't hang
Hanging strands long-term stretches the silk thread.
Let her breathe
Pearls need humidity — avoid airtight plastic bags or dry boxes.
Use the velvet pouch
Every CLEA piece comes with a pouch designed especially for pearls.
6Care Notes for Each Pearl Type
CLEA NEW YORK works with six kinds of pearls. Each has her own personality — and her own ritual:
Akoya pearls
Japanese saltwater pearls with the brightest, roundest lustre. Keep her out of direct sunlight — hot cars, sunny windowsills will yellow her. The nacre is thin, so never rub or strike.
Freshwater pearls
Plentiful and colour-rich, with a slightly porous structure. Wipe more often — sweat and cosmetics seep into the pores. A soft wipe after each wear is essential.
Baroque & Keshi pearls
Irregular shapes are her soul. Mind the crevices — foundation and perfume hide there. A soft, dry brush can sweep them gently clean.
South Sea pearls
Thick nacre and exceptional stability — but large and valuable, so impact is unforgiving. Avoid contact with bag clasps, desk edges, and other hard surfaces.
Mabe pearls
A half-pearl bonded to a shell — fragile at the back. Avoid hard impact, ultrasonic cleaners, and submerging in water. A gentle dry wipe is all she needs.
7Caring for the Sterling Silver
CLEA uses 925 sterling silver with a protective plating. To keep both pearl and silver at their best:
- Avoid hot springs, sea water, and bleach — sulphur compounds accelerate tarnishing.
- Light tarnish is natural; restore the shine with a silver polishing cloth.
- If pearl and silver are joined, never polish the pearl with the silver cloth — the chemicals will harm her.
- For long-term storage, slip an acid-free anti-tarnish strip into the pouch (not a desiccant).
8Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I restring my pearls?
My pearls are turning yellow — can it be fixed?
Can I shower, swim, or work out wearing pearls?
Can I send damaged pieces back for repair?
Can ring sizes be adjusted?
How do I share care instructions with the gift recipient?
Need a little more help?
Whether it's cleaning, repair, custom orders, or finding the perfect pearl for a special moment — our sisters at CLEA are always here for you.
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