How to care for freshwater pearls and 18K gold-plated jewelry

Perli Paris jewelry combines genuine freshwater pearls with premium 18K gold plating over a stainless steel base. Each piece is designed to be worn and enjoyed, but pearls and gold-plated finishes require thoughtful care to preserve their color, lustre and shine.

Pearls are naturally delicate. They rank approximately 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means they can be scratched by harder jewelry, rough fabrics and abrasive surfaces. Pearls may also be affected by heat, perfume, cosmetics, hairspray, perspiration and household chemicals. Gold plating is a surface layer rather than solid gold, so it will gradually wear according to the thickness of the plating, how frequently the piece is worn and how it is treated. (gia)

With the right routine, you can significantly extend the beautiful appearance and wearable life of your Perli Paris jewelry.

The five essential care rules

Put your jewelry on last. Apply perfume, hairspray, makeup, body lotion and sunscreen before putting on your pearls. Allow products to absorb and dry fully first.

Take your jewelry off first. Remove it before changing clothes, washing, showering or beginning your evening skincare routine.

Keep it away from water and chemicals. Do not wear pearl jewelry in the shower, pool, sea, hot tub or sauna.

Wipe it after every wear. A soft, clean cloth removes perspiration, oils, cosmetics and environmental residue before they build up.

Store every piece separately. Pearls can be scratched by chains, clasps, earrings, gemstones and other metal jewelry.

This routine is often described as “last on, first off.” GIA specifically recommends putting pearls on after applying cosmetics and perfume and wiping them with a soft cloth after wear. (gia)

Before wearing your pearl jewelry

Complete your beauty routine before adding jewelry. Perfume, skincare, sunscreen, makeup and styling products can settle on pearls and plated surfaces, gradually dulling their appearance.

Spray perfume onto your skin or clothing rather than directly onto a necklace. Avoid spraying perfume near your neck after putting on pearl jewelry. Let lotions, oils and sunscreen dry before wearing bracelets, necklaces or earrings.

Be especially careful with:

• Perfume and fragranced body sprays
• Hairspray and dry shampoo
• Sunscreen and tanning products
• Body oils and rich moisturizers
• Foundation and setting spray
• Hand cream
• Hand sanitiser
• Household cleaning products

Chemicals and acids can affect pearl nacre, while repeated product residue can also reduce the shine of gold plating. Perspiration may affect pearls as well, so jewelry should be wiped after warm days, dancing or prolonged wear. (gia)

While wearing your jewelry

Avoid repeatedly touching or rubbing the pearls. Natural skin oils, hand cream and perspiration can transfer to the surface.

Be mindful of friction from:

• Handbags and shoulder straps
• Seat belts
• Coat collars and scarves
• Zips and metal buttons
• Other necklaces worn in the same stack
• Watches worn beside bracelets
• Hairbrushes and styling tools
• Rough or heavily textured fabrics

Layering pearl necklaces can create a beautiful look, but pieces that constantly rub against one another may wear more quickly. Leave a little space between layers and avoid combining delicate pearls with sharp chains, crystals or heavily textured jewelry.

Bracelets typically experience more contact and friction than necklaces or earrings. Remove them before typing for long periods against a hard desk, carrying heavy bags, cleaning or completing manual work.

Which activities should be avoided?

ActivityRecommendationReasonShowering or bathingRemove your jewelryWater, soap and shampoo can leave residue and accelerate wearSwimming in a poolAlways remove itChlorine is particularly damaging to pearlsSwimming in the seaAlways remove itSalt, water and sand can affect pearls and abrade platingBeach daysStore it safelySunscreen, perspiration, sand, salt and direct heat create multiple risksGym and exerciseRemove itSweat, friction and impact can dull pearls and wear platingSauna and steam roomRemove itHigh heat and humidity can affect pearls and finishesSleepingRemove itBedding, hair and movement create prolonged friction and pullingCleaning and houseworkRemove itBleach, ammonia, detergents and other chemicals can cause damageGardening and DIYRemove itDirt, impact and abrasion may scratch pearls and metalCookingRemove it when practicalHeat, steam, grease and cleaning products may settle on the pieceApplying perfume or cosmeticsRemove it firstDirect chemical exposure can affect pearl lustreLight rain or an accidental splashDry it promptlyBrief contact is not usually an emergency, but the piece should not remain wetOffice wear, dinners and eventsSuitableNormal wear is fine when the jewelry is protected and wiped afterwards

Chlorine is especially harmful to pearls, and GIA advises against wearing pearl jewelry in swimming pools. Pearls should also be saved for after perfume and makeup have been applied. (GIA 4Cs)

Can pearl jewelry get wet?

A brief accidental splash does not necessarily mean that your jewelry is damaged. Gently blot it with a soft cloth and allow it to dry completely at room temperature before storing it.

However, Perli Paris jewelry should not be described or treated as fully waterproof. The complete piece includes delicate freshwater pearls and a plated finish, and repeated exposure to water, soap, chlorine or salt can shorten its attractive life.

Do not dry wet jewelry with:

• A hairdryer
• A radiator
• Direct sunlight
• A heater
• A rough towel
• Vigorous rubbing

Heat can dry pearls, cause discoloration and, in extreme cases, contribute to cracking or splitting. (gia)

Pearl jewelry care by country and climate

The country itself matters less than the conditions in which the jewelry is worn and stored. Temperature, humidity, perspiration, salt, pollution, air conditioning and indoor heating can all influence how a piece ages.

France, the UK and Northern Europe

In temperate countries, jewelry may be exposed to frequent rain, changing temperatures and dry indoor heating during winter.

After wearing your jewelry outside in damp weather, wipe it and allow it to air-dry before putting it into its pouch. Never place pearls on a radiator or beside a heater. Avoid storing jewelry in a cold, damp bathroom or an extremely dry heated room.

When moving between cold outdoor weather and a warm interior, light condensation can form on jewelry. Let the piece return to room temperature and make sure it is completely dry before storing it.

Southern France and Mediterranean countries

In the South of France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece and other hot summer destinations, the greatest concerns are usually perspiration, sunscreen, salt water, strong sunlight and heat.

Pearl jewelry is best worn after the beach rather than during it. Choose it for a dinner, celebration or evening out, once sunscreen and body products have dried. Wipe the piece carefully after wear, particularly around the back of the neck, earring posts and bracelet contact points.

Never leave pearl jewelry on a windowsill, on a sunbed, in a beach bag in direct sunlight or inside a parked car. Intense heat may dehydrate and damage pearl nacre. (gia)

Tropical and humid countries

In tropical regions such as Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and other humid coastal destinations, perspiration and moisture can remain on jewelry for longer.

Wipe the piece after every wear and leave it in a clean, ventilated place until fully dry. Do not put damp jewelry immediately into a closed pouch, suitcase or jewelry box. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, close to a humidifier or in an unventilated cupboard.

Use a cool, stable indoor room for storage. Air conditioning may help control excessive humidity, but do not place pearls directly beside an air-conditioning vent.

Hot and arid countries

In hot, dry regions such as the Gulf, parts of North Africa and other desert climates, direct heat, intense sunlight and very dry air may be more relevant than humidity.

Keep pearl jewelry away from windows, parked cars, radiators and strong air-conditioning vents. Do not leave pearls for extended periods in an extremely dry, airtight safe with powerful drying agents.

GIA notes that pearls draw some moisture from the air and that excessively dry storage, including certain safe-deposit environments, can sometimes do more harm than good. (gia)

Coastal environments

Sea air, salt, sunscreen and humidity create a demanding environment for jewelry, even when you do not enter the water.

Do not leave pearl jewelry exposed on a hotel balcony, in a bathroom or inside a damp beach bag. Wipe the piece at the end of the day and store it only when it is fully dry.

Cold and snowy countries

Snow, wet clothing, road salt and sudden temperature changes may leave moisture or residue on jewelry. Remove necklaces before pulling tight scarves or jumpers over them, and protect earrings from knitted hats that may catch.

After returning indoors, inspect the jewelry for dampness and let it dry naturally before storage.

The best way to store pearl jewelry

Store each pearl piece separately in a soft, breathable fabric pouch or a fabric-lined jewelry box. Keeping pearls apart from other jewelry prevents harder gemstones, chains and clasps from scratching their surface.

GIA recommends separate, padded storage and advises using a soft cloth or breathable pouch when travelling. It also advises against storing pearls in plastic bags. (gia)

Where to store it

Choose a place that is:

• Cool and stable
• Away from direct sunlight
• Away from radiators and heaters
• Away from bathroom humidity
• Away from kitchen steam and grease
• Protected from perfumes and cleaning products
• Accessible enough that the jewelry will not be crushed

Avoid attics, basements, windowsills, bathrooms, parked cars and luggage stored in very hot spaces.

How to store necklaces

Fasten the clasp before storing a necklace to reduce tangling. Lay delicate or strung pearl necklaces flat rather than tightly coiling or hanging them under tension.

Keep lariat necklaces and fine chains loosely arranged. Do not wrap them tightly around cards or hard objects, as this may place stress on links, wire or string.

How to store bracelets

Lay bracelets flat or place them in an individual padded compartment. Do not store a bracelet underneath watches or heavier jewelry.

How to store earrings

Keep pairs together without allowing the metal post or back of one earring to rub against the pearl of the other. Secure the earring backs loosely so they do not become lost, but do not press them against the pearl.

How to clean Perli Paris pearl jewelry

Routine cleaning after every wear

Use a very soft, clean, lint-free cloth to wipe the pearls and metal gently. Concentrate on areas that touched the skin.

A dry cloth is usually sufficient for routine care. When necessary, make the cloth very slightly damp with clean lukewarm water, wipe the jewelry and then pat it dry.

Do not rub vigorously. Excessive polishing creates unnecessary friction on both the pearls and the gold-plated finish.

Occasional deeper cleaning

For a more thorough clean:

1. Inspect the piece for loose pearls, damaged links or a weak clasp.
2. Add a very small amount of mild soap to lukewarm water.
3. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring it out thoroughly.
4. Gently wipe the pearls and plated metal without soaking the piece.
5. Use a second cloth lightly dampened with clean water to remove soap residue.
6. Pat the jewelry dry with a soft cloth.
7. Lay it flat and allow it to dry completely at room temperature before storage.

GIA states that warm, soapy water may be used occasionally for pearl cleaning, but pearls should never be placed in steam or ultrasonic cleaners. Strung pearls must be completely dry before they are handled or worn. (gia)

Products and methods to avoid

Never clean pearl jewelry with:

• Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners
• Steam cleaners
• Toothpaste
• Baking soda
• Vinegar or lemon juice
• Bleach or ammonia
• Acetone or nail-polish remover
• Alcohol directly on the pearls
• Silver dip
• Abrasive jewelry polish
• Hard-bristled brushes
• Paper towels or rough fabrics

Do not use a polishing cloth designed to remove tarnish unless it is specifically confirmed as safe for pearls and plated jewelry. Many polishing cloths work through mild abrasion and may gradually remove part of a plated finish.

How to clean pearl earrings hygienically

Wipe the earrings after use, paying particular attention to the post and back. Use a clean, slightly damp cloth with mild soap when necessary, keeping harsh disinfectants away from the pearl.

Allow the earrings to dry fully before returning them to their pouch. Do not submerge pearl earrings or leave the pearl in prolonged contact with alcohol, sanitiser or cleaning fluid.

How to extend the life of gold plating

Gold plating will not remain unchanged forever. The FTC explains that gold-plated jewelry has a layer of gold over a base metal and that the plating eventually wears according to its thickness and how the item is worn. (Consumer Advice)

To slow that process:

• Rotate your jewelry rather than wearing the same piece continuously.
• Remove it before sleeping, exercising and showering.
• Keep perfume, lotion and sanitiser away from it.
• Reduce contact with water, sweat, salt and chlorine.
• Avoid stacking pieces that rub against one another.
• Wipe the metal gently after every wear.
• Store it separately.
• Avoid aggressive or frequent polishing.
• Hold necklaces by their clasp or chain rather than pulling on the pearl.
• Have worn plating professionally renewed when appropriate.

Some areas naturally experience more wear than others. These include bracelet edges, necklace clasps, earring posts and any surface that regularly touches skin or clothing. This does not necessarily indicate a manufacturing fault; it can be a normal result of friction and use.

There is no universal number of months or years that gold plating will last. Wear varies according to skin chemistry, climate, frequency, product exposure, friction and care habits.

Caring for frequently worn pearl strands

If a necklace is traditionally strung or knotted, inspect it regularly for stretching, discoloration, fraying or gaps between the pearls.

Frequently worn strands may need professional restringing. GIA recommends annual restringing for pearl strands that are worn often, although the right schedule will depend on the construction and frequency of use. (gia)

Do not wear a strand if the thread appears stretched, damaged or loose.

Travelling with pearl jewelry

Place each item in its own soft pouch or padded compartment. Do not allow chains, earrings or clasps to rub against the pearls.

Keep jewelry in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage. Store toiletries separately so that perfume, sunscreen or cosmetics cannot leak onto the pieces. GIA similarly recommends separating jewelry during travel and carrying it with you rather than placing it in checked luggage. (GIA 4Cs)

At your destination, remove the jewelry from its travel pouch if it has become damp or warm. Let it return to room temperature and dry before wearing or storing it again.

When to seek professional help

Stop wearing the piece and request professional advice when you notice:

• A loose or moving pearl
• A damaged clasp
• Stretched or fraying thread
• A bent earring post
• A broken chain or link
• Significant discoloration
• A visibly worn plated finish
• A pearl that appears cracked, chipped or unusually dull

Do not attempt to glue a pearl back into place or use a household metal polish. DIY repair products may damage the pearl, plating or setting and make a professional repair more difficult.

The simplest daily routine

Before wearing: Apply perfume, cosmetics, skincare and sunscreen, then allow everything to dry.

After wearing: Remove your jewelry before washing or changing clothes. Wipe it gently with a soft cloth.

Before storing: Make sure it is completely dry, fasten the clasp and place it separately in a soft pouch or lined compartment.

Pearl jewelry is made to be enjoyed. Gentle handling, mindful wear and proper storage will help preserve the distinctive lustre of the freshwater pearls and the warm shine of the 18K gold-plated finish for as long as possible.