Add-A-Pearl Care Guide
Pearl Care
Caring for something precious means it lasts forever.
Pearls have been prized gems for centuries. Like any fine jewelry, they reward the care you give them with a luster that endures — through every chapter of her life.
How to care for your pearls
The Do's & Don'ts
✓ The Do's
- Always put your pearls on last — after makeup, lotion, perfume, and hairspray — and remove them first before undressing.
- After each wearing, gently wipe your pearls with a soft, untreated cloth to remove perspiration and surface oils before storing.
- If your pearls look dull, clean them using a mild all-natural baby soap mixed with distilled water and a soft microfiber or 100% cotton cloth. Pat dry and lay flat to air-dry completely.
- Store your pearls separately from other jewelry — wrapped in a soft cloth or chamois pouch — to prevent scratching from harder metals or gemstones.
- Restring your necklace on a regular basis with individually knotted silk between each pearl, so they cannot rub together and damage the nacre.
- For heavier cleaning, bring your pearls to a reputable jeweler who uses environmentally friendly products designated as safe for pearls.
✕ The Don'ts
- Don't store pearls in an airtight container or safety deposit box — they need some ambient moisture or they may dry out, peel, or crack.
- Never store pearls in plastic bags, which emit vapors that can discolor or deteriorate the surface over time.
- Avoid chemicals including chlorine, bleach, vinegar, perfume, sunscreen, bug spray, and spray tanning products.
- Don't wear your pearls in the shower, bath, sauna, pool, or ocean — submerging pearls weakens the string and risks loss.
- Never clean pearls with an ultrasonic or steam cleaner, or with abrasives such as ammonia, baking soda, or Windex.
- Don't sleep, exercise, or play sports while wearing your pearls, and never leave them in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in areas of high humidity.
"Diamonds might be a girl's best friend, but pearls will make you glow like moonlight."
— Coco Chanel
Quick Reference
Essential Care Tips
01
Last on, first off
Pearls go on after all beauty products are applied, and come off before you undress. Make it a ritual.
02
Wipe before you store
A quick pass with a soft dry cloth removes oils and perspiration — the single best habit for lasting luster.
03
Store with care
A soft pouch or velvet-lined box, away from harder jewelry. Never plastic, never airtight.
04
Restring regularly
Silk thread with individual knots between each pearl protects the nacre and keeps the necklace secure.
05
Keep them out of water
No showers, pools, oceans, or saunas. Water weakens the string and can dull the surface over time.
06
Avoid direct sunlight
UV rays and excessive heat can damage pearl nacre. Store away from windowsills and heat sources.
Caring for your Add-A-Pearl necklace
A necklace built to last a lifetime — and beyond
Add-A-Pearl necklaces are unique: they are often started for babies and meant to be worn for generations. Because they are frequently gifted to the very young, special thought is needed in caring for each piece.
Good judgment is needed in deciding the right age for a child to handle her own necklace. We typically recommend ages 5 and older for special occasions. Be sure she can work the clasp herself — the necklace will not fit over the head and must always be opened first.
All standard pearl care guidelines apply: no showering, bathing, sleeping, swimming, or sports while wearing the necklace. With a touch of care and good judgment, her necklace will last forever.
Ready to add to her necklace?
Send in your necklace for additional pearls, restringing, or a clasp upgrade — we handle every necklace as the heirloom it is.