Tahitian pearl jewelry can be worn every day, but it requires a few precautions to maintain its luster.
Nacre is a delicate material: it does not react well to perfume applied directly, chemicals, chlorine or repeated friction. With the right care, you can preserve the beauty of a pearl without keeping it locked away in a jewellery box.
The idea is simple: wear your jewellery, but avoid anything that could dull the nacre, scratch the pearl or weaken the setting.
Wear your pearls regularly
Contrary to what people sometimes think, a pearl is not meant to be left forgotten in a box for years.
When worn regularly, it benefits slightly from the skin’s natural moisture, which helps the nacre maintain its beautiful appearance. However, pearls are more sensitive to sudden movements and knocks.
Avoid perfume, cosmetics and chemicals
Perfume, creams, hairspray, oils, hand sanitiser and household cleaning products can dull the lustre of the nacre over time.
Before putting on your pearl jewellery, apply perfume, skincare products or make-up first, then let them dry for a few moments to avoid direct contact with your pearls.
You should also remove your jewellery whenever you use cleaning products, hand sanitiser or any substance that could come into contact with the pearls.
Clean your pearls after wearing them
After wearing a piece of Tahitian pearl jewellery, gently wipe the pearl with a soft, dry or very slightly damp cloth. This helps remove traces of skin, cream, dust or pollution without damaging the nacre.
Avoid abrasive cloths, cleaning wipes, silver-cleaning products, jewellery cleaning baths and chemical cleaners. These products may be suitable for some metals, but not for pearls.
Avoid water, chlorine and salt
A Tahitian pearl should not remain in contact with water for long periods. Remove your jewellery before showering, swimming in a pool or the sea, or going to a spa.
Chlorine, salt, hot water and bath products can dull the nacre or weaken the setting. If your jewellery gets wet, wipe it with a clean cloth, then let it dry before storing it.
Store your Tahitian pearl jewellery properly
Pearls scratch more easily than some metals or hard gemstones. Avoid storing them loose with other jewellery.
Keep each piece in a soft pouch, a jewellery box or a separate compartment. This helps prevent contact with chains, clasps, rings or harder stones.
Store your pearls in a dry, temperate place, away from direct sunlight, heat and excessive humidity.
Take extra care with rings and bracelets
Pearl rings and bracelets are the most exposed pieces of jewellery: they can knock, rub or catch more easily than a pendant or earrings.
It is best to remove them before sport, DIY or any activity that could damage the pearl or weaken its setting.
Can the metal part of the jewellery be cleaned?
Yes, but with care.
The metal can be cleaned with a suitable cloth, as long as you avoid touching the pearl. Metal-cleaning products, cleaning baths and special wipes should not come into contact with the nacre.
When in doubt, ask the seller or a jeweller for advice.
In summary: how to care for Tahitian pearls
To care for your Tahitian pearl jewellery, remember these essential steps:
- put your jewellery on after perfume, skincare products and make-up;
- wipe the pearls with a soft cloth after wearing them;
- avoid water, chlorine, salt and chemicals;
- store each piece separately in a pouch or jewellery box;
- remove rings and bracelets before sport, DIY or other hands-on activities;
- clean the metal carefully, without using harsh products on the pearl.
With proper care, Tahitian pearls keep their lustre over time. The most important thing is to avoid anything that can damage the nacre: chemicals, prolonged contact with water, knocks and loose storage with other jewellery.
To discover carefully selected Tahitian pearl jewellery, explore our collection in the Ū Matatea shop.
