--- title: "Pearl Care Planner" description: "A care plan for your own pearls: what to do after each wear, how to clean and store them, what never to use, and when to have them checked and restrung." canonical_url: "https://learnaboutpearls.com/tools/pearl-care-planner/" last_updated: "2026-11-04" last_reviewed: "2026-10-26" reviewed_by: "Simon" publisher: "Unique Pearl" publisher_disclosure: "Learn About Pearls is published by Unique Pearl, a pearl jeweler." --- # Pearl Care Planner Answer four questions about your pearls to get a care plan that fits them. Every step comes from GIA’s or CIBJO’s care advice, and the whole plan shows below if you would rather read all of it. ## Your care plan The plan below comes from GIA’s and CIBJO’s care advice. ### Every time you wear them - Put pearls on after hairspray, lotion, perfume and other cosmetics, which can permanently damage their surface. [1, 2] - When you take them off, wipe them with a soft cloth dampened in clean water. [2, 3] - Pearls you haven't worn for a while need wiping too: CIBJO advises a soft cloth dampened in clean water, at regular intervals. [3] ### When they need a deeper clean - Use a new, clean makeup brush and warm, soapy water, gently, because soft gems such as pearls scratch easily. Rinse jewelry in a glass of water rather than over a sink. [1] - Lay a strand on a towel to dry. Its silk thread can stretch and attract dirt while it is wet, so leave it until it is completely dry. [1] - Pearl earrings can be cleaned the same way. [1] ### Never use - Ultrasonic cleaners, household cleaners, which often contain ammonia, or any acid or solvent; excessive heat can make pearls dry out, crack and discolor. [1, 3] - [Treated pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#treated-pearl) need extra care: treatments can be affected by heat, solvents, steam and ultrasonic cleaners, and some color-treated pearls can fade or revert to their original color under strong light. [1, 3] ### Storing them - Store each piece separately so nothing scratches it, away from other gems and metal jewelry. [2, 3] - Never store pearls in a plastic bag, which can give off a chemical that damages their surface. [2] - Pearls draw moisture from the air, so a very dry place, such as a safe deposit box, can sometimes do more harm than good. [1] - Don't wrap pearls in materials that absorb moisture, such as cotton wool. [3] ### Professional care - Have jewelry checked every six months. [1] - Have pearls that are worn often [restrung](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#restringing) once a year. [1] - Over the years the string stretches and weakens; a strand that shows too much string can easily be restrung. [4] ## More about care The page [how to clean pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/care/how-to-clean-pearls/) explains each step, a separate page covers [new string and knots](https://learnaboutpearls.com/care/restringing-pearls/), and [what damages pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/care/what-damages-pearls/) covers the other risks. ## References 1. Gemological Institute of America (GIA), News & Research (2015). Tips on Caring for Jewelry. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research-tips-caring-jewelry) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260113070939/https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research-tips-caring-jewelry) 2. Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Birthstones. June Birthstones. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/june-birthstones) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260614074112/https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/june-birthstones) 3. CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation, Pearl Commission (2026). The CIBJO Pearl Book (Pearl Blue Book) 2026. [Source](https://cibjo.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Pearl-Blue-Book-2026-.pdf) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20261025235254/https://cibjo.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Pearl-Blue-Book-2026-.pdf) 4. Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Gem Encyclopedia. Pearl Buyer's Guide. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/pearl/buyers-guide) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260613185853/https://www.gia.edu/pearl/buyers-guide) **Written by:** Learn About Pearls editors **Fact-checked:** Learn About Pearls editors, October 26, 2026 **Reviewed by:** Simon, October 26, 2026 **First published:** November 4, 2026 **Publisher:** [Unique Pearl](https://learnaboutpearls.com/about/), a pearl jeweler **Revision history** 1. November 4, 2026: First published. First published **How to cite this page** **APA:** Learn About Pearls editors. (2026). _Pearl Care Planner_. Learn About Pearls. https://learnaboutpearls.com/tools/pearl-care-planner/ **MLA:** “Pearl Care Planner.” _Learn About Pearls_, Unique Pearl, November 4, 2026, learnaboutpearls.com/tools/pearl-care-planner/. **Chicago:** Learn About Pearls editors. “Pearl Care Planner.” Learn About Pearls. Unique Pearl. Last modified November 4, 2026. https://learnaboutpearls.com/tools/pearl-care-planner/. **BibTeX:** `@misc{lap-tools-pearl-care-planner, title = {Pearl Care Planner}, author = {{Learn About Pearls editors}}, year = {2026}, howpublished = {\url{https://learnaboutpearls.com/tools/pearl-care-planner/}}, note = {Learn About Pearls, published by Unique Pearl}}` Quoting with attribution and a link is welcome. See [how to cite and reuse](https://learnaboutpearls.com/cite/). **Suggest a correction** ## Related pages - [How to clean pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/care/how-to-clean-pearls/): A safe routine for cleaning pearls, what never to use, and how to dry and store them afterward. - [Restringing pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/care/restringing-pearls/): How often to restring pearls, how to tell a strand needs it, and why knots matter. - [What damages pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/care/what-damages-pearls/): What harms pearls, from chemicals, heat and light to everyday wear, and why some pearls change color.