Can You Wear Pearl Jewellery Every Day?

Pearls have a reputation for being delicate. Most of it is earned, but less of it applies to freshwater pearls than people think.

TL;DR

Yes, you can wear freshwater pearl jewellery every day, but it requires a level of care that other gemstones don't. Pearls are organic, which means they respond to their environment more than metal does. Keep them away from perfume, hairspray, and harsh chemicals. Wipe them down after wearing. Store them separately. Do those things and a well-made pearl piece will last years of daily wear.

Why pearls have a reputation for being high-maintenance

Most pearl care advice was written for fine jewellery like cultured Akoya or South Sea pearls in solid gold, worn occasionally for special occasions. The rules made sense for that context.

Freshwater baroque pearls are different. They're cultivated in freshwater mussels rather than saltwater oysters, which makes them slightly denser and more resilient. The irregular shape that gives them their look is also part of what makes them less fragile than the perfectly round alternatives.

All pearls are organic. They're made of layers of calcium carbonate (known as nacre) deposited over time, and easily scratched by metal edges or the sharp corners of other jewellery stored in the same box.

The nacre layer is also porous. It actively absorbs liquids, which makes it uniquely vulnerable to chemical damage. Daily exposure to the atmosphere is perfectly fine, but daily exposure to chemicals will eventually erode the surface, stripping away the lustre.

The daily enemies of pearl lustre

Perfume and hairspray

Alcohol and synthetic fragrances contain acidic compounds that eat away at the outer layers of nacre. The effect isn't immediate so you won't notice it after one wear. Repeated exposure dulls the lustre and, eventually, starts to affect the surface.

The fix is simple: put pearls on last, after everything else. Spray before you dress. Let it dry. Then put on your jewellery.

Chlorine and swimming pools

Chlorine is particularly harsh on nacre. Don't swim in pearl jewellery, and if you're caught out, rinse immediately with clean water and dry thoroughly.

Sweat and body oils

Sweat is mildly acidic. For most people and most occasions, this isn't a problem - wiping pearls down after wearing is enough. Some people's body chemistry is more reactive, and they may notice faster dulling. If that's you, wearing pearls against fabric rather than skin (a necklace over a t-shirt, for example) helps.

How to clean pearl jewellery at home

No soaking, no steam, no ultrasonic cleaners. Pearls and prolonged water exposure don't mix well because moisture can weaken the silk thread on strung pieces and affect adhesive in settings.

Avoid chemical cleaners entirely. At the end of the day, wipe your pearls down with a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth slightly dampened with water. Every MISSA & KISSA order comes with one, exactly what you need for this. This removes any trace of body oils, sweat, or cosmetics before the piece is stored. 

That's it. You don't need specialist pearl cleaner. You need a few minutes and a clean cloth.

How to store them

Don't store your pearl necklace with metal chains or gemstone rings. Keep pearls in the jewellery pouch that came with your order, a velvet-lined compartment, or laid flat on a smooth surface

Avoid airtight storage - organic pearls need a small amount of moisture to prevent the nacre from drying out and cracking.

If you're not wearing a pearl piece for a while, a brief wipe down before storing is enough.

Why we use freshwater baroque pearls

Most of the pearl pieces at MISSA & KISSA use freshwater baroque pearls, and that's a deliberate choice rather than a default one.

Freshwater pearls are more durable than saltwater varieties, which makes them better suited to everyday wear. The baroque shape is how they grow naturally in freshwater mussels. It gives them a warmth,  uniqueness and softness that perfectly round pearls just don't have.

They're also more accessible in price, which matters when the whole point is jewellery you actually wear. A pearl piece you save for occasions isn't doing much for you. One you reach for on a Tuesday is.

The Amelia Pearl Drop Stud Earrings are my personal favourite pearl piece. They're 14K gold-filled with freshwater baroque pearls, and the drops are removable - so they work as studs or drops depending on what the day calls for. I reach for them more than almost anything else I own.

Browse our full Pearl Collection

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FAQ

Can I shower in pearl jewellery?
Better not to make it a habit. Occasional accidental exposure is fine. Daily shower exposure, especially with shower gels and shampoo, will dull them faster than normal wear.

Will pearl earrings irritate sensitive ears?
That depends on the metal, not the pearl. Gold-filled and sterling silver posts won't irritate sensitive ears. Posts containing nickel will. All MISSA & KISSA pearl earrings are nickel-free and hypoallergenic.

Do freshwater pearls tarnish?
Pearls don't tarnish - that's a metal issue. What happens to pearls over time is dulling of the lustre, caused by chemical exposure and improper storage. With the right care, freshwater pearls keep their appearance well.

Are baroque pearls less valuable than round ones?
Baroque pearls are less expensive than round cultured pearls, but that's a matter of supply rather than quality. The irregular shape is a natural characteristic of how freshwater pearls grow. Many people prefer it because of that.