How To Clean Your Pearl Earrings

So, you’ve treated yourself to a pair of our signature Arapawa Blue Pearl earrings, congratulations! Or maybe you’re still daydreaming about them (we get it). Either way, you’re wondering: “But are they easy to care for?”

Short answer: yes. Long answer: heck yes, but with a sprinkle of love.

Here I am, your angel, guiding you to make sure your pearls stay perfect for a lifetime. Each blue pearl from our farm is unique, with no duplicates or do-overs, just pure natural beauty. Whether you’ve chosen pearl jewellery earrings, elegant drops, or classic studs, they all need a little extra love to stay radiant.

To keep them glowing beautifully through the years, gentle care is key. A soft cloth, a little love, and a few simple habits will make sure they stay just as radiant as the day you fell in love with them. Ready to learn how to clean your pearl earrings like a pro?

Why Pearl Earrings Need Extra Love

Pearls are delicate, soft, and vulnerable little gemstones compared to diamonds or sapphires. That glow you see? It comes from their nacre, a delicate outer layer that needs a little extra TLC. And our blue pearls? They're island-born from Arapawa. Our authentic pearl jewellery is lovingly hand-graded with care, because when you’re this special, you deserve the royal treatment.

When you wear pearl jewellery earrings, especially paua earrings or those set in sterling silver or gold, you’re carrying a piece of the ocean’s story. And stories like that? They need cherishing.

Daily Do’s And Don’ts

If you're ever unsure where to start, just follow these simple do’s and don’ts, that's the heart of understanding how to clean your pearl earrings with care and confidence.

Do:

- Put your pearl jewellery earrings on after applying hairspray, perfume, or makeup. Chemicals and pearls? Not besties.

- Wipe them down gently with a soft cloth after each wear to remove oils and residue. Your skin’s natural oils may be friendly to you, but they’re a bit too clingy for pearls.

- Let your pearls breathe! They love a little moisture in the air, so avoid airtight containers.

Don’t:

-Avoid showering, swimming, or sleeping in your pearls; water and friction can dull their lustre.

- Avoid storing them tangled with metal or other jewellery. Scratches? No, thank you.

- Don’t use abrasive cloths or harsh cleaners. Trust me, your pearls will not appreciate that spa day.

My tip: Pearls should be the last thing you put on before heading out and the first thing you take off when you return home. It's a ritual, like closing a great chapter at the end of your day.

These gentle habits aren’t just best practices, they’re the foundation of how to clean your pearl earrings without compromising their delicate beauty.

How To Store And Clean Your Paua Earrings

Let’s talk about storage, because believe it or not, it matters. You don’t want your precious real pearl earrings NZ pieces getting scratched or squished at the bottom of a cluttered box. As your so-called guardian angel, I suggest storing your pearl earrings in a soft-lined pouch or a dedicated compartment in your jewellery box.

But what about cleaning? Ah yes, the part most people overdo. Now and then, your pearls might need a proper clean. However, please refrain from using harsh chemicals, as pearls are porous and sensitive.

Here’s how to clean your pearl earrings the right way:

1. Use lukewarm water and just a drop of mild, natural soap.

2. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with this gentle solution.

3. Wipe each pearl lovingly, don’t soak or submerge!

4. Rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe them again.

5. Pat dry with a clean cloth and lay them flat to air dry completely before putting them away.

Whatever you do, never use an ultrasonic cleaner or abrasive cloth. Those methods may work for diamonds, but pearls? They’ll throw a tantrum and lose their glow.

Wipe them down gently after every wear. Give them a gentle clean every few months, especially if they’re worn frequently. Have them professionally checked and cleaned once a year, especially if you notice loose fittings or tarnished metal.

At Arapawa Blue Pearls, we’re happy to offer guidance on cleaning or even do it for you if your earrings need some extra love.

By following these easy steps, you’ll master how to clean your pearl earrings without damaging their natural lustre or charm.

When to Seek Professional Help

You’ve followed the steps on how to clean your pearl earrings, and they still feel a little off? It might be time to call in the pros.

Here’s when to check in with us:

- The pearl feels loose or wobbly in its setting.

- The metal is tarnished or the clasp feels weak.

- The earrings don’t sit quite right anymore.

Even the best-loved real pearl earrings NZ sometimes need a tune-up. Bring them to us, and we’ll give your treasures the gentle check-up they need. Whether your earrings are months or decades old, our goal is the same: to keep your pearls beautiful, secure, and ready to wear for generations.

Why It’s Worth It

We don’t just sell earrings. We create pieces that carry meaning. Whether it’s your first pair of paua earrings, a family heirloom, or a gift from someone dear, your pearl earrings deserve care, because they represent more than style. They’re connection, memory, and artistry in one.

Caring for your pearl jewellery earrings isn’t about perfection. It’s about love. With small, consistent habits, you’ll ensure they stay luminous and that they keep telling your story.

In Summary: How to clean Your pearl earrings (And Why It Matters)

Let’s bring it all home:

- Always handle with clean hands and soft cloths.

- Keep your paua earrings stored separately and safely.

- Avoid chemicals, water, and rough treatment.

- Clean gently and professionally when needed.

- Treat them like the treasures they are, because they are.

Remember, there’s no fast rulebook, just mindful love. Your earrings are part of a slow, sustainable story, brought to light by us, and now carried by you.

Want to Learn More?

Need help choosing the perfect pair? Want more tips on how to clean your pearl earrings? We’re here for you. Reach out anytime, or explore our current range of real pearl earrings nz handcrafted with love.

Here’s to keeping your pearls radiant, naturally.