Shells and pearls have more in common than their appearance suggests. Both are formed in the ocean and made primarily of calcium carbonate, and both benefit from gentle care.
How to clean and store pearls, shells, gold-filled and silver.
Explore pearl jewelry and Hawaiian shell jewelry.
What each one needs
Shells
Rinse gently with fresh water, using a soft brush to lift sand from the grooves. Handle with care to protect delicate edges.
Pearls
Wipe with a soft, damp cloth after wear. Avoid soaking, harsh cleaners and abrasive brushes.
Metals
Clean gently with mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly. A polishing cloth brings back the shine; keep it away from shells and pearls.
The everyday basics
Put jewelry on after lotion, sunscreen, perfume and hairspray have dried, and take it off first. After the ocean or a workout, rinse in fresh water and pat dry; a soft cloth after each wear lifts away oils.
Let each piece dry before storing it on its own in a soft pouch or lined box, to prevent scratches and tangles. For swimming, showers and pools, see jewelry in water.
How to care for pearls
Pearls are soft, around 2.5 on the Mohs scale, and sensitive to perfume, cosmetics, acids and perspiration. Wipe them gently with a very soft cloth after each wear.
For occasional cleaning, use lukewarm water with a little mild soap, rinse gently and allow them to dry; silk-strung strands should dry completely before being worn again. Store pearls separately in a soft pouch, away from abrasive jewelry, heat and prolonged direct sunlight.
How to care for shell jewelry
Each shell is found while diving or beachcombing on Oʻahu. Rinse gently with fresh water after the beach to remove salt and sand; for a deeper clean, use a little mild soap and a soft brush, working carefully around grooves and settings.
Remove shell rings and bracelets before heavy work, and protect delicate edges from knocks.
Natural materials may change subtly with time. Gentle care helps preserve the colors, textures and details that drew you to each piece.
Care questions
How do I clean gold-filled and sterling silver?
Use warm, soapy water and a soft toothbrush, then rinse and dry. Sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time; a silver polishing cloth restores its shine. For gold-filled, polish lightly with a soft cloth made for gold, such as the Sunshine Polishing Cloth. Keep polishing cloths and tarnish removers away from shells and pearls unless the product says it’s safe for them. Learn more about each metal in the metals guide.
What should I avoid?
Keep pearls and shells away from vinegar, bleach, baking soda and abrasive cleaners, and use a jewelry dip only if it says it’s safe for them. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on pearls.
What if something breaks?
Natural shells, pearls and fine chains need gentle handling. If a defect appears within 15 days of delivery, repairs are complimentary. See the FAQ for details, or email me for help.
