When you put them on, wear them after you have done everything in your routine. When you're taking everything off, take them off first. As an organic gem composed of calcium carbonate, pearls are more vulnerable to the chemicals found in cosmetics, hair spray, and perfume. Dress, style your hair, apply your make-up, and spray on your perfume before you put on any pearl jewellery.​

Limit your use of pearl rings and bracelets. These pieces are more subject to scratching since they sit on your hands. Never wear these pieces when you anticipate working with your hands, and limit them to special occasions. Especially if you know you are going to do a rough job like playing sports, bathing or grooming your pet, take them off immediately.​

Gently wipe your pearls with a soft cloth after you remove them for the day. A pearl's luster can be damaged by even the smallest amount of perspiration. Removing your sweat from the pearls after each use helps preserve their luster. You can also dab a drop of water on them and clean them off. Don't scrub too hard, even though it is soft cloth!​

Immediately wipe your pearls clean with a soft cloth if they get exposed to acid. Acid can come in the form of sweat, perfume, fruit juice, vinegar, or a number of other substances. The acid will break down the crystallised calcium of the pearl, ruining its lustre and causing a very long-term damage.​

Store your pearls in a manner that prevents them from getting scratched. Keep them separate from other pieces of jewellery, and avoid excessively dry conditions.​

Keep your pearls in a separate compartment, away from other jewelry. Other gems may scratch the surface of the pearls if they come into contact with them. Even other pearl pieces may have metal elements that could scratch the pearls on a separate piece, so store each pearl piece in its own compartment. If possible, use a small velvet drawstring bag and insert the pearl in there.​

Consider storing your pearls in a silk bag, velvet-lined box, or satin-lined pearl folder. Taking this extra precaution will ensure that nothing else scratches your pearls.​

Avoid long-term exposure to strong light or heat above 140°F (60°C). These elements can dry out your pearls, causing them to crack.