Caring for Swarovski pearls properly keeps them looking brand new for years and is straightforward once you know what to do. This guide covers how to clean Swarovski pearls after wear, the right way to store them, and the cleaning products to avoid. With these simple steps your pearls will keep their signature lustre whether you wear them daily or save them for special occasions.
When you have invested in luxurious Swarovski pearls, it is important to know how to properly take care of them. With the right care and maintenance, you can ensure your pearls look brand new for years to come.
Although Swarovski pearls are synthetic, they still require some level of maintenance to keep them at their best. Below we go over the best ways to care for your pearls to protect them against daily wear and tear.
What are Swarovski Pearls?
Swarovski pearls are not natural pearls; instead, they are a perfect imitation, created with a crystal core and a unique coating that replicates the weight, feel and lustre of a natural pearl. Invented by the Austrian company Swarovski, renowned worldwide for their precision-cut, high-quality crystal glass, Swarovski pearls are a testament to the company's innovative approach and commitment to excellence.
The manufacturing process involves a crystal sphere at the core for weight and a multiple-layered nacre-like coating for a luminous glow. The result is a pearl that boasts an incredible sheen, consistent colour and a luxurious feel, all at a more accessible price than natural pearls. For more on how they differ from the real thing, see our guide on how glass pearls differ from natural pearls.
Why are Swarovski Pearls special?
Swarovski pearls stand out in the market for several reasons:
Unmatched brilliance
Thanks to their unique coating process, Swarovski pearls exhibit a brilliance and lustre that mimics that of high-quality natural pearls, but with a consistency rarely seen in nature.
Range of colours
Swarovski pearls come in a wide variety of colours, from classic whites and creams to more modern shades like rose gold and aubergine. This variety makes them a versatile choice for all kinds of jewellery.
Durability
Unlike natural pearls, which are susceptible to damage from cosmetics and perspiration, Swarovski pearls are more resilient due to their crystal core and durable coating.
Perfectly uniform
Each Swarovski pearl is identical in size and colour to its counterparts, ensuring a harmonious look in any jewellery piece. For broader care advice across the Swarovski range, see our complete guide to cleaning Swarovski crystals.
How to care for Swarovski pearls
Clean the pearls after each use
Ideally, clean your Swarovski pearls every time you have worn them. Although not essential, it will help keep them looking their best, because your body's natural oils can transfer onto the pearls and, over time, cause them to lose their sparkle.
Be careful when cleaning them as pearls are generally more delicate than other types of stones and crystals. All you need is a soft cloth, a mild detergent and warm water. Give the pearls a gentle wipe over and use an additional dry soft cloth to dry them thoroughly.
Ensure you store them separately
When you are not wearing them, make sure your pearls are stored separately from your other jewellery. This will prevent them getting scratched or damaged if they knock or rub against other materials, such as crystal or silver. If you are looking after loose pearls, store them in a soft bag, ideally with a drawstring so they do not fall out.
Avoid using harsh cleaners
It is really important to avoid using harsh cleaners when it comes to Swarovski pearls. Even though they are constructed to a very high standard, they will become damaged if exposed to harsh chemicals. Certain abrasive chemicals can cause the surface of the pearl to corrode away, eliminating the sparkle and ultimately ruining the pearl. When cleaning, avoid standard jewellery cleaner and use a mild detergent as described above.
Where to buy Swarovski Pearls
At Bluestreak Crystals, we offer the complete Swarovski crystals range including the full Swarovski pearls collection, with every size, shape and colour available. Browse the range to find the pearls that fit your project, whether you are creating jewellery, embellishing a wedding dress or replacing a broken pearl strand.
The bottom line
With the right care, Swarovski pearls are simple and easy to keep in pristine condition. Keep your pearls separate from your other jewellery pieces, and avoid treating them with any harsh cleaners. If you do this, your Swarovski pearl jewellery will maintain its lustrous glow for years to come, becoming a cherished heirloom or a personal go-to statement piece.
FAQs
How do you clean Swarovski pearls?
Clean Swarovski pearls with a soft lint-free cloth dipped in lukewarm water with a tiny drop of mild detergent. Gently wipe each pearl, then dry immediately with a separate clean dry cloth. Never soak pearls in water, never use ultrasonic cleaners, and never apply commercial jewellery cleaner. The nacre-like coating is sensitive to alcohol, ammonia and prolonged moisture, which strip the lustre permanently.
Are Swarovski pearls real pearls?
No, Swarovski pearls are crystal-cored synthetic pearls, not natural pearls grown in oysters. They feature a precision-cut crystal sphere at the centre coated with a proprietary multi-layered nacre-like finish. The result mimics the weight, feel and lustre of high-quality natural pearls with greater colour consistency, perfect uniformity in size, and significantly better resistance to cosmetics and perspiration than real pearls.
How should I store Swarovski pearls?
Store Swarovski pearls separately from other jewellery in a soft cloth pouch or lined jewellery box to prevent scratching from contact with metal jewellery or harder crystals. For loose pearls, use a soft drawstring bag. Store away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures and humidity. Never store in airtight plastic containers, which can trap moisture and damage the coating.
Can you shower or swim with Swarovski pearls?
No, remove Swarovski pearls before showering, swimming, bathing or exercising. Chlorine, salt water, soap and prolonged moisture exposure can damage the nacre-like coating and dull the lustre. Sweat and skincare products can also degrade the surface over time. The rule is: pearls go on last (after perfume, hairspray and makeup) and come off first (before any water exposure).
Do Swarovski pearls last as long as real pearls?
With proper care, Swarovski pearls can last 10-20+ years while maintaining their lustre. They are more resilient than natural pearls in many ways: the crystal core does not crack like natural pearl nacre, and the coating resists cosmetics and perspiration better than natural pearl surfaces. Heirloom natural pearls passed down through generations can outlast Swarovski pearls if perfectly cared for, but Swarovski pearls are more durable in everyday wear.
What damages Swarovski pearls?
The main damage sources for Swarovski pearls are: commercial jewellery cleaners (alcohol and ammonia strip the coating), ultrasonic and steam cleaners (vibration and heat damage the nacre), perfume and hairspray (chemicals etch the surface), chlorine and salt water (corrode the coating), prolonged sunlight exposure (degrades the colour), and contact with harder jewellery in storage (causes scratching).
What colours do Swarovski pearls come in?
Swarovski pearls are available in over 40 colours, ranging from classic White, Cream, Rose, Ivory and Black to fashion shades like Rose Gold, Aubergine, Iridescent Light Blue, Bordeaux and Antique Brass. The colour consistency across batches is exceptional, making Swarovski pearls the professional choice for bridal jewellery, fashion pieces and any design requiring multiple matching pearls in specific shades.
