Does Mother of Pearl Jewellery Tarnish?

Mother of pearl is loved for the very thing that makes it difficult to imitate: its surface is never completely still. Light moves across it, colours shift and every piece carries its own natural markings.

But if you are choosing a piece to wear often, there is another question worth asking: does mother of pearl jewellery tarnish?

The answer depends on two different things — the mother of pearl itself and the metal surrounding it.

Does mother of pearl itself tarnish?

Mother of pearl does not tarnish in the same way that a metal can.

Also known as nacre, mother of pearl is the naturally luminous material found on the inner surface of certain mollusc shells. Its beautiful iridescence comes from the way its fine layers interact with light.

If you would like to understand the material itself in more detail, begin with our guide to what mother of pearl jewellery is .

Although mother of pearl itself does not develop metal tarnish, it is a natural material and its surface can still be affected by improper care. Harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaning and repeated contact with products such as perfume can affect its natural lustre.

What about the gold around the mother of pearl?

This is where the construction of the jewellery matters.

A mother of pearl pendant, ring or pair of earrings is usually set into a metal base. Whether the jewellery changes colour over time therefore depends much more on the metal and its finish than on the mother of pearl itself.

At Parisa, most of our gold pieces are crafted with a durable 316L stainless steel base and finished in 18ct gold PVD plating. PVD creates a more durable finish than traditional thin gold plating and is chosen for its resistance to everyday fading and tarnishing.

Our pieces are designed to stay golden, but good jewellery care is still worthwhile — particularly where natural materials such as mother of pearl are involved.

Can mother of pearl lose its shine?

Mother of pearl can appear less luminous if its surface becomes coated with residue from skincare, perfume, oils or other products.

That does not necessarily mean the material has permanently changed. Often, gentle cleaning with a soft cloth is enough to remove surface residue and allow its natural lustre to show again.

Avoid abrasive cloths and aggressive jewellery cleaners on the mother of pearl itself. Its beauty comes from a natural surface that deserves gentler treatment.

Can you get mother of pearl jewellery wet?

It is useful to separate the durability of the gold finish from the care required by the natural element of a piece.

Parisa's PVD-plated stainless steel jewellery is selected for its durability and resistance to water and everyday wear. Mother of pearl, however, is a natural material, so we still recommend treating the shell itself with a little more care.

Occasional contact with water is very different from repeatedly exposing natural mother of pearl to swimming pools, cleaning chemicals or harsh products.

If your piece combines gold with mother of pearl, caring for the most delicate natural element is the best approach.

How to care for mother of pearl jewellery

Mother of pearl does not need a complicated care routine.

A few simple habits can help preserve its surface and the jewellery surrounding it:

• Wipe the piece gently with a soft cloth after wearing it.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners on the mother of pearl.
• Try not to spray perfume directly onto the natural shell.
• Store the piece somewhere dry when it is not being worn.
• Keep it away from harsh chemicals and chlorinated water where possible.

Choosing mother of pearl jewellery for occasions and holidays

One reason we return to mother of pearl at Parisa is that it brings colour into jewellery without feeling overly bright.

Ocean blues and iridescent shell work beautifully against gold, particularly for holidays, dinners, weddings and occasions where jewellery can become part of the look rather than simply an addition to it.

Explore our Mother of Pearl Jewellery for pieces centred around this natural material, or wander through The Shore for more ocean and sea-inspired jewellery.

Mother of pearl, made to be worn

Mother of pearl does not tarnish like metal. What matters is caring for its natural surface and choosing jewellery made with a durable metal finish around it.

Treat the shell gently, care for the piece as a whole, and its shifting colour can remain one of the most beautiful parts of wearing it.