Why Pearl Jewellery Often Discolours in Summer Heat

Summer in Australia comes with long beach days, warm nights, and plenty of time outdoors. For many of us, that means putting together easy, comfortable outfits and layering on simple jewellery like a pearl jewellery necklace. But when the heat hits, people often notice that their pearl pieces don’t look quite the same. The shine fades, the colour shifts, or the surface starts to feel different.

This is most common during hot and humid months when body oils, sweat, and even sunscreen play a bigger role than we might realise. If you’ve wondered why your pearls lose their glow each summer, there’s a good reason, and a few helpful ways to prevent it. Let’s look more closely at why this happens and what you can do about it.

Why Pearls React to Heat Differently

Pearls are natural gemstones, but they’re very different from things like diamonds or sapphires. Freshwater pearls in particular are made up of layers of calcium carbonate held together by a protein called conchiolin. That mix of organic material makes them softer and more sensitive to their surroundings.

Unlike stones that stay stable in most conditions, pearls can change when the weather shifts. Heat, moisture, and even air quality can affect how they wear over time. That becomes especially noticeable during hot Australian summers, when we’re constantly moving between indoor air conditioning and sweaty, humid outdoor spaces.

In cities like Sydney, where humidity builds up quickly in the afternoon and salt air lingers in coastal suburbs, your skin produces more oil and sweat. As it sits closer to the skin, a pearl necklace is exposed to more friction and surface contact than earrings or rings. That daily exposure adds up fast and slowly changes how the surface of the pearl catches the light. At Mezi, our freshwater pearl designs focus on real, lustrous pearls chosen for their natural texture and glow, so caring for that surface helps preserve what makes each piece unique.

How Sweat and Sunscreen Impact Pearl Jewellery

Many of us don’t think twice about putting on sunscreen, moisturiser, or perfume after getting dressed, but these can leave residues on jewellery. With pearls, that buildup sticks to the surface and can change their natural colour or dull their shine. It’s not just products either. In summer, our skin naturally produces more oil and salt through sweat, and those materials can also collect on jewellery throughout the day.

Freshwater pearls are especially vulnerable to this kind of layer. They’re meant to breathe and be kept moist with soft air, not trapped under a layer of sunscreen. When moisture from sweat or body oil dries onto the surface, it can leave tiny marks or cause parts of the pearl to fade or yellow over time.

Wearing a pearl jewellery necklace on bare skin makes it easy for these things to build up. Necklaces move with our bodies and often catch residue from our neck, collarbones, or even hair products. When that surface isn’t gently wiped or cleaned now and then, it can start to look cloudy or aged, even if the necklace itself is relatively new.

Why Storage Matters in Warmer Months

How you store your pearl jewellery when you’re not wearing it makes just as much difference as how you wear it. Pearls don’t usually do well in sealed spaces, especially when sitting in warm temperatures. If you keep your necklace in a stuffy drawer or zipped travel pouch, the surrounding heat can dry out the layers of the pearl, causing gradual yellowing or a dull finish.

This is extra common in coastal homes or apartments that trap heat easily, such as those in inner-west Sydney or Northern Beaches suburbs. Even with the windows closed, warm air builds and sticks around, creating conditions that gradually draw moisture out of organic materials like freshwater pearls.

To keep a necklace in good shape, storage should allow for a bit of air flow, with a soft cloth underneath to protect from scratches. Avoid placing it under direct sunlight or next to heaters, as that can speed up any colour changes. Pearls respond best to soft, natural conditions, and mimicking those when you’re not wearing the jewellery helps prevent surprises when you go to put it on again.

Everyday Habits That Can Help

There’s no need to baby your pearls or lock them away just because it’s hot outside. A few simple habits can go a long way when it comes to keeping their colour and condition steady. These don’t take much effort and can make a visible difference in how well your necklace wears through summer.

Try building these into your daily routine:

• Take off your pearl jewellery before exercising, applying lotions, or using hairspray

• Avoid wearing pearls in the pool or saltwater, even briefly

• Gently wipe your necklace with a clean, soft cloth after you take it off

• Store it flat, away from windows or heat sources, ideally in a lined box or open container with padding

Freshwater pearls like calm. When handled with care, even during a long stretch of hot days, they keep their soft glow and natural shine without trouble.

Clearer and Longer-Lasting Pieces

The way we treat our jewellery matters even more during the summer months, when the air is hotter, saltier, and stickier than usual. It’s no surprise that many women feel their pearl necklaces lose their sparkle during this time. But those signs of change often come from habits we don’t even notice, wearing sunscreen, rushing out the door with damp skin, or tossing jewellery into a bag after a beach day.

With just a little more awareness, keeping your freshwater pearls in good shape becomes second nature. That favourite pearl jewellery necklace you throw on with linen dresses and sunny layers doesn’t need to sit in a drawer. It just needs the right care to stay light, clean, and elegant, even at the peak of summer.

To keep your favourite warm-weather jewellery looking its best, it helps to choose pieces that work with, not against, the season. At Mezi, we offer thoughtful designs made for Australian summers, including styles that pair beautifully with a pearl jewellery necklace that can handle heat and humidity. Many of our pearl pieces are crafted with freshwater pearls set on sterling silver or vermeil chains that are hypo-allergenic and nickel free, so they stay comfortable against your skin on warm, humid days. Whether you're layering for a weekend away or heading out for dinner by the water, a few small steps can make all the difference. We are happy to guide you toward the best seasonal match for your collection so please contact us with any questions.