Perfume can damage some jewellery. Pearls are the most vulnerable: the alcohol and other ingredients in perfume can dull their lustre over time. Soft or porous materials — opal, turquoise, amber, coral, malachite, lapis and some treated stones — can also be marked or discoloured. Hard gems such as diamonds, sapphires and rubies are not harmed by perfume itself, but residue can make them look cloudy, and perfume can leave films on metal and settings. The simple rule jewellers give is: apply perfume first, let it dry, then put on your jewellery — and take jewellery off first at the end of the day.
Why perfume affects jewellery
Perfume is mostly alcohol, with fragrance oils and sometimes small amounts of other ingredients. On jewellery:
- Alcohol and other chemicals can affect the surface of pearls and some soft or porous stones.
- Fragrance oils leave a thin film that dulls sparkle and attracts dust.
- Repeated contact matters more than a single spray: daily perfume on the same necklace adds up.
What perfume is made of is described in What Is Perfume Made Of?, and why it contains alcohol in Why Is There Alcohol in Perfume?.
Which pieces need most care
Pearls
Pearls are made of thin layers of nacre, an organic material that is soft and sensitive to chemicals and acids. The Gemological Institute of America advises applying perfume, hairspray and cosmetics before putting pearls on, and treating them as the last thing you put on and the first you take off, wiping them with a very soft cloth after wearing.
Soft and porous gems and organics
Opal, turquoise, amber, coral, malachite, lapis lazuli and similar materials can absorb liquids or be etched by chemicals. Treated or dyed stones may also be affected. Keep perfume well away.
Hard gems
Diamonds, sapphires, rubies and other hard gems are not damaged by perfume, but a film of fragrance oil and other products dulls their brilliance. Regular gentle cleaning restores it.
Metals
Gold and platinum are not harmed by perfume. Silver tarnishes for many reasons, chiefly sulphur in the air, and perfume residue can add to the grime. Plated and costume jewellery is the most vulnerable: chemicals can wear thin plating and discolour base metals.
Perfume first, jewellery last — and the order reverses at the end of the day.
How to wear both
- Apply perfume first and let it dry fully — a few minutes.
- Then put on jewellery, especially pearls and soft stones.
- Avoid spraying where jewellery sits. Choose places a necklace or bracelet does not touch, or the inner arms rather than the wrist where a watch sits. See How to Apply Perfume.
- Wipe pieces with a soft, dry cloth after wearing.
- Take jewellery off before reapplying perfume during the day.
Watches
Perfume can mark leather straps and, over time, affect some finishes and seals. Spray the other wrist or another place altogether. Fragrance applied to the neck and chest lasts better anyway; see How to Make Perfume Last Longer.
Storing perfume and jewellery
Keep perfume bottles away from a jewellery box. A leaking or knocked bottle can damage pieces, and the warmth and light of a dressing table are bad for perfume too. See How to Store Perfume.
Common questions
Can I spray perfume on my pearls?
No. Apply perfume first, let it dry, then put pearls on.
Does perfume damage gold?
Gold itself is not harmed, but residue dulls it, and plated pieces can wear.
Does perfume tarnish silver?
Silver tarnishes mainly from sulphur in the air; perfume residue adds grime rather than causing tarnish on its own. Clean silver gently and regularly.
Can perfume damage a diamond?
No, but fragrance oil can make it look cloudy. Gentle cleaning restores its sparkle.
Sources
Gemological Institute of America (GIA), guidance on pearl care: apply perfume, hair products and cosmetics before putting on pearls; pearls are the last thing on and the first thing off.
