These picks prove that pearls don't have to look stuffy.
Prices are accurate at the time of publication.
Ana Luisa; ARSN; En Route; Karma and Luck; Mejuri; Olive + Piper; Sit & Wonder; Rachel Mendelson/Insider
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I grew up seeing pearls as a boring type of jewelry for adults. But fashion trends in cycles as generations mature, and right now, pearls are back.
"Pearls are very in right now, but not the way your grandma wore them!" Ring Concierge founder and CEO Nicole Wegman told Insider.
Luxury resale platform FASHIONPHILE, for example, is seeing more than a 200% increase in the amount of pearl jewelry being sold today versus a couple of years ago, especially in the categories of earrings and rings. Pinterest also names 'Pearlcore' as one of the top trends to look out for this year in its 2022 Pinterest Predicts report.
Instead of the long strings of the past, today's pearls are fresh and modern, appearing in designs like hoop earrings. And it's not just the styles where pearls are being worn differently. Where pearls used to almost exclusively be used to signify class and femininity, men are wearing pearls today too. Pearls are getting a style remix and are more inclusive than ever before.
Pearls used to be more expensive, but you can find them for much cheaper today. As always, it's important to remember that you get what you pay for. Pearls may be more affordable, but quality still deserves attention. "The highest quality pearls are Akoya Pearls and are found off the coast of Japan. They are graded A-AAA, with AAA being the best," Wegman said. "This grading scale evaluates pearls according to their surface quality, luster, and the roundness and symmetry of their shape."
As many ways as pearls are being worked into jewelry today, they're still delicate and subject to breaking. "I recommend them in earrings and necklaces, which receive less wear and tear, over rings and bracelets," Wegman said. "If you purchase a pearl ring, be sure to select a style that properly protects and secures the pearl."
To keep your pearls' luster, Wegman recommends cleaning them carefully with warm water and dish soap. Jewelry cleanser and abrasive cleansers can work wonders on metals, but they can damage a pearl and its shine.
Pearls work in any season, whether paired with summer creams or winter whites. They're the perfect addition to your wardrobe, not just as a trend, but as a staple. Here are 16 pieces to consider adding to your collection today.
Tiffany Company
Tiffany & Co. Double Pearl Ring, $675
Nothing is more classic than Tiffany jewelry. Whether you want to treat yourself or give a gift to remember, this elegant ring with mirrored pearls will do the job. It can be worn with a wide range of outfits, from your most casual day to a formal evening.
Karma and Luck
Karma and Luck Protected Reverie Bracelet, $129
Trending alongside pearls is jewelry with a spiritual element, like the evil eye that has a storied past of protecting its wearer from evil spirits. Karma and Luck is a jewelry company focused on modern spirituality, using fair trade materials, and energetically cleansing their products. This bracelet remixes the pearl trend by protecting your energy.
Tenwilde
Ten Wilde Pave Pearl Initial Choker, $56
Personalization is one of the best ways to feel like a product is truly for you, whether it's a name necklace or fragrance bottle with your initials. This choker is made with round, white pearls and two customizable initial cubes for a personal touch.
Mejuri
Mejuri Malachite Pearl Earrings, $115
Drop earrings are a gorgeous way to draw attention to your neck, accentuate your jawline, and add some drama to your outfit. Mejuri takes special attention to its handcrafted jewelry while keeping prices more affordable than retail markups. These earrings combine pearls with the brilliant green of malachite to create a lowkey statement piece.
Ring Concierge
Ring Concierge Pearl and Diamond Circle Studs, $848
These circle studs from engagement ring company Ring Concierge balance the lightness of a stud and the subtle hint of a hoop's silhouette. Combining the luster of a pearl with the sparkle of a diamond creates a unique and effortlessly classy look.
Sahira
This gold-plated and minimalist ring wields the power of beautiful asymmetry. With a small pearl and metal bar, this ring is dainty and versatile across different styles and outfits.
Olive + Piper
Olive and Piper Cruz Pearl Hoops, $48
There are pearl hoops that feature a string of same-size pearls, and then there are these. The Olive and Piper pearl hoops put another spin on the pearl hoop style, giving them a bubble-like silhouette. Some customers have worn these beauties for their wedding.
Madewell
Madewell Pearl Huggie Hoops, $22
Maybe you want to try pearl hoops, but you're a small hoop type person. If that's the case, these smaller Madewell pearl hoops are just for you. Not only are they lighter, but if you have multiple ear piercings, you can wear these on the same ear for a stacked effect.
En Route
En Route Pink Yumi Freshwater Pearl Necklace, $27.75
Pearls are even better when they're pink. En Route is a New York-based jewelry company that makes a wide range of styles. The Pink Yumi necklace spaces out five pink pearls on a gold chain that looks especially good when worn with V-necks.
Mon Été
Handmade and based in Brooklyn, Mon Été offers colorful and beaded jewelry designs that celebrate the unique characteristics of gemstones, like the imperfections of a pearl. The Byron necklace is a remix of the classic pearl necklace. Instead of being all pearls, there are gold beads throughout. Plus, with its magnetic clasp, this necklace is ideal for someone with long nails.
Ana Luisa
Although much more common today, wearing safety pins is rooted in punk rock culture. That's why these earrings are so cool. They combine two elements of hugely different meanings: safety pins with pearls. These subtle earrings with tiny pearls are perfect for wearing multiples on the same ear.
ARSN
With pearls, we're usually used to seeing them in their ball-like shape. This statement ring, however, only offers a window view of a pearl. Rather than a basic gold bar ring, ARSN's White Lies ring adds some luster with an embedded pearl.
Sit & Wonder
Sit & Wonder Lumière Ring, $75
When we think about pearls being remixed into new fashions, this is exactly the kind of thing that comes to mind. This ring marries diamonds and pearls in a stunning combination. The gems dance together on your finger and make eye candy.
Sense of Shelf MLE
Sense of Shelf MLE Fête Choker, $68
Part of the pearl trend today includes mixing pearls with bright colors, whether shades of green or a full rainbow. Made with pearls, Swarovski crystals, and lime green glass beads, the Fête Choker is ideal when you want to wear pearls colorfully.
Cult Gaia
If we only included pearls in the form of jewelry, we'd be doing you a disservice. The trend is also appearing in accessories such as handbags. We couldn't leave this Cult Gaia pearl bag out of the list. Though it's not made of a real pearl, this eye-catching piece is the ultimate statement bag. It can be worn as a bracelet or carried by hand for a stunning and unique look.
Baublebar
Baublebar Dafina Pearl Hoop Earrings, $44
If you like regular hoops, then you have to try these. Instead of the classic shape, this pair of hoops has a string of polished pearls to switch things up a bit. Rather than being perfect spheres, these pearls have slight, natural variances in their shape and size that add to the overall chicness. These Other Stories pearl hoops ($29) have a similar vibe but have gold beads mixed in, too.
