How to Wear Pearls for Any Occasion

Q: How should I wear pearls casually?

While the classic white pearl choker, bracelet or stud earrings are versatile enough to be worn with jeans and a t-shirt, you can take a modern twist by mixing up the colors, shapes and sizes. Baroque freshwater pearls offer a trendy alternative and naturally come in a variety of colors including pink, gold, green, blue and gray.

Q: How should I wear pearls in a formal setting?

Whether you prefer freshwater, Ayoka, South Sea or Tahitian pearls, here’s your chance to go all out with pearls. Bold statement pieces, versatile rope length necklaces, stunning drop earrings, beautiful cocktail rings or even complete sets of matching necklaces, bracelets and earrings have a dramatic effect.

Whatever the occasion, pearls take your look to the next level.

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Published 01/09/2021 by Rebecca Nichols

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The natural beauty of pearls has been admired for centuries and it doesn’t look like this trend is going away any time soon! For a long time, the rarity and lustrous nature of pearls kept them reserved for royalty and the ultra-wealthy. But a lot has changed since then.

In the last 100 years, the rise of cultured pearls has given everyone a chance to own this beloved gemstone. Those born in June can claim pearl as their birthstone, but the classic beauty of pearls is available for everyone to wear.

We’re here to tell you about the origins behind the pearl jewelry you’ve come to know and love, as well as our best and brightest style tips on how to wear pearls for any and every occasion.

Types of Pearls

No two pearls are the same, and neither are we! Pearls help celebrate individuality and imperfection, and we love them for that.

The famous iridescence of the pearl comes from a substance called nacre that is created within mollusks. The color of the pearl can depend on several features: the type of mollusk that created the pearl, as well as the thickness of the nacre layers surrounding the pearl.

Here’s some of the most popular pearl types out there, so you know exactly what you’re rocking in your next pearl-centric outfit.

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater cultured pearls boast of a wide range of naturally lovely colors... from lilacs to creams, from goldens to almost silvery shades. They are also desired for their exceptional luster and shine. They are found in a variety of shapes as well. The unusually shaped are called 'baroque pearls' and they are enjoying a surge in popularity for their unique appeal.

South Sea Pearls

South Sea pearls are made by Pinctada maxima... and true to the name, these oysters make some of the largest pearls, anywhere from 8mm to 20mm in diameter. It's no surprise then that these oysters only produce one shining pearl at a time!

Most of us think golden when we think South Sea pearls, but these breathtaking pearls can also be found in delicious shades of white to silver. Typically found in Australia and Indonesia, South Sea pearls have flashes of pink, blue or green undertones. Keep this in mind when styling pearls with your outfit and you'll have an undeniably fashionable color combo.

Tahitian Pearl

Tahitian pearls are made by Pinctada margaritifera and these glorious pearls are dark spheres with rainbows of color that move like gentle waves across the surface.

Some Tahitian pearls have a breathtaking green background with whispers of warm yellow. Aubergine Tahitian pearls have purple undertones. And last but definitely not least, there are peacock colored Tahitian pearls. These iridescent yet dark pearls are known for their fabulous flash of pink to purple tones.

Understated but elegant, Tahitian pearls will make a statement in any outfit whether worn as a delicate strand or a stunning set of drop earrings.

Styling Pearls

With pearl jewelry to perfectly complement every fashion style, it's no wonder the timeless pearl has been a favorite around the world for centuries. Whether you prefer to keep it simple with a single pearl strand or go for more with ropes of pearls, here are easy ways you can wear pearls for casual wear, the office and formal occasions.

Casual Pearls

While the classic white pearl choker, pearl bracelet or pearl stud earrings are versatile enough to be worn with jeans and a t-shirt, you can take a modern twist by mixing up the colors, shapes and sizes. Baroque freshwater pearls offer a trendy alternative and naturally come in a variety of colors including pink, gold, green, blue and gray. Another modern trend is mixed pearl jewelry that combines the beauty of pearls with colorful beads, metals and gemstones.

Office

As a general rule, the understated beauty of simple jewelry is best for the workplace. If you work somewhere traditional, a classic short white pearl necklace and stud earrings are always a safe choice. In more modern or laid back work environments, colored pearls, a solitaire pearl pendant or metallic jewelry with mother-of-pearl accents all offer intriguing alternatives to add individuality to your work clothes.

Formal

Whether you prefer freshwater, Akoya, South Sea or Tahitian pearls, here’s your chance to go all out with pearls. Bold statement pieces, versatile rope length necklaces, stunning drop earrings, beautiful cocktail rings or even complete sets of matching necklaces, bracelets and earrings have a dramatic effect.