The Best Pearl Jewelry You Can Wear With Anything
If diamonds are your best friend, pearls are your life partner
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When it comes to jewelry, there isn’t a more iconic or versatile gemstone than the pearl. With a storied history that spans continents and cultures, pearl has never lost its beloved status. If anything, it continues to reinvent itself with modern designs that run the gamut from big and bold to quirky and charming.
“Pearls are the most timeless and classic piece of jewelry one can invest in. They also complement many different personal styles, from casual to formal. Each pearl that makes up a piece of jewelry is unique, with its own luster and color, which make pearls special to their owner,” says Jennifer Koche, designer and owner of emerging brand Storrow.
If you’re looking to find your perfect pearl piece, Koche says, “there is a lot to consider, but it’s most important to go with what feels like is the most suited to one’s individual style and what has longevity in wear. One should consider size, shape, examine luster, and check surface quality.” She also recommends educating yourself on different types of pearls. “For example, our Howie necklace uses AAA Akoya pearls,” she says. “They are the highest-quality grading within the Akoya category, with a surface that is free from blemishes and minimal imperfections. They also have high luster and have been hand selected for their antiqued appeal with their richer cream color.”
Below find 12 modern pearl pieces you’ll want to wear always.
“Each Howie necklace comes with a circle clasp bail, which the owner can clip charms onto. We encourage the wearer to layer and stack our pearl strands into chains and other pieces for their own unique take. The charm in this necklace was a combination, a love child of our two best charms, the Juliet and the Alana. I loved both individually enough to combine them together for a new, fresh take. I also love the way they are complemented with the Howie chain—a new spin on traditional pearls from both angles,” Koche says.
Your everyday hoops just got a pearly upgrade. Crafted from solid 14k gold and accented with cultured freshwater pearls, this design is both elegant and modern, so you can wear these from day to night.
Spinelli Kilcollin popularized roundel jewelry and its signature linked rings. This silver pearl iteration brilliantly fuses classic beauty with an almost sci-fi edge that is unexpected and unique.
A little bit of everything never looked more right. This statement bracelet from Joie DiGiovanni is an intricate mix of 14k and 18k paper-clip links, fine chain, ombré spinel beads, and the star of the show: a coin pearl set with labradorite and diamonds. Textured and eye-catching, this playful piece deserves a place on your wrist.
The epitome of “sleek and chic,” this baroque pearl pendant hangs elegantly on a thick leather cord. For a ’90s take, wear it with a bandeau dress. For everyday, style it with open-collared shirts and your favorite jeans.
If you need a break from reality, escape with surreal jewelry from Agmes. Three freshwater pearls dangle from the fingers of these earrings, giving your every movement extra oomph. Measuring about 2¾ inches long each, they’re the perfect size and weight to wear comfortably all day.
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Pearls, diamonds, emeralds, and 18k gold? What more could you want? Positively regal yet fun, this ring from Shay is something you treat yourself to for a memorable milestone.
Inspired by Sir Elton John’s farewell concert, this gold-dipped pearl collection is an avant-garde dream. Simple enough to be passed down for generations, the 14k white-gold-dipped pearl bracelet is a modern heirloom in the making.
Jewelry designer Marla Aaron revitalized the humble carabiner into one of the most coveted jewelry styles (which of course is also going viral on social media). Breaking away from the traditional pendant necklace, this piece can be customized in infinite ways with pearl strands, biker chains, bejeweled locks, and more. It’s truly functional jewelry you can play with.
No, the bow trend is not going anywhere. If anything, you should take it up on a notch with these dainty bow-shaped rice pearl earrings from Kara Yoo. Sweet, coquettish, romantic, and budget-friendly, they’re perfect. And we won’t blame you if you want to buy the matching necklace too.
This 18k gold chain ring from buzzy brand Persée is a forever piece. Five mini pearls encircle your finger, with a pierced diamond that gently hangs in between.
Craftsmanship is front and center for all of Amáli's pieces. Inspired by textile techniques, the pearls are handwoven with delicate 18k gold to mimic the fluid and seductive feel of fabric.
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