How to Style Pearl Jewellery

2 JUNE 2023 - ELLEN MADDEN, JEWELLERY WRITER

It’s official. Pearls have become cool again.

We’re talking: A renaissance of your grandma’s pearls into a trendy chokers or a pair of pearl huggies. From Kimmy K and the A-listers at the Met Gala to the IT-influencers on TikTok – pearls are being worn far and wide. Not just a long necklace that wraps around your décolletage, in 2023 pearl jewellery has many iterations. A chain bracelet with a pearl pendant, pearl studs, pearl drop earrings, and pearl rings. They really do come in every shape, size, and style to suit every personality.

And trust us, the world’s oldest gemstone is not going out of fashion any time soon.  

‘Pearlcore’ has been used to describe the look, or aesthetic, when a flurry of pearls is decorating something. It could be your loungeroom, the inside of your car or in terms of fashion, it’s when someone is sporting an abundance of pearls. We’re here for. And we think it looks best, and balanced, when your pearls are mixed with your other staple pieces.   

We’re saying, add your pearls into your jewellery regime. Wear them from desk to drinks, beach to bar and every occasion between. Pair them with your loud pieces of jewellery, your delicate designs and your everyday essentials. The trick? Layering up.

We’ve broken our guide to pearls into parts. Scroll down for how to stack your pearl necklaces and how to nail the art of ear curation with pearl earrings.

How do you wear pearl necklaces?

When it comes to wearing a pearl necklace, the trick is to stack. Add it to your layers. And the goal is to make it look balanced.

So, firstly you need to choose the type of pearl necklace. There’s pendant necklaces in yellow gold, silver and rose gold, like Hot Diamonds X Jac Jossa 18ct Gold Pearl necklace and Ania Haie 14ct Gold Plated Pearl Necklace and then there’s the more traditional beaded pearl necklace like our Sterling Silver Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace. Whatever you choose, make sure it's a piece you'll wear every day. 

If you’re into the string of pearls, choker type necklaces, use that as the first layer in your stack. Wear it closet to your neck and then add the rest of your necklaces.

But, if you’re into something a little daintier – go for a delicate pearl pendant necklace. Use this as the second or third layer in your stack.

Here are top tips to get an eye-catching pearl necklace ensemble:

1. Vary the lengths: Mix and match your necklaces of different lengths with your everyday necklaces. This creates interest. For example, sport your choker-length pearl necklace with a longer pendant necklace and a chain.
2. Experiment with different textures: If you’re adding your pearls to your every day staple necklaces then you're already there. We’re talking: delicate chains, colourful beads, or dainty charms. It adds depth and a pop of playfulness.
3. Consider colour: To bring out the iridescence of your pearls, wear a necklace with a colourful gemstone that will draw attention to the pearl. If your pearls have a slight pink glimmer, add a garnet gemstone to your stack. You could also experiment with contrasting colours for a striking effect.
4. Layer in odd numbers: Stacking odd numbers of necklaces will create a balanced look. Try combining three or five necklaces.
5. Don't forget about proportions: Pay attention to the thickness and size of the necklaces you're stacking.
6. Have fun with it. You can choose to hero the pearls or blend them in with your necklace stack. It's entirely up to you. 

How to Style Pearl Earrings

The first step is to find a pair of pearl earrings that speak to you. They might be statement earrings like our Silver Pearl Chain Drop Earrings and our 9ct Yellow Gold Pearl Hoops or they might be more simple studs like Fossil’s Pink Mother-of-Pearl Stud Earrings. Choose a metal that you find easy to wear and an earring type that works for you. We want you to LOVE them!

Now to nail the ear curation:

1. Start with the first lobe. Add the statement earring here. It may be the thickest, the longest or the earring that really steals the show. If you’ve gone for a drop pearl earring or pearl hoops, we think it would look incredible here. Or if you want a boho kind of look, add the drop earring it to your upper cartilage.
2. Move onto your next piercing and add a slightly smaller piercing one. Repeat. We like to think you start big and then go small. Add your hoops, your huggies and then your studs until your ears are stacked. 
3. If you’re after a minimalistic look – go for studs. Again, start bigger and then gradually go smaller.
4. Check for balance: Step back and assess the look of your stacked ear piercings with the pearl earrings. Make any adjustments. And voila, you've just nailed your ear curation.

Pearl earrings add a fresh new colour to your stack as well as a shiny texture. The best part? They come in so many different shapes and styles so you can really make the world your oyster (see what we did there?)

One last pearly tip

Remember: when buying and styling pearl earrings, the key is to have fun and express your personality. There really are no rules. If you want to talk to our experts about perfecting your jewellery look, book an instore or online appointment.