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Your Guide To Pearls: How To Wear Pearl Jewelry 

May 12, 2022May 17, 2022Categories Fine Jewelryfine jewelry, june birthstone, pearl earrings, pearl engagement rings, pearl jewelry

Pearl jewelry pieces are classic accessories overloaded with undeniable sophistication. With its understated elegance and beauty, not to mention, a price tag perfect for all types of budgets,  it’s no wonder so many have gravitated towards this precious gemstone. Ready to find your perfect pearl accessory? Let’s dive in and get to know about the lustrous luminous of the sea – pearls.

Your Guide To Pearls: How To Wear Pearl Jewelry 

When it comes to the world of fashion, not only is the iconic Audrey Hepburn the definition of feminine elegance but she is often praised for revolutionizing the way we look at pearl jewelry today. However, she is not the only celebrity who has created many unforgettable moments flaunting a variety of pearl jewelry. Other stars include Grace Kelly, Coco Chanel, Michelle Obama, Rihanna and even Harry Styles. 

From glamorous red-carpet events to casual dinner dates, finding the perfect statement pearl piece to help elevate any look has never been easier. 

Harry Styles wearing a pearl necklace
Rihanna wearing multiple pearl necklaces

The History Of Pearl Jewelry

For thousands of years, people throughout the world have treasured pearls. Despite the long history of the gemstone, Pearls were discovered before written history began, so it is hard to attribute their discovery to one particular time or place. What we do know is that pearls have been worn as a form of jewelry as early as 2300 BC when presented as gifts to Chinese royalty. 

While in ancient Rome, pearl jewelry was considered the ultimate status symbol. Did you know that the sixteenth century in England was known as the Pearl Age, reflecting the prestige carried by pearls at that time? 

The Symbolism Of Pearls

Officially known as the world’s oldest gem, pearls have often symbolized the moon because of their innate luster and its underwater mystique. They were also believed to be filled with magical properties. Perhaps, this is why so many cultures around the world associate pearls with modesty and innocence.  

Additionally, pearls are the traditional June birthstone. Loved by women of all ages, this timeless wardrobe staple has long been associated with purity, humility and innocence. For this reason, it is believed that the June birthstone’s meaning is “sweet simplicity.” 

Similar to the traditional meaning of a white dress, cultures throughout the ages have believed pearls symbolize purity.

Pearls & Your Wedding Day  

In many cultures, pearls have been a popular wedding custom and bridal jewelry staple for many generations. 

Whether you think of yourself as a modern, glam, or vintage-inspired bride-to-be, pearls are a beautiful way to add a chic finishing touch to your big day. And, they can also make for a great “something old” if they are vintage.

Here are just a few gorgeous and graceful ways to incorporate pearls on your wedding day.

Bridal Jewelry 

Pearls have been among the most popular gemstones for bridal jewelry and for good reason. A beautiful choice for bridal jewelry, pearls are simple yet oh-so-perfect. They can also be worn long after your wedding since they’re a fine jewelry wardrobe staple. From pearl engagement rings to earrings and even delicate bracelets, the truth is, you can never go wrong with pearl jewelry. 

Another more practical reason is that pearls perfectly complement the traditional white wedding dress. So, if you’re not so keen on pearl jewelry you could also incorporate pearls as accessories or embellishments on your wedding dress. 

Did you know that legend has it that wearing pearls on your wedding day will bring a happy marriage? While others believe that a  pearl is a representation of a tear and by wearing pearls, you ensure a lifetime of joy with your future spouse. This superstition is practiced by many brides who hope not to shed any tears in matrimony.

Customary Wedding Gift

Some customs have a common tradition where the groom gives his bride a piece of pearl jewelry on their wedding day. Depending on her style, the gift can be anything from elegant pearl earrings to a classic strand of pearls. However, in some families, it is also tradition for the future mother-in-law of the bride to pass down pearls that belong to her, or even gift her daughter-in-law with a new set of gorgeous pearls. 

Trending Pearl Jewelry

Today, pearl jewelry is very much trending and considered to be real chic and fashionable, both for men and women. Contrary to popular belief, pearls should not be reserved for very special occasions or in your grandmother’s jewelry box. In fact, pearl jewelry is making a huge comeback in 2022 as we see many new and exciting ways to wear pearls. 

So, why buy pearl jewelry? Well, wearers love them because they’re elegant, complementary, and versatile. And, gift-givers love them because they’re affordable, sustainable, and beautiful in any setting.

JamesAllen.com offers a gorgeous selection of pearl jewelry, featuring Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, and Freshwater pearls. 

Pearl Earrings 

“You can’t ever go wrong with pearls. Perhaps pearls are a girl’s best friend after all.” – Ki Hackney

Black Tahitian Pearl Drop Earrings 

14K White Gold Black Tahitian Cultured Pearl And Diamond Drop Earrings 

Akoya Pearl & Sapphire Drop Earrings

14K White Gold Cultured Akoya Pearl And Sapphire Drop Earrings (9.5 Mm)

Akoya Pearl Leverback Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl Leverback Earrings

Freshwater Pearl Hoop Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Cultured Seed Pearl Hoop Earrings

Pearl Bracelets 

“Life is made up of a few moments all strung together like pearls. Each moment is a pearl, and it is up to us to pick the ones with the highest luster.” – Joyce Hilfer 

Freshwater Pearl Double Strand Bracelet

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Cultured Pearl Double Strand Bracelet

Tahitian Pearl & Bezel Set Trio Bracelet 

18K White Gold Tahitian Cultured Pearl And Bezel Set Diamond Trio Bangle Bracelet

Baroque Freshwater Pearl Spring Bracelet

18K White Gold Baroque Freshwater Cultured Pearl Spring Bracelet

Freshwater Pearl Station Paperclip Bracelet

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Cultured Pearl Station Paperclip Bracelet

How To Care For Your Pearl Jewelry 

Pearls are prized for their delicacy which is why they generally require a great deal of care. Follow these guidelines to help your pearls stay gorgeous for decades and achieve heirloom status.

  • Wear them as much as possible: the natural oils from your skin actually enhance the radiance of your pearls! Just like applying moisturizer to your skin to prevent dryness, pearls also appreciate a little help to stay hydrated and dewy.
  • Avoid contact with perfume or other harmful chemicals.
  • It’s best to use a dry, soft cloth to remove any dirt or foreign material from your pearl if it appears dull or dirty.
  • Do not clean cultured pearls with any chemicals, abrasives or solvents. These substances can damage your pearls.
  • Never hang up your pearl necklaces or bracelets: always lay cultured pearl strands flat to dry. Hanging a strand may stretch the threads.
  • Store pearls separately: due to their delicacy, pearls can easily be scratched by when stored alongside other jewelry pieces.
  • Pearl jewelry should not be thrown into a purse, bag, or jewelry box carelessly.

Pearl Necklaces

 “A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” – Coco Chanel

Rose Gold Pink Windsor Pearl Trio Leaf Pendant

Freshwater Seed Pearl Open Circle Necklace

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Seed Pearl Key Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Cultured Seed Pearl Key Necklace

Akoya Pearl Ball Clasp Necklace

14K White Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl Ball Clasp 16" Necklace

Pearl Rings 

“The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens.” – Grace Kelly

Freshwater Seed Pearl Open Circle Ring

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Cultured Seed Pearl Open Circle Ring

Rose Gold Vine Motif Freshwater Pearl Ring

14K Rose Gold Vine Motif Freshwater Cultured Pearl And Diamond Ring

Freshwater Pearl & Diamond Vine Ring

14K White Gold Freshwater Cultured Pearl And Diamond Vine Ring

Open Double Freshwater Pearl Ring

14K Yellow Gold Open Double Freshwater Cultured Pearl Ring

FAQs About Pearl Jewelry

  1. Can you wear pearl jewelry every day?

The answer is YES! Casual or formal, night or day, no matter the occasion pearls can be worn whenever and however you like. So, if your pearl jewelry is currently tucked away at the back of a drawer, we suggest you dig them out and show them off.

  1. What is the price of pure pearls?

A traditional strand of white pearls can range from $100 (Freshwater pearl necklace) to $10,000 (Akoya pearl necklace). A strand of large, flawless South Sea pearls could even be valued as high as $100,000+ .

  1. How can you tell if a pearl is real?

The luster, color and size of each pearl are dependent on the natural processes that occur inside a living oyster. Fake pearls, on the other hand, are typically made of glass or plastic, giving them a smoother and more uniform appearance. Buying from a trusted retailer, such as JamesAllen.com will ensure that your pearl jewelry is beautiful and authentic.

  1. What does it mean when a woman wears a pearl necklace?

Pearls have always been a symbol of elegance and exquisite taste. They are also an expression of who you are as a woman and a sign of maturity. Commonly, these timeless jewels fittingly redefine the modern woman, who is all about strength, beauty, and refinement, just like these gemstones.

  1. What is your favorite style of pearl jewelry?  Let us know on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter,

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Looking for more pearls of wisdom? Check out these related posts for inspiration! 

  • June Pearl Birthstone Jewelry
  • The Trend That Won’t Quit: Pearl Engagement Rings
  • Gemstone Jewelry Standouts of 2021

Tarryn Snoyman

Tarryn is a content writer by day and a criminology enthusiast by night.

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CoverImage pearl engagement ring blog

The Trend That Won’t Quit: Pearl Engagement Rings

March 10, 2021December 5, 2021Categories Engagement Rings, Trending Ringsjune birthstone, june birthstone jewelry, pearl birthstone, pearl birthstone jewelry, pearl engagement rings, pearl jewelry, rose gold engagement rings, yellow gold engagement rings

Pearls have always been a reliable classic, and lately, they’ve been undergoing a serious refresh as the hottest new engagement ring trend. You definitely need to take a deeper look at these underwater beauties – and here’s why!

CoverImage pearl engagement ring blog

Pearl engagement rings are riding in on a sparkling new wave that’s all their own. Forget clutching your pearls! These statement pieces are far from those dull, staid stereotypes. 

How Pearls Are Made – And Harvested

We have the friendly oyster to thank for these luminescent beauties. Oysters are critical parts of the marine ecosystem; in nature, they inhabit the tidal zones of either freshwater or saltwater bodies and perform numerous functions. They clean water through filtration, they form oyster reefs that provide homes for smaller organisms, they’re a sustainable food source, and of course: with the right stimulation, certain oyster species produce pearls.

Oysters are living organisms that thrive under specific conditions. And they need to thrive in order to produce pearls. Pearl farmers place them in natural environments – either on oyster frames, or artificial oyster reefs.

After growing for a number of months, pearl farmers “nucleate” the oysters; they insert a tiny bead along with a small portion of tissue from another oyster. This gently irritates the oyster, which secretes a smooth substance called nacre, or mother of pearl, around the bead in order to protect itself from further irritation. Over the course of months or years, the layers of nacre accumulate and, eventually become a recognizable pearl. 

Why Pearl Harvesting Is So Sustainable

At this point, the small pearl is often carefully extracted, and replaced by another bead. This bead often becomes a much larger pearl in the now-mature oyster. This oyster may continue to produce more pearls, or it may be either released or “retired.” If, in fact, the oyster is retired – a.k.a. used up – then no part of the oyster goes to waste: the pearl is harvested, the meat is eaten, and oyster shells (which are rich in calcium carbonate) are often ground up to be used as a nutrient-rich addition to animal feed or other on-land farming processes.

The bottom line: pearl farming actually benefits the environment!

Not to mention, pearl designs are just plain pretty. They’re the perfect mix of timeless & fresh, and more and more couples (including celebrities couples like Emma Stone and Dave McCary) are choosing to forgo diamond engagement rings in favor of pearls. 

Here are 5 reasons why pearl engagement rings are the perfect match for the next generation of ring shoppers: 

Reason #1: They’re Unique

Pearls are the only creature-made gemstones – which is cool. They’re sustainable, which is even cooler. And just like diamonds, no two pearls are quite the same. Why? The conditions in which pearls are created vary, just like those needed to form diamonds. But rather than underground heat, pressure, and minerals, pearls’ unique qualities are determined by their specific oyster’s anatomy and chemistry. Meaning, each oyster leaves its mark on the pearls it creates, imbuing all pearl engagement rings with incredible stories.

Split-Shank Pearl Engagement Ring

This double-banded pearl engagement ring will criss-cross your ring finger forever. A delicate basket in the shape of four leaves cups the pearl as it “blooms” upon its yellow gold band.

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Cultured Pearl Wire Leaf Ring
View in 360°

Cultured Pearl & Diamond Vine Ring

This crossover pavé design is a head-turning, diamond-studded twirl of a ring. White gold vines climb along the sides of this large, freshwater pearl.

14K White Gold Freshwater Cultured Pearl And Diamond Vine Ring
View in 360°

Reason #2: They’re Budget-Friendly

It’s never a bad idea to consider your wallet, and pearls are a fraction of the cost of diamonds. That’s because the cost of harvesting jewelry-grade pearls is much, much less than that of mining gemstones or growing them in a lab. All in all, pearl engagement rings are one of the best options for the conscientious ring shopper who doesn’t want to compromise on luxury. 

Side Trio Pearl Engagement Ring

Center diamond? No thank you. A center pearl is on the menu today, with a smattering of delicate diamond side-stones. This classic engagement ring style, which usually features an eye-catching diamond, instead shows the power of an equally gorgeous freshwater gemstone.

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Pearl And Diamond Trio Ring
View in 360°

Vine Motif Freshwater Pearl Ring 

For the jewelry lover who also adores flowers, this ring is a find. A basket of diamond-dotted leaves and buds cups a large freshwater pearl, allowing it to perch daintily on your finger like a delicate blossom.

14K Rose Gold Vine Motif Freshwater Cultured Pearl And Diamond Ring
View in 360°

Reason #3: They’re the June Birthstone

If your partner is a June baby, then you should take a deeper look at pearl engagement rings. To add an extra summery touch, set off your eye-popping pearl in yellow gold. And if you’re looking to celebrate special occasions throughout the year, check out our full range of birthstone jewelry.

Mable Pearl Ring

Minimalist, bold, and encircled in yellow gold – this Mabe pearl sits flat on your finger, ready and waiting for admiration. Which it will get because, hey, look how pretty it is!

14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Ring
View in 360°

Freshwater Cultured Pearl Twist Ring

This swirling Escher-like infinity band puts a new twist on an eternity ring. This yellow gold ring swoops and dives around the star of the show: a 10mm freshwater pearl. One gold band + one pearl = one helluva pearlescent engagement ring.

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Cultured Pearl Twist Ring
View in 360°

Reason #4: They Come in All Designs

With new rings, trends come new freedom to explore designs! An artistic license is the name of the game. If you’re a fan of haute-couture, pearl engagement rings are treasure troves of shapes, patterns, and charm.

Nested Pearl Engagement Ring

Get ready for an engagement ring like no other: a cream-colored freshwater pearl resting in textured layers of gold brings to mind a proud egg nested safely in a bird’s nest.

14K Yellow Gold Textured Basket Freshwater Cultured Pearl Ring
View in 360°

Open Circle Pearl Engagement Ring

Maybe one large center pearl isn’t for you. Maybe what you love are delicate seed pearls, arranged perfectly in an open ring. The negative space of this ring shows off the individual beauty of each tiny, perfect pearl.

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Cultured Seed Pearl Open Circle Ring
View in 360°

Reason #5: They Go With Everything

That pearly sheen is more than a simple blank slate – it also enhances its surroundings. Pearls are perfect companions to other precious stones like morganite and sapphire. You can always give a nod to tradition by adding accent diamonds; they complement pearls beautifully!

Sapphire, Diamond, and Pearl Engagement Ring

Push your center pearl to the forefront with a duo of dark blue, pear-cut sapphires. An Akoya pearl, a particularly bright white type of pearl, is additionally flanked by two subtle bands of small, shining, pavé-set diamonds.

14K White Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl And Bezel Set Sapphire Ring
View in 360°

Looking for real-life proposal inspiration? Or just want to read some feel-good engagement stories? See how our customers have popped the question in our “Engagement Moments” section.

REAL-LIFE ENGAGEMENT STORIES

If Pearls Make You Flash Your Pearly Whites, Read On!

  • Rose Gold + Pearl Fine Jewelry
  • Pearl Jewelry: Our New Arrivals
  • June Pearl Birthstone Jewelry

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Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

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Game, Set, Bling ✨ We're taking inspo from the court. 🎾Shop French Open inspired jewels here and on the blog! (https://blog.jamesallen.com/) 💍: 17484Y pendant: 27564Y tennis bracelet: 88002Y studs: 28008Y . . . #jamesallen #jamesallenrings #diamond #diamonds #diamondring #engaged #engagement #engagementring #isaidyes #ringinspo #jewelry #jewelryinspo
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It's wedding season, and love is in the air 💕Enjoy 25% off* select wedding rings for a limited time only. Shop the sale today! (*Exclusions apply) 💍wedding ring: 15058W . . . #jamesallen #jamesallenrings #diamond #diamonds #diamondring #engaged #engagement #engagementring #isaidyes #ringinspo #wedding #weddingring #weddingringinspo #jewelry #jewelryinspo
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