It’s said that pearls are “always appropriate,” a phrase coined by Jackie Kennedy, but when it comes to flexing our fashion muscles, we’re aiming for a bar that’s a little higher. Our sights are set on a bold, daring, and distinctive standard with timeless undertones—and pearls are those things, too.
Pearls have undergone a rejuvenation as of late, leaving norms of style and gender in the dust. Seeing men don delicate strands may make some more traditional dressers clutch theirs, but any stuffy connotations pearls might have held are being usurped by reimagined designs and presentations, as seen in the following trends.
Avant-garde pearls
Pieces like La Plage Necklace are a dynamic work of art, combining unexpected elements like hand-knotted white sapphires, a yellow gold cable chain, and a baroque pearl pendant. It’s beachy yet elegant and playfully asymmetrical.
The meticulous technique that goes into the creative artistry behind the Toggle Pearl Chain Earring is like weaving a carpet thread by thread: it's intricate and time consuming and the result is a delicate masterpiece.
The Perched Setting Ring with Pearl pushes the envelope. The concept itself isn’t rare, but the height and positioning of the 16mm baroque pearl guarantees that the focus is on the luminescence of the pearl itself.
Baroque Pearls
Baroque pearls have an irregular shape that strays from what has historically been considered perfection. They can range from having slight aberrations to being—make note of this technical term—lumpy. But beautiful nonetheless!
The Diamond Mini Cloud Bar Earrings nod to natural cloud formations by bringing together a classic, symmetrical pearl, a hand-selected keshi pearl, and a recycled brilliant cut white diamond.
If a sculptor designed an earring, you’d get the Baroque Bodmer Earrings, because that’s exactly how they came to be. Designed in collaboration with Brooklyn-based sculptor and designer Simone Bodmer-Turner, these earrings are full of motion and the unexpected, featuring a baroque freshwater pearl drop and available in sterling silver and gold vermeil. Like any work of art, each earring is one-of-a-kind, without a perfect match.
Similarly, the Amelie Necklace features a mix of keshi, baroque, and coin pearls with lapis strung between to add an inventive pop of color and texture.
Playful
The lack of symmetry and abundant movement in these reimagined styles bring modern playfulness to the familiar. The asymmetrical Pearl Sundry Necklace is made from natural baroque pearls of mixed shape and size, strung and finished with a solid 14-karat yellow gold locking barrel clasp.
The shape of the Pearl Arc Earrings are reminiscent of a graceful leap, featuring luminescent natural freshwater pearls perched on an arc that can be worn horizontally or vertically. The combination is versatile and feminine, with an approachable edge.
Classic Pearls
The Labulgara White Pearl Horizon Mini Thread Earring brings a little bit of *spice* to a pearl stud. The elongated gold post and diagonal bar add functional interest without being too loud.
To turn up the volume, the Akoya Pearl Gold Twisted Ring makes a stunning statement that’ll bring a pop of pearly glow to your ring stack.
Finally, these Pearl Studs are a wardrobe’s most reliable friend. They toe the line between baroque and classic—their shape is simple and perfect for every day, but they aren't perfect (#relatable) or exactly like their mate.
Shapes from nature, unexpected patterns, size variation, and material mixing are bringing a fresh(water) take on Mother Nature’s precious gem.
