You have the dress. The countdown is on. You already have wedding butterflies. One thing left on your to-do list is to choose your jewellery. Pearls are one of the most popular choices for brides, rivalling the popularity of diamonds. A quick google of ‘should I wear pearls on your wedding day?’ will quickly bring you up a mixed bag of responses.
For years, there have been misconceptions of pearls representing bad luck with negative pearl symbolism popping up in bridal magazines.
Don’t fear! Most of these so-called wedding superstitions are clicked bait. The history of pearls includes many superstitions and symbolises that are perfect for your big day. Pearls are a classic combination that will work for any bride.
At Majorica we are committed to the beauty of the pearl linked to bridal fashion, which is why we collaborate with the Rosa Clara brand with our most avant-garde designs.
What wearing pearls symbolise
Pearls are considered one of the oldest gemstones. They date back thousands of years and have been considered priceless stone since the beginning of time.
Pearls play a central role in some of the most significant love stories in history.
As legend has it, Cleopatra dissolved a pearl in a glass of wine to impress Marc Antony. Throughout the Ancient world, pearls quickly became symbols of wealth.
It was the ancient Greeks who first linked pearls and married life. They believed pearls worn by the bride would help promote harmony in the relationship.
Although there’s a misconception that pearls symbolize tears, they originally were worn to stop brides from crying on their wedding day. Brides thought that wearing pearls would give them a tear-free marriage. The beauty of pearls was also seen as representing eternal love as one of the oldest gemstones.
Pearls also have different meanings in various cultures. Within the Chinese culture, receiving pearls is believed to offer protection from fire. Most cultures also associate pearls with purity, just like the white dress that brides wear.
In western culture, pearls have long been linked with Venus and love. In Greek mythology, Aphrodite – the Goddess of Love – was born from the sea with pearls around her neck.
Should I avoid pearls on my wedding day?
Only if they’re not your style! Jewellery should represent the bride’s life, including her personal style. Don’t let the negative associations of pearls put you off wearing the style on your wedding day.
As we mentioned above, pearls have a rich heritage and are the perfect choice for your special day. They’re a fabulous statement piece that will stand the test of time. You can incorporate pearls into your bridal look with a pendant or earrings. There are dozens of ways to wear pearl jewelry in a way that reflects your personal style. You can wear pearl drop earrings or keep it simple with a small pearl cuff.
Why pearls are popular for weddings
Some of the most famous women in the world have worn pearls on their wedding day. These elegant pieces have stood the test of time. As a symbol of purity, love, and protection, pearls are something you’ll see almost every bride wearing. If the gemstone isn’t incorporated directly into their dress, they’ll often wear it in their hair or as part of their jewelry.
Queen Elizabeth II wore pearls for her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947, while Jackie Kennedy famously wore a single-strand pearl necklace for her wedding day. A double-strand necklace would later become a staple for the First Lady’s jewellery box. When you think of style icons like Jackie Kennedy, pearls are often the first thing that comes to mind.
Instead of representing bad luck, pearls are a sign of eternal love. Other famous brides who chose to wear pearls for their wedding day include Grace Kelly and Princess Diana. If you want to add a regal touch to your wedding day, pearls are a perfect choice.
Pearls as a bridal trend
Pearls are one of the oldest bridal trends of all time. They’ve been worn since Ancient Greek and Rome as a symbol of bridal purity and as a promise of a happy marriage.
The romantic nature of pearls is one reason why the pearl engagement ring is a popular alternative to diamonds. Celebrities like Emma Stone are once again making pearl jewellery a bridal must-have.
Do you want to put a twist on the classic? Try colored pearls as a contemporary alternative to the simple elegance of white pearls. Pink pearl earrings are a fun way to add your favourite colour to your look.
How to pair pearls with your bridal look
If you look at wedding photos from your grandparents’ or parents’ generations, you can quickly spot white pearls in almost every photo.
While they’re timeless and hard to go wrong with, you want to consider your dress when choosing your jewelry. Think about the neckline if you’re wearing a pendant and don’t forget to consider your hairstyle if you’re choosing pearl earrings.
Drop earrings are the perfect choice for an up-do, while a statement necklace is best for a strapless dress.
Incorporating pearls into your wedding day
If you’ve fallen head over heels for pearls, there are other ways to incorporate them into your wedding day.
You may have the groom wear pearl cufflinks or can add small pearls to your wedding bouquet.
If you choose to go all out, pearls are easy to incorporate into every aspect of your ceremony and reception. Speak to your wedding vendors to see what options they have for adding pearls to your decorations, cake, and floral arrangements.
Where to buy your wedding pearls
At Majorica, our bridal pearls have been worn for generations. We’ve recently celebrated our 130th birthday and have been helping brides choose pearls throughout our history.
We cherish the history of pearls and offer contemporary designs inspired by the modern bride. Our range of pearls includes classic white and a range of colored pearl options. You’ll find dozens of styles available in silver, gold, and rose gold to complement your wedding look. Shop our newest arrivals here.
FAQs about wearing pearls on a wedding day
Can wedding guests wear pearls?
Wedding guests can wear pearl jewelry as part of their outfits. If you’re a wedding guest, you might be considering choosing pearl jewelry. It’s best to choose more understated pieces, such as a simple pendant or stud earrings. As pearls represent eternal love, they’re the perfect accessory for wedding days. You’ll likely see other guests wearing these gemstones as part of their outfits. As a wedding guest, you want to keep your outfit appropriate for the occasion.
What are the positive connotations of pearls for weddings?
Long before pearls were believed to represent bad luck, they were seen as a sign of a happy marriage. In various cultures, pearls are a protective stone and a sign of purity. Their connection to Aphrodite and Venus make them a romantic stone that can rival the popularity of diamonds.
What is the history of pearl jewellery for weddings?
Wearing pearls on your wedding day dates back hundreds of years. The romantic connotations of pearls date back to Ancient Greek – where they were believed to represent marital harmony. Many brides began incorporating pearl jewelry into their outfits after Queen Elizabeth II wore pearls for her wedding day. The accessibility of pearls in the mid-20th century made them one of the most popular statement pieces for any bride. They’re an elegant way to pay homage to different stories throughout history.
Can I gift pearls as wedding jewelry?
If you’re the mother of the bride or part of the wedding party, you may be considering buying the bride a piece of pearl jewelry. Bridal pearls have long been a tradition and are the perfect choice for ‘something new’. You may choose to give your daughter a pearl necklace as a family heirloom. Buying someone pearls is like gifting them a time capsule for their big day.
