Why Pearls Are Making A Come-Back In 2022 (2024)

There’s very little that can match the shimmery perfection of a pearl. Humans have been coveting these natural beauties for thousands of years. Their luster and shine are entrancing, and it’s no surprise that pearls have been seen as valuable for millennia.


Today, pearl jewelry is coming right back to the forefront of fashion. Pearl jewelry is a timeless fashion, and its classic style exudes elegance and sophistication.

Pearls Are Classic

Pearls have played an important role in history— and not just the history of fashion and beauty. At the height of the Roman Empire, pearls were such a status symbol that the Roman general Vitellius sold just one of his mother’s pearl earrings to finance an entire military campaign. The Egyptian queen Cleopatra used her pearls to show her wealth and power; she once bet Marc Antony that she could host the most expensive dinner in the world. She then crushed one of her pearls into a glass of wine, then let it dissolve. The ancient Greeks used pearls for their wedding jewelry, a tradition that has continued today.

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Unlike many other jewelry trends, pearls truly are timeless. Whether you’re wearing white pearls or a more colorful pearl, their shining iridescence connects you with the great beauties of the past. Simultaneously a trendy and classic style, pearls are the perfect jewelry for 2022.

Pearls Are Iconic

Perhaps no era was as pearl-positive as the Golden Age of Hollywood. In the early 1900s, methods to culture pearls were developed in Japan, and by the late 1920s, pearls weren’t just for the ultra-wealthy anymore. Cultured pearls meant that anybody could wear gorgeous pearl jewelry, and the strand of pearls became an iconic piece of jewelry for all the most fashionable women.


Between the 1930s and 1960s, pearl jewelry was seen adorning women like Coco Chanel, Doris Day, Jackie Kennedy, and Audrey Hepburn. Audrey Hepburn was particularly fond of pearls and was frequently seen wearing pearl earrings during her daily activities.


Pearls were beloved for many reasons. For actresses, pearls could give subtle sophistication or glamorous excitement. It all depended on how you wore them.

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Pearls Are Versatile

One of the great things about pearl jewelry is how versatile it is. A simple pearl ring or classic pearl necklace can be elegant and classy, fun and whimsical, or sweet and innocent depending on how you wear it and what you pair with it. Pearls add a vintage touch to the most modern outfit, and as Jackie Kennedy was famous for saying, “pearls are always appropriate.” While today’s fashion trends seem to come and go almost too quickly to keep up with, pearls retain their stylishness due to their simplicity and versatility. You can wear them with absolutely anything, and they’ll always look good.

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How To Wear Pearls

For elegant sophistication, pair your pearls with a black dress. Think Audrey Hepburn here— let your pearls make a statement and wear them front and center. A multi-strand necklace has a dramatic effect. You can either go bold or subtle with your lip color, but for this style to look its absolute best, you definitely want to emphasize your eyes. Our vintage cake mascara will highlight each lash with no clumping, giving you perfect lashes every time.


For a look that effortlessly blends modern chic with vintage style, wear white pearls with bright colors. A pearl necklace or pearl bracelets work well here. You can channel Lucille Ball with some vivid red lipstick for that vivacious approach, or you can wear more neutral colors like pinks and peaches for a more subtle look.


For a fresh, clean look for spring, take some inspiration from Doris Day. You can pair a simple strand of pearls or a pearl solitaire necklace with pearl drop earrings for an innocent, youthful look that’s perfect for spring and summer. Orangey-pinks and corals are great makeup colors for this look. Since you want a fresh face, you might find that our Apricot Cream Rouge is just what you need; you can use it on your lips and cheeks for a perfect kiss of color.

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If you want to get creative with your pearls, just look to Marilyn Monroe. She might have sung that diamonds were a girl’s best friend, but time and again she appeared in shimmering pearls. One of her favorite pieces of jewelry was the pearl necklace she was given as a gift by Joe Dimaggio on their Japanese honeymoon. In one of her famous photoshoots, she wore this strand of pearls wound around a silk scarf. The pearls nestled in the fabric for a beautiful contrast of texture. The shimmer of the silk and the sheen of the pearls complimented each other beautifully.


However you wear your pearls, we know you’ll look timeless and classic. If you want to lean into that classy vintage look even further, Bésame’s vintage-inspired products are the perfect complement to your pretty pearls.

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Why Pearls Are Making A Come-Back In 2022 (2024)

FAQs

Are pearls back in style 2022? ›

Unlike many other jewelry trends, pearls truly are timeless. Whether you're wearing white pearls or a more colorful pearl, their shining iridescence connects you with the great beauties of the past. Simultaneously a trendy and classic style, pearls are the perfect jewelry for 2022.

Why are pearl necklaces popular again? ›

"The abstract pearl necklace trend is picking up," continues Junsura. "They are just so fun to wear and are an instant conversation starter." Herzog agrees, adding, "Uneven pearls are more unique, so they offer an individualistic touch and are great for making a personal statement."

What does a pearl necklace mean 2022? ›

Considered a symbol of perfection, long life and fertility, the pearl has long been considered a valuable gemstone. Found buried in oyster shells, pearls are the hidden treasures of the sea.

Are pearls back in style 2023? ›

Pearls are one of the most classic pieces of jewelry that you can wear that just ooze elegance and sophistication. So even though they come in and out of mainstream fashion trends, it's clear that in 2023, pearls will definitely shine in the spotlight.

Is it old fashioned to wear pearls? ›

It is a common misconception to think that pearls can make one look old-fashioned. Leading fashion stylists and designers will all agree with the right knowledge and etiquette, pearls can be an elegant addition to your wardrobe.

Who wears pearls 2022? ›

We see pearls worn by some of the most powerful female style icons including The duch*ess of Cambridge, Vice President Kamala Harris and former First Lady Michelle Obama in some of their most classic and timeless looks. How to wear pearls in 2022?

Are pearls valuable anymore? ›

How Much Are Real Pearls Worth? 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+ .

Why do pearls have no resale value? ›

Pearl jewellery and pearls are not traded like gold or silver. They are considered elite gemstones and do not have a high resale value, at least as of now. Used pearl jewellery, which is sold for higher prices, is usually that which has been worn by celebrities, queens or antique pieces.

When not to wear pearls? ›

Astrology says that the people whose zodiac signs lords are Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Rahu should never wear pearls. Pearls harm the natives of these zodiac signs. This means that people of Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn and Aquarius ascendant should not wear pearls.

Who should wear pearl necklace? ›

When it comes to pearls, certain zodiac signs can benefit from wearing them more than others. Namely, Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are all water signs known for their sensitivity and intuition. Cancer signs are said to be particularly drawn to pearls.

How do you wear a pearl necklace in 2022? ›

How do you wear pearls in 2022? Mix pearls with other materials like silver, leather, or beads to make your jewelry less formal. To make traditional strands of pearls seem less dressy, add them to other necklaces in your collection.

Who wears pearl necklaces? ›

For centuries, Indian Maharajas and British and European kings have worn pearl necklaces. A pearl is a sign of power that endures timelessly elegant while also being fun.

What age group wears pearls? ›

At the age of 20, pearl jewelry is traditionally given to young women to represent their coming of age and completion of their journey from adolescence to adulthood. Around the world and particularly in Japan, pearl jewelry is a popular gift given to young women turning to 20.

Are pearls becoming rare? ›

Natural pearls are actually very rare, mostly because pearl-producing species of mollusks were nearly hunted to extinction with most natural beds of pearl-bearing oysters depleted by over-harvesting in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, natural pearls are extremely rare.

Will pearls make a comeback? ›

The fashion cycle has spoken. Pearls are making a comeback! It's time to rummage through your jewellery box and dig out that pearl necklace you last wore years ago. Pearls are back, and the modern twist that this gemstone is receiving is irresistible.

Who looks good in pearls? ›

If you have dark hair, dark eyes, and a dark skin tone, you will suit rich pearl colours like black, gold, bronze and aubergine. Warm whites, deep pinks, creams and golds will also look stunning, but cold colours should be avoided.

Do Millennials wear pearls? ›

The popularity of pearls is on the rise, making them a perfect choice for millennial jewelry. They are known for their sophisticated and classic look, and can be found in many different styles—from dainty string-like designs to thicker choker-style pieces.

What kind of earrings do you wear with a pearl necklace? ›

Pearl necklaces always look great with diamond stud earrings or a simple gold or silver bangle. Once you let go of the idea that pearls are formal, you'll naturally start incorporating them into your go-to wardrobe staples.

Why are ladies wearing pearls today? ›

Broome-Edwards is one of over 430,000 women who are members of a Facebook group called “Wear Pearls on Jan 20 2021.” The idea is to honor Kamala Harris who wore her signature pearls when she graduated Howard University, was sworn into Congress, grilled Brett Kavanaugh, debated Vice President Mike Pence, as she received ...

What is the deal with wearing pearls? ›

In many ancient societies pearls symbolized the moon and were imbued with magical properties. Ancient Chinese civilizations believed that wearing pearls protected a person from fire and dragons, and other cultures have associated them with chastity and modesty.

Are pearls classy? ›

Pearls always look beautiful and classic and upgrade your look to give it a bit of an aristocratic feel. They are fashionable and go well with different outfits and styles – whether it is an elegant look, bohemian or even urban style.

What is the cost of 1 pearl? ›

The value of a pearl can vary dramatically depending on many factors, such as its type, size, color, surface quality, and more. A wild pearl will be worth more than a cultured pearl. However, on average, a pearl's value ranges from $300 to $1500.

What's more valuable than a pearl? ›

Diamonds can often come at a higher price than pearls.

What Colour pearl is most valuable? ›

While the white pearls are also priced by jewelers, the gold pearl variety is the most coveted color. The gold South sea pearl's color can range from creamy white to deep gold, and the darker the color, the more expensive it becomes.

Are pearls hard to sell? ›

Pearls are harder to sell than other precious materials for several reasons. There are many pearl necklaces flooding the market, and pearls are an organic material, so unlike diamonds, gold and other gemstones and metals, they deteriorate over time.

Are pearls good investments? ›

High-Quality Pearls are a Wearable investment

While you might think that gold and silver is an obvious choice when buying investment jewelry, pearls are an excellent alternative. In recent years auction houses such as Christie's have sold pearl jewelry far exceeding the value of other gemstones.

Why can't pearls get wet? ›

Wetting pearls is never a good idea, as it begins to destroy the jewel. Pearl necklaces are damaged when they get wet, because the water damages both the thread and the pearl . When wet, the thread that holds the beads together begins to stretch and lengthen, so it quickly loses the desired shape.

What should you not put on a pearl? ›

Acetone will not harm pearls, but never use ammonia, vinegar, or chlorine bleach near your pearls. These harsh liquids will react with the pearl coating and dissolve them. Wearing your pearls often and exposing them to moisture, your body oils, and heat also helps keeps them shiny.

What should you avoid with pearls? ›

Pearls are organic gemstones that are vulnerable to acid, alkaline and extremes of humidity. To preserve your pearls' radiance, avoid letting them come into contact with cosmetics, hair spray, or perfume. Always put on your jewelry as a final touch, after applying make-up and styling hair.

Should pearl be worn in gold or silver? ›

Pearl should always be worn on the small finger of the right hand. Although silver is mostly recommended with pearl as it is much more effective with silver, one can also opt for gold.

What does it mean when a guy wants to give you a pearl necklace? ›

Traditionally, pearls have represented concepts like love, purity, and wisdom. If someone gives you a pearl, they probably care about you very much and want to express their love in a unique and timeless way. That person is interested in creating a lasting memory with you.

How many carat pearl should be worn? ›

The suitable carat weight of Pearl should be 1/10th of the body weight. For example, a person weighing 60 Kgs can wear a 6-carat Pearl stone.

Which zodiac should wear pearl? ›

Sun-signs that should wear pearl:

It is considered beneficial for Aries, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces sun signs. 2. Leo, Libra and Sagittarius sun-signs should wear the pearl only in special circ*mstances.

Can you wear pearls everyday? ›

Those who are a bit more reckless, however, might want to stick to wearing them only on special occasions. You certainly won't face any health concerns by wearing pearls every day. In fact, some even believe that pearls have healing properties. Research shows that wearing pearls can help improve your mental well-being.

Do pearl necklaces go with everything? ›

The etiquette on wearing a pearl necklace during the day, traditionally, is to wear a single pearl stand with a blouse. Over the years, as with so many things, the rules have gone out the window and pearls are no exception! The joy of owning pearl necklaces is that they really do with everything, on every occassion.

What culture wears pearls? ›

Cultures from all over the world - including Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, Indians, Greeks, and Europeans - have all assigned great value to pearls, which have been given as gifts as early as 2300 BC. As an example, freshwater pearls from China's Huai River were the preferred gift for Chinese royalty.

What is the tradition of wearing pearls? ›

Although there's a misconception that pearls symbolize tears, they were worn initially 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 also represents eternal love as one of the oldest gemstones.

Is it feminine to wear a pearl necklace? ›

Many men can't see themselves wearing pearl jewelry simply because the designs are generally feminine. But, the pearl jewelry designers of today have incorporated more unisex and masculine looks to suit the fashion needs of real men. You could find real black Tahitian pearls, perfect for creating jewelry for men.

Do pearls get more valuable with age? ›

It's often assumed that because something's old it must be valuable. That's rarely true and certainly not for pearls. Advances in technology and culturing techniques mean you can buy a much better set of pearls for far less money than in grandma's time.

Do pearls get darker with age? ›

Pearls will naturally darken slightly with age and wear. The golden or creamy tones that come with age cannot be removed.

How long will a pearl last? ›

Worn often and properly cared for, pearls can look as good in 50 years as they did the day they left the store. Pearls are not the most durable of gems. Most everyday items at home and in the office are tougher than pearls, so careless contact can cause damage them over time.

Are pearls rarer than gold? ›

Some of the world's most expensive pearls are so notoriously difficult to successfully produce and harvest that they are 'rarer than gold'.

Where are pearls found in the US? ›

Freshwater Pearls

Mussel harvesting for food, fish bait or to collect shell has been reported in many river basins across the US, namely in Tennessee, Mississippi but also in nearly half of the country's states, with natural pearls being a valuable by-product of those activities.

Which pearls last the longest? ›

Longevity – South Sea Pearls Last Longer

South Sea pearls have the highest value of all cultured pearls and command some of the highest prices in the pearl category. These pearls also have the thickest average nacre of all cultured pearls, so they have the additional benefit of being longer lasting.

Are pearls in high demand? ›

The global pearl jewelry market was valued at $12.8 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $42 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 13.2% from 2022 to 2031.

Can real pearls be restored? ›

Over time, pearls can become yellowish. When this happens, you can clean your pearls to restore their color and luster. Bear in mind that acid and alkaline chemicals can cause irreparable damage to pearls. This pearl cleaning process should therefore be undertaken with the utmost care.

Are pearls trending right now? ›

Pearls Are Sticking Around! These and More Spring Jewelry Trends to Know. It's been four long months since we saw the collections walk the runways and started to identify the darling-bud beginnings of this season's spring 2023 jewelry trends.

Do pearl necklaces increase in value? ›

Pearls with particular brand names will also retain (and even increase) their value over the years; vintage Mikimoto Akoya pearls that still have their original clasp, box and papers to establish provenance are very highly sought after today and continue to fetch premium resale values.

What signs can wear pearl? ›

Pearls for Astrological Alignment

When it comes to pearls, certain zodiac signs can benefit from wearing them more than others. Namely, Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are all water signs known for their sensitivity and intuition. Cancer signs are said to be particularly drawn to pearls.

What earrings do you wear with a pearl necklace? ›

Pearl necklaces always look great with diamond stud earrings or a simple gold or silver bangle. Once you let go of the idea that pearls are formal, you'll naturally start incorporating them into your go-to wardrobe staples.

What color pearls are worth more? ›

Pink pearls are more coveted than pearls with green hues, and blues are expensive because of their rarity. Naturally-colored pink and lavender pearls are freshwater pearls, while naturally-colored blue pearls are saltwater pearls.

What color pearls are most popular? ›

The most classic and widely preferred pearl color is white. The white pearl is considered a symbol of purity, and is often associated with wedding and graduation celebrations.

Are pearls worth buying? ›

High-Quality Pearls are a Wearable investment

While you might think that gold and silver is an obvious choice when buying investment jewelry, pearls are an excellent alternative. In recent years auction houses such as Christie's have sold pearl jewelry far exceeding the value of other gemstones.

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