Pearl jewellery is ancient and classic. Pearls came into civilizations even before the written word. Natural pearls can be Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea pearls, Shell pearls, and Freshwater pearls. These pearls are organic and have high prices. The Australian South Sea pearls are breath-taking and the rarest pearls in the world. They are called the “Rolls Royce of pearls”. The organic colour of natural pearls ranges from white to blue, black, gold, pink, green, and other shades of such colours. Jewellery pieces with natural pearls are classic pieces, and they never go out of style.
In ancient Rome and China, pearl jewellery stood for position and power. The common folk were not allowed to own or wear pearls. The first pearls were organic and original. As they were worn by royals and officials of the court, pearl jewellery designs were lavish. The jewellery was often encrusted with other gemstones and diamonds.
Now, these pieces are considered vintage and classic. Contemporary designs aim to emulate the vintage pieces so that these classic designs can become trending and popular. With the passing of time, cultured and imitation pearls were introduced in the jewellery industry. In current trends, pearl jewellery in colours like white, blue, gold, pink, cream and others are extremely popular. The pearl jewellery style guide has all the information you need about pearl jewellery, styling, and lots more!
Discover the latest trends in pearl jewelry with our comprehensive guide to pearl jewelry fashion.
The pearl jewellery style guide’s tips on how to wear pearl jewellery with various outfits
Pearl jewellery is back in trend. Pearl jewellery and accessories are trending in formals, ethnic, bridal, and workwear. In this pearl jewellery style guide, pick up tips to style pearls with panache.
The pearl jewellery style guide – Pearl jewellery styling tips for sarees
With the amazing variations of sarees in India, it can be quite a task to find the perfect jewellery for styling. But a string of pearls, in a matching hue always does the job. Sarees can be classified as everyday wear or then sophisticated attire to be styled for events and office wear. For office wear, match a simple pearl necklace, whether a collar necklace or long one, with studs, and a simple pearl bracelet or bangle, with dainty pearls.
For festivals and weddings, go for ornate pearl chokers with gemstone pendants, matching pearl jhumkas, maang teeka, pearl kadas and bangles. Long multistrand pearl necklaces with oversized pearl pendants also do the job. Oversized pearls are back in fashion. A good way to style your geometric or ethnic print sarees, would be an oversized pearl necklace in matching hues.
We have also covered pairing your pearl with saree in detail here.
The pearl jewellery style guide – Pearl jewellery styling tips for lehenga choli
Lehenga cholis are staple pieces of attire for weddings and other functions across India. The types and designs of lehengas and cholis are ethnic, fusion, and eclectic. So how do you style pearl jewellery with lehenga cholis to match your style and personality! Pick a pearl necklace that enhances the neckline, and the colours of the outfit. Opt for pearl choker necklaces or regular pearl necklaces of 18 inches. Wear a double strand pearl necklace and opt for pendants that match with the outfit. For a more vintage or religious look, go for polki pearl necklace sets, and temple pearl sets. Accessorize with dazzling bangles and kadas to complete the festive look.
we have also covered pearl jewellery for destination wedding, for your perfect wedding look.
The pearl jewellery style guide – Pearl jewellery styling tips for kurta sets and kurtis
Pearls are so versatile that they add elegance and charm to even the simplest of outfits. To look graceful in simple and everyday outfits, opt for a simple pearl necklace. As oversized pearls are in, baroque pearls can be opted for. For a dainty look, go for rice pearl necklaces with multistrands. Pair up with pearl loops, or dainty pearl jhumkas, and danglers. Two or four simple pearl bangles will complete the simple but well-groomed look.
The pearl jewellery style guide – Pearl jewellery styling tips for salwar kameez
The salwar kameez is an ethnic outfit with many variations and styles. From everyday wear to festival and wedding occasions, the salwar kameez is an elegant outfit that adds grace and beauty to any woman’s charm. It is a very comfortable outfit. It can be worn with variations in fabric, embroidery, embellishments, kurta lengths, necklines, dupattas and trending design styles. For an everyday dressed up look, one can opt for a simple pearl necklace. Pearl jewellery styling tips are aplenty. With your salwar kameez – go for rice pearls with polki pendant; wear earrings like golden, silver, diamond or pearl hoops. Accessorize with gold or silver bangles. Match the colours of your pearls with the trimmings, got as, and embroidery of the salwar kameez.
Our guide covers 7 pearl jewelry pieces that are perfect for styling and suitable for various occasions.
The pearl jewellery style guide – Pearl jewellery styling tips for kaftans
Kaftans are breezy outfits that are designed for comfort and ease of movement. Pick pearl jewellery that goes with this vibe. A long pearl necklace, in single or multistrand and pendant will match well. If your necklace is the focal point, wear smaller studs, jhumkas, or danglers with pearls and gemstones. The bangle can be in cuff or kada design, with pearl encrusting or danglers. For a more glam look, pick one with gemstone danglers. Add a pearl chain bracelet with your watch to complete this stunning ensemble.
The pearl jewellery style guide – The do’s and don’ts for styling pearl jewellery
Style simple pearls with casual wear like jeans & kurtis, and salwar kameez. Long pearl necklaces pair well with high necks and with outfits with volume, like sarees. For weddings, always style with flamboyant pearl sets, earrings, and bangles. Pair your Indian wear with pearls in colours like white, cream, pink, lavender, gold and silver.
Avoid wearing pearls with rough textures like wool, as the wool fibre may cause scratches. Wear soft fabrics with your pearl jewellery. Before stepping into the gym, spa, or swimming pool, take off your pearl jewellery. Body sweat has certain acids that harm pearl jewellery. Keep your pearl jewellery away from sweat. Restring pearl necklaces every two years if the strand is made of silk. Silk tends to wear out with time, and the necklace could break.
The pearl jewellery style guide for pearl necklaces – global styles
Global styling can be adopted for fusion or work wear options. Oversized pearls are trending this year. A simple one strand choker with baroque pearls will give you the subtle and minimalistic look. Make the look bolder by layering it with another pearl choker. Lavalier, or Y shaped, single strand pearl necklaces with baroque pearl pendants is great for western wear. For lavish looks, style a single strand of gold pearls with a diamond pendant. Create a boho fusion look with threaded chords and statement gold pedants. Try a satellite pearl necklace with big and small pearls stringed together in a metallic chain. For an extremely simple look, try one oversized pearl with a black thread choker. Crystals and hand-crafted stones look studding with cream pearls. Try one for the eclectic look.
The pearl jewellery style guide for pearl necklaces – ethnic styles
Ethnic pearl necklaces in multistrand and single strand options are fun to style with traditional outfits. Pearl necklace designs have been an integral part of temple jewellery. The pendants typically have religious icons or idols. Vivid gemstones like rubies and emeralds adorn temple pendants. Kundan and polki pearl necklaces suit the more ornate ethnic sarees and suits. Pearl and gold chokers with religious idol pendants look perfect for bridal wear. Panchladha polki gold and pearl malas can be for festivals and weddings.
The pearl jewellery style guide for pearl earring styles – global designs
Pearl earring hoops, studs, and danglers are trending global designs. Pearl earring styles in global patterns can be paired with western wear and fusion attire. The pearls used are of average size and the designs veer towards simple and bold.
The pearl jewellery style guide for pearl earring styles – ethnic designs
Ethnic designs of pearl earring styles are extremely ornate and festive. There are amazing authentic styles like Jadau, polki, and temple design patterns. Pearl earring styles in ethnic designs range from dainty to extravagant. Pearl jhumkas are quite common to wear with every day fashion. Pearl rings are worn for fashion and astrological purposes. In the Indian subcontinent, pearl is considered to have powers to control malefic planets. Pearl bracelets, pendant danglers, and pearl watch bands are always trending. The simplest pearl earring style to go to is the one pearl stud, which looks amazing with any chikankari or chiffon outfit.
Elevate your style with our how to style pearl stud earrings guide, which provides tips and inspiration for styling your pearl studs in multiple ways..
The pearl jewellery style guide for pearl bracelet styles - global designs
One can pair pearl and link bracelets for a layered boho look. Charm bracelets with oversized pearls and other silver and crystal charms are quite popular. Chain pearl bracelets in single or multistrand options pair well with evening gowns. Three strand pearl cuffs are power statements that can be worn with pant suits. Lariat style single strand pearl bracelet with a dainty filigree pendant can be paired with everyday clothes. For party wear, try wearing a double strand pearl chain bracelet, with an integrated gemstone pendant. For eclectic look and feel, try a cuff bracelet with golden pearls and chunky gold balls. Pearl bracelets are bold fashion statements.
The pearl jewellery style guide for pearl bracelet styles - ethnic designs
Pearl bangles are the most common pearl bracelet styles in the ethnic sense. Encrusted with gemstones of vivid colours, diamonds, rice pearls, crystals, and other embellishments, ethnic pearl bracelet styles are more for festivals and weddings. Pearl bracelets in cuff designs, with jhumka style danglers can be paired with ethnic silks. Bangles with pearls designed in flower patterns look great with chiffon fabrics. Gold and silver bangles and bracelets, with pearl danglers can be worn with everyday wear, like kurtis and jeans. Ornate pearl bangles with meenakari and Jadau integrated pendants can be paired with matching sarees and suits.
The pearl jewellery style guide for pearl jewellery for weddings
In the ethnic sense, pearl jewellery for Indian weddings has a wide range of options. The most popular pearl jewellery for weddings, will always include polki, Jadau, meenakari, and temple styles. The pieces are over the top with vivid colours and encrusting. Pearl jewellery for weddings include as many jewellery accessories as you can think of. Maang teeka, matha patti, rani haar, multistrand necklaces with statement pendants, nose rings with chains, dazzling long length jhumkas and danglers, bangles, kadas, bracelets, anklets and other pieces like baju band are the norm.
The trick to style pearl jewellery for weddings is layering and stacking, with matching and contrasting pieces. These days, the mothers of the bride and bridegroom want to show up with matching sarees and jewellery sets. Pearl jewellery options for mothers of the bride and the groom can be coordinated or matched. Pick gold pearls with danglers that look awesome. They are comfortable to carry throughout the wedding rituals and functions.
For the wedding rituals, the entire jewellery set is a must for that ethereal bridal look. For mehendi and sangeet, simple pearl sets with yellow and green gemstones and embellishments with suit the day. For cocktails, the pearl jewellery that can be worn is in Indo-western patterns. This will match the evening gown but also resonate with the vibe of the newly wed bride. For pre-wedding shoots with the groom and bridesmaids, go for simple pearl necklace sets with matching pearl bangles.
Bridesmaids who want to match their outfits and jewellery with the bride, can opt for simple maang teeka, ethnic pearl necklace sets, and pearl bangles. Pearl jewellery has a simple charm that can be styled with both ornate and modest attire. Pearl bracelet rings are the best picks for wedding guests and bridesmaids. Some wedding guests love to glam up for receptions and wedding rituals. They can match the vibe of the day, by wearing single pearl chokers, or multistrand pearl necklaces with matching pendants. The style tip is to wear one piece of jewellery each so that you do not overshadow the bride.
Learn more about how to style your pearls for various occasions here.
The pearl jewellery style guide to wear pearl jewellery for formal events
Formal events such as cocktail parties, black tie events, galas, engagement parties, holiday parties, dinners, bridal & baby showers, interviews, graduation day functions and the lot, have an element of muted festivity. The outfits are not over the top or traditional. The vibe veers more towards formal wear, or party wear with western and fusion designs. The outfits one wears are mostly in muted shades for formal functions. But for party nights and showers, one may choose shimmery outfits or pastel shades. Pearl jewellery is perfect for such events as it adds glamour but is not really too ornate.
For gowns and evening dresses try the lariat necklaces. Pair them with diamond danglers. Add single strand bracelets, and simple dangler earrings with gemstone encrusting. For baby and bridal showers, the theme will rule the pearl jewellery you can choose. Always opt for simple and single layered bracelets and necklaces. For formal events like graduation and the like, go for demure pearl jewellery. Matching pearl jewellery with the shades of the outfit always works well. But the trend now is to style pearl jewellery with contrasting colours and hues.
In addition to the latest trends, our comprehensive pearl jewelry guide also features in-depth coverage of pearl jewelry designs, perfect for those looking to find the perfect piece.
Taking care of your pearl jewellery
Pearls are gentle stones, whether they are natural or cultured. Their texture and shine disappears with bad handling and storage. Always store your pearls in soft cloth. Pick a velvet box to store bangles and earrings. Use a satin pouch to store necklaces and pendants. Make sure they are not touching other pieces of your jewellery. Avoid wearing pearls on woollen sweaters or dresses, as the rough texture of the wool may damage the surface of the pearl. Pearl is essentially made of calcium carbonate, which gets damaged by acids.
Keep your pearls away from vinegar, citrus liquids, and cosmetic chemicals. Pearls tend to absorb steam and smoke. When you are cooking or barbecuing, avoid wearing any kind of pearl jewellery. Pearl has water and protein both. Strong sunlight and heat will damage it. Pearls are not stones, but they are organic. They need some amount of fresh air along with moisture. Air out your pearls at least once a month, even if you don’t wear them regularly. If your pearl has been scratched, rub olive oil over it.
Conclusion
The pearl necklace style guide aims to express the various types and styles of pearl jewellery. The pearl is both classic and trendy. The elegance of pearl jewellery for brides is incomparable. With ornate or simple pearl jewellery styles, the vibe is always soft beauty and grace. Pearl necklace styles exude the personality and charisma of the wearer. With many grades and colours of pearls, it helps to know how to style different pearls as accessories and key pieces of jewellery.
Pearls are not called classic jewellery for no reason. Vintage pieces of pearl jewellery have stood the test of time. Whether you love that vintage pearl necklace in a museum, or the one that your grandparents handed down to you, care for your pearl jewellery more than other metals and stones. After all, it’s the one your children and grandchildren will inherit!
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