Pearls used to mean one thing: a matched strand, worn on formal occasions. Today they are worn with T-shirts, denim and trainers as often as with a dress. This guide covers how to choose and wear pearl earrings, necklaces and bracelets day to day, with real sizes taken from our own pieces so you can picture the scale.
First, check which kind of pearl you are buying
On every product page, the Material line under About This Item tells you what a piece uses. We use two terms:
- Freshwater pearl means the piece uses freshwater pearls. Their shapes and surfaces vary slightly from one to the next, which is part of the appeal. Baroque pearls are the most irregular of all.
- Pearl-style means the piece uses beads made to look like pearls. They are uniform in shape and are common in bolder, fashion-led designs.
Neither is wrong. They are different products at different prices, and the Material line is there so you know which one you are choosing.
Pearl earrings: pick by length
The length of the earring decides how dressy it feels more than the pearl itself.
| Length | Effect | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 mm (1 in) | Everyday. Sits close to the lobe and works with hair up or down. | Blue Lagoon Pearl Earrings, 15 by 21 mm; Pearl Sphere Earrings, 23 mm long |
| 25 to 35 mm | Noticeable but still daytime. | Royal Pearl Hoop Earrings, 30 by 20 mm |
| 45 mm and longer | A statement. Best with hair tied back and a simple neckline. | Sovereign Pearl Earrings, 47 mm; Noble Pearl Drop Earrings, 55 mm |
If you wear glasses or often have your hair down, the shorter two rows are easier to live with. See them all in Pearl Earrings.
Pearl necklaces: strand, pendant or half-and-half
- A short strand sits at the base of the neck and frames the face. The Golden Mosaic Pearl Necklace adjusts up to 16 inches and uses baroque pearls, so it looks relaxed, not formal.
- A pearl on a chain is the easiest to layer. Styles such as the Heartfelt Pearl Necklace and the Lustrous Twist Pearl Necklace measure 40+5 cm, which means 40 cm of chain plus a 5 cm extender, roughly 16 to 18 inches.
- A collarbone length of around 18 inches, like the Greece Stamp Pearl Necklace at up to 18.5 inches, suits open collars and V-necks.
Not sure which length suits you? Our necklace length guide shows where each one sits. Browse the styles in Pearl Necklaces.
Pearl bracelets: charm or strand
- A pearl charm bracelet is a chain with a few pearls or pearl-style beads hanging from it. The Three Pearl Charm Bracelet adjusts from 7 to 9 inches, so it fits most wrists and stacks well with plain chains.
- A fine pearl strand reads more delicate. The Moonlit Pearl Bracelet uses 4 mm freshwater pearls on a 170 mm bracelet with a 40 mm extender, about 6.7 to 8.3 inches.
- Pearl and chain together, as in the Serene Bamboo Bloom Bracelet, 17+5 cm, bridges the two and matches a necklace in the same design.
All of them are in Pearl Bracelets.
Five rules for wearing pearls every day
- One pearl piece leads. Statement pearl earrings with a plain chain, or a pearl necklace with small studs. Pearl earrings, necklace and bracelet all at once looks like a costume.
- Mix pearls with metal. A pearl next to a gold-tone chain looks modern. Pearl on pearl looks traditional.
- Dress them down. Pearls with a white T-shirt, a denim jacket or a knit jumper is the simplest way to make them feel current.
- Let irregular pearls be irregular. Baroque shapes are meant to differ. A pair that is not perfectly identical is normal.
- Match the scale to the day. Small pearls for the office, large drops for the evening.
Looking after pearl jewelry
Put pearls on last, after perfume, hairspray and lotion, and take them off first. Wipe them with a soft dry cloth after wearing and store them apart from harder pieces so they do not scratch. Keep them away from water, cleaning products and long periods in direct sun. There is more on our jewelry care page.
Quick answers
Can I wear pearls with casual clothes?
Yes. A single pearl piece with jeans and a plain top is one of the most popular ways to wear them now.
Do pearls go with gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry?
Both. White pearls are neutral, so match the metal to the rest of what you are wearing.
Why do my two pearl earrings look slightly different?
Freshwater and baroque pearls form naturally, so no two are exactly alike. Pearl-style beads are uniform.
What is a good first pearl piece?
A small pair of pearl earrings or a single pearl on a chain. Both work with almost everything you already own.
Browse the whole range in Pearl Jewelry.
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