THE RISE IN POPULARITY OF PEARL NECKLACES

3/18/2024

The cover art collage for the blog post The rise in popularity of pearl necklaces, for Fashion in the Air blog, made by Sienna Belic

Pearl necklaces have been worn throughout history by both men and women. As everything else when it comes to fashion, they had their highs and their lows, but I couldn't help but notice a huge rise in their popularity in the last 5 years. It seems like pearl necklaces, and pearl jewelry in general, aren't going anywhere, and personally, I'm very happy about it.

Hello fashionistas! I have been contemplating writing this blog post a couple of years now. I know, it sounds crazy. Here's the thing - I have been away from my blog for a very long time, switching my focus to social media exclusively, and I wasn't sure if I want to write for my blog again. However, I have recently decided to go back to my blog, my original platform (woohoo!), and decided to start with this topic. If the topic stayed in my head for the last two years, and pearls are still going strong, I think it's a sign that I need to write this blog post!

Outfit details - a girl wearing Vivienne Westwood Mini Bas Relief necklace on a green sweater
I'm wearing the Mini Bas Relief faux pearl necklace by Vivienne Westwood

Why are pearls so popular again?

It seems like just a few years ago pearls were considered the type of jewelry that your grandma would wear, and now they are considered cool and trendy. As all trends, they rise in popularity in cycles, hence what was grandma's old jewelry yesterday, is the hottest trend today! 

There are many reasons why pearl necklaces are so desirable again. Firstly, there's a timeless elegance associated with pearls. They have been symbols of sophistication and grace for a very long time, worn by celebrities and royalty. Their ability to efforstlessly elevate any outfit from casual to chic makes them a versatile accessory for any occasion.

Secondly, the fashion industry has been experiencing a shift towards more classic and feminine styles in recent years. Some designers are embracing vintage-inspired looks, and what better way to add a touch of old-world glamour to an ensemble than with a string of pearls? Whether worn with a little black dress or a crisp white shirt, pearl necklaces have the power to instantly elevate an outfit and make a statement.

Model on the Celine Fall/Winter 2024/2025 Wearing a black dress, sunglasses and a pearl necklace
Celine Fall/Winter 2024/2025

The influence of celebrities, influencers and social media

Of course, the rise in popularity of pearl neckalces wouldn't be complete without mentioning the influence of celebrities, influencers, and social media. From Hollywood A-listers, to Instagram and TikTok influencers, it seems like everyone has been embracing the pearl trend. Celebrities like Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid, and Justin Timberlake have been spotted rocking pearl necklaces on and off the red carpet, while influencers like Madison Beer, Chiara Ferragni, and The Man Repeller regularly incorporate pearls into their street style looks.

I have noticed a huge comeback of pearl necklaces a few years ago when Harry Styles started wearing them regularly, and about the same time Vivienne Westwood iconic faux pearl necklaces started going viral on TikTok. It seems like some people discovered the legendary Mini Bas Relief choker by Vivienne Westwood for the first time and went crazy about it. The necklace was constantly sold out and impossible to get for a period of time. I remember how much I wanted to get it, and I had to wait months for an opportunity to finally grab it before it was gone again! Even though this is costume jewelry, the shape and design is iconic to the fashion house, and with right maintenance, you really can have this piece for years and years. Another great example of faux pearls are obviously Chanel pearls. Coco Chanel herself advised people to wear costume jewelry in their daily lives, and she became iconic for her long strands of faux pearls.

Harry Styles wearing a pearl necklace
Harry Styles | Photo via Getty for Spotify/ Rich Fury
Dua Lipa wearing a Vivienne Westwood big faux pearl necklace
Dua Lipa | Photo from Dua's Instagram
Justin Timberlake | From the Complex sneaker shopping video

How to wear pearl necklaces

Now that I've covered why pearls are back in style, let's talk about how to icorporate them into your wardrobe. One of the great things about pearl necklaces is their versatility. They can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. For a classic look, opt for a simple strand of pearls (or faux pearls) paired with a blazer and trousers, or with a little black dress. This timeless combination is usually perfect for the office or a dinner date

But it's not just about traditional pearl strands anymore. Designers are putting a modern twist on the classic accessory, incorporating pearls into bold and innovative designs. From statement chokers to assymetrical necklaces, there's a pearl necklace to suit every taste and style. 

Gen Z and Millennials often reach for these lustrous little gems, whether they's real or costume jewelry, and wear them in creative, chic and often edgy ways. If you're also feeling adventurous, try layering multiple pearl necklaces of varying lengths for a modern twist on a classic look, or combine your pearls with other gold/silver necklaces. Also, wearing a pearl necklace doesn't mean the whole necklace has to be made of pearls - sometimes it's just a pearl pendant!

Influence Sienna Belic wearing gold Hey Happiness necklaces with a tiny pearl pendant
I'm wearing Hey Happiness necklaces | Short necklace: Pearl pendant necklace sterling silver | Long necklace: Pearl pendant Y necklace sterling silver
@siennabelic The freshwater pearl necklace is from @Hey Happiness 🤍 🎁Use code sienna10 for 10% off when shopping on Hey Happiness on orders over 29€. The code is valid until December 31,2023. 🪄 Also, until December 10, you get an additional surprise gift from them! ➡️ 1 surprise gift if the order is above 39€ ➡️ 2 surprise gifts for orders over 79€ ➡️ 3 surprise gifts for orders over 109€ #siennabelic #heyhappiness #pearlnecklace #freshwaterpearls #howtostyleoutfits #howtowearpearls #stylingtips #howtowear #stylinghacks #stylingoutfits #outfitideas #outfitinspiration #outfitinspirations #classystyle #classyoutfit #classylady #elegantlady #elegantstyle #oldmoneystyle #oldmoneyaesthetic #jewelrytips #jewelryhaul #necklacestack #necklacelayering #jewellerydesign ♬ WAIT FOR SUMMER - G I Z Z I

In conclusion, the rise in popularity of pearl necklaces in the last five years is undeniable. From their timeless elegance to their ability to elevate any outfit, pearls are truly a must-have accessory for fashion-forward individuals. Whether you're a fan of classic style or prefer something more modern and edgy, there's a pearl necklace out there for you. So why not embrace this timeless trend and add a touch of sophistication to your wardrobe?


Stay fabulous,
xoxo Sienna
Left: APM Monaco bear-motif necklace | Right: Eliou Amal pearl necklace

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1 comments

  1. Loving the necklace of second pic, but pearl's necklace is a classic and always a good deal!!!

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