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How to Style Pearl Jewellery for Every Occasion
By Sophie Carter - 14th July 2025
Revered for centuries, pearl jewellery has rarely gone out of style. Often considered a symbol of wealth, pearls are almost always associated with elegance and beauty, and make a timeless addition to both everyday and occasion outfits. With little labour required to bring out the lustrous finish of a pearl, there's no surprise that people choose to let this stunning gemstone take centre stage in many of their favourite jewellery pieces. While they tend to remain a timeless classic as trends come and go, there have been moments in recent years that pearls have taken the spotlight in varying forms. Whether it's statement pearls being big in fashion, or seed bead pearl bracelets doing the rounds on social media, it's important to know how best to adorn your pearls or build your collection. This guide is bursting with tips for styling many types of pearl - from freshwater to faux - and ensuring your collection works hard in your wardrobe no matter what trends come and go.
How long have pearls been popular for?
With evidence of pearl being used as a material in jewellery as far back as 420 BC, it is no surprise that pearls are still widely adored in jewellery today. Prized by royalty and regularly associated with the wealthy elite, natural pearls were once thought rare and expensive, only adding to their allure when worn. The advent of cultured and man-made pearls in the early 20th century has made them much more accessible and affordable, meaning people of any class and social status have the ability to accessorise with this stunning stone.
How can I style pearl jewellery for summer?
Summer is a great time for beads and beautiful gemstones. Beach-themed accessorising will almost always include a few beaded pieces, to really complete that boho-beach-babe vibe. Pearls have been a key feature in summer jewellery through many different trending periods, and each time that season rolls around, they look set to continue trending. Aim for pairing your pearls with organic textures and beach-themed shapes like starfish or sea flowers and you'll hit the summer pearl trend without even having to try.
Incorporating pearls into earrings for summer
Opting for lightweight, understated earrings when it's hot and you just want to get your hair away from your face is key to looking cool but comfortable. Faux pearls - pearlescent, (typically) round beads that are made of glass or plastic - are a great lightweight option for summer styling. Not only do they weigh down your lobes much less, they also aren't as precious or pricey, so if the worst happens and you lose one while at the beach or the park, it won't feel like losing a limb. These Leaf and Pearl Drop Earrings in Gold feature a gorgeous combination of gold and pearl, with organic, leafy details and a stunning dangle and drop effect. They can easily be dressed up or down, making them ideal for taking from summery afternoon picnics through to stunning sunset dinners.
For those who like to go bolder with their earrings, a playful hoop like these Millefiori Bead and Pearl Hoop Earrings in Gold incorporate the simple beauty of a freshwater pearl with the fun tones and textures of glass millefiori beads, adding a subtle splash of colour that also won't overpower. If beads are more your thing, consider these Bead and Pearl Starfish Drop Earrings in Gold for a fun sea-themed accessory that is sure to get you noticed at a summery day event like a party or wedding.
Wearing pearls on your wrists for summer
One of the easiest ways to style pearls without them taking over your entire outfit is with a cute, pearlescent bracelet or two. Adding pearls to your bracelet stack will guarantee a little bit of intrigue to your everyday, and provides a splash of elegance to a fun, summery look. This Stainless Steel Beaded Pearl Starfish Charm Bracelet in Gold features stunning multi-sized pearls with a gold starfish charm at its centre. Combining pearls - which are inherently sea-based stones - with an underwater symbol is a great way to bring the beach to your accessories.
What is the best way to wear pearls in winter?
Similar to summer styling, donning pearls for winter is a great way to add a splash of stunning stone to your gold or silver jewellery, so finding the right piece is paramount to ensuring you look your best. Whether you're planning to sparkle under the Christmas tree, or you just want to elevate a chunky knit on dreary days, pretty pearl accessories provide shine and intrigue and will work hard in your wardrobe for many years to come.
Styling pearl necklaces for winter
When you think of pearl jewellery, it's pretty common to imagine a classic pearl necklace. From Coco Chanel to the 2024 Paris catwalk, pearl necklaces have been the perfect accessory for elevating literally any outfit. Beaded necklaces bursting with pearls or pearlescent stones work well with anything from t-shirts to smart blazers. Consider a piece that takes your wintry pearl set from day to night, like this Pearl Necklace with Large Bow Pendant in Gold. This piece allows the pearls to become a little more subtle as the bow pendant takes centre stage, making it ideal for jazzing up a cosy but casual outfit during the coldest days of winter.
If you're a fan of more subtle pearlescent pieces, this Pearl Heart Pendant Necklace in Gold is the one for you. A simple gold chain suspends a pretty heart-shaped pearl, perfectly framing the pearlescent beauty while still not taking the shine away from your outfit.
Wearing pearls on your wrist for winter
Simple, elegant, and timeless are great words for describing stunning wintry jewellery, and if you're wanting to strip back your pearlescent accessories, consider a gentle pearl-studded piece rather than a fully beaded bracelet. This Stainless Steel Herringbone Pearl Double Chain Bracelet in Gold features a double chain and several delicate pearl beads interspersed along one chain, catching the light and adding just a dash of charm to an otherwise elegant and understated accessory.
Adding pearls to your winter earrings
Chunky pearls make fabulous accessories to stand out through the chillier months. If you're wearing a simple, stripped back outfit with a chunky jumper or a lot of black, adding a pearlescent pop will truly make a difference. These Stainless Steel Large Pearl Drop Huggie Hoop Earrings In Gold are ideal for taking your A/W look from day to night, and the dash of gold in the hoops adds a timeless elegance that allows you to keep these in your jewellery rotation for many seasons and trends to come.
How can I wear pearls as part of a casual look?
A long time ago, people would save their best pearl jewellery for their best occasions, only dusting off their collections for weddings, funerals, balls, or dinners. With the advent of more affordable pearls and pearl dupes, people are much more likely to wear pearls for any and every occasion, and even style them as part of a cool, casual, everyday look. When selecting the pieces you want to wear to elevate an everyday outfit, consider simple pieces that are much more lightweight and comfortable for wearing for long periods. Smaller pearls and subtle pearl details on jewellery will always work for a daily fashion look, and will likely be a lot easier to style with almost anything you wear.
If you love to accessorise with necklaces, consider a piece like this Pearl and Daisy Beaded Necklace in Silver. This dainty necklace is comprised of sweet silver beads interspersed with freshwater pearls and a stunning pearlescent daisy charm. Ideal for elevating t-shirts or simple dresses and tops, this pretty necklace combines fun, floral elements with the timeless elegance of pearls, making it ideal for pearl-wearers of any age.
For earrings, studs will be your best friend when it comes to simple daily styling. If you have multiple piercings, a small and simple pearl stud looks great as part of a curated ear look, whether paired with gold or silver earrings. These gorgeous Gold Pearl Two Peas in a Pod Stud Earrings are a great way to add a couple of cute pearls to your ear stack, and the juxtaposition of the gold against the white of the pearl will make them stand out in your lobe, no matter what outfit you're wearing.
Another great way to incorporate pearls into an everyday look is by donning a pearl anklet. This Freshwater Pearl Anklet in Gold features real freshwater pearls in a subtle string to adorn your ankle, adding a light, playful element while also taking on a more classic ‘pearl necklace’ look.
What is the best way to wear pearls for an occasion?
It's easy to take your evening attire to the next level with some great jewellery. Known for elevating any look, pearls have been a great option for formal attire for decades. Whether you're going out for a posh dinner or you're heading to a fancy party, a statement pearl piece is great for finishing your look.
Incorporating pearl earrings into a special occasion look
When it comes to earrings, it's important to think of pieces that won't overpower your look, while still standing out enough to be seen. These Thread Through Star and Pearl Chain Earrings in Gold are pretty, dainty, and lightweight, but will still have impact when worn with the right outfit. The tiny starburst charms will reflect the light while highlighting the pretty pearls, giving a subtle hint towards a celestial, night sky theme, making them perfect for an evening or night occasion.
Other great earrings for adding pearls to your look could include something a little more statement. If you're opting for an up-do for your hair, you might want to balance out the look by adding something impactful between the top of your head and your shoulders. An oversized pearl earring is perfect for achieving this, and these Sun and Pearl Drop Earrings in Gold give just the right amount of pearl for impact without overpowering. If you're not even remotely concerned about your earrings overpowering your look, however, why not opt for something truly statement like these Oversized Freshwater Pearl Hoop Earrings. Plump pearls steal the show with these hoops, adding statement shine to your lobes and elevating almost any outfit for any occasion.
Wearing a pearl necklace with a difference for an occasion look
An occasionwear pearl necklace doesn't have to be the classic Coco Chanel style to be classed as elegant. You can style a pearl necklace with a trend-led twist and still achieve the timeless elegance of pearl jewellery. This Stainless Steel Pearl Chain Necklace in Gold is a stunning way to add a few small, subtle pearls to your outfit without it taking up your entire neck space. Its dainty look means it works well as a layering piece too, looking amazing alongside other more or less detailed pearl necklaces to really up your eveningwear game.
Whatever your style or occasion, pearls are a fitting stone choice for those who love timeless jewellery that will last for many years to come. Whether you’re looking to refine your style and gather a few classic accessories or you're wanting to follow a recent pearl-themed trend, we hope there's a piece in this guide to suit. And if we've inspired you to grow your pearl collection, why not check out our full range of pearl jewellery to find plenty of pearlescent pieces to elevate your jewellery box?
