Nuevo Culture

Pearl of Wisdom: Here’s Why This Timeless, Versatile Jewelry is Worth Investing In

When it comes to jewelry, there are the seasonal novelty pieces and then there are the classics. Some of the most precious gems have the power to span generations and remain covetable for decades, and pearl jewelry fits firmly into that sartorial realm. Timeless and traditional but also unique and dynamic, pearls have long been beloved by politicians, celebrities, influencers, and grandmother’s alike. These days, we’re accustomed to seeing a wide range of pearl-wearing luminaries, like Harry Styles in his single pearl earring or Madam Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris in her signature strand of pearls.

Jeweler Mizuki Goltz attributes much of the pearl’s long lifespan and versatility to expert, singular styling. As she explains, “Icons like Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis each wore them differently in their own way, creating their own style.” Goltz adds, “Balancing the pearl’s organic beauty with minimal decoration gives a sense of modernity.” When buying your own pearls, Goltz says to look for “luster, color, size, and shape,” as much as the craftsmanship and design of the jewelry. And always remember, she notes, that “the pearl [is] the only gem made by a living organism…every pearl is different.”

Below, some of our favorite pearl jewelry designs perfect for anyone, anytime, anywhere.

Necklaces

Instant classics beyond the double strand.

Mateo 14-karat gold pearl wrap necklace

$800

NET-A-PORTER

Irene Neuwirth gumball link necklace

$11,480

IRENE NEUWIRTH

Mizuki 14-karat gold pearl necklace

$2,800

NET-A-PORTER

Sophie Bille Brahe Peggy pearl & 14kt gold necklace

$3,460

MATCHESFASHION.COM

Simple Statement Pieces

Simple designs give the pearl space to show off.

Willshott silver pearl alternative bracelet

$255$181

SSENSE

Sophie Buhai small pearl drop 18kt gold-plated sterling silver earrings

$520

MYTHERESA

Mejuri fishhook pearl earrings

$120

MEJURI

Tiffany Elsa Peretti Pearls by the Yard bracelet

$550

TIFFANY & CO.

Earrings

A perfect pairing: everyday hoops elevated with super special pearls.

Lizzie Fortunato circa pearl & gold-plated hoop earrings

$160

MATCHESFASHION.COM

Agmes Juliette earrings

$340

SHOPBOP

Anita Ko pearl, round diamond, and baguette diamond huggies

$6,250

ANITA KO

Ippolita Nova 18-karat gold pearl hoop earrings

$1,195

NET-A-PORTER

Rings

Easy and clean alternatives to diamonds and colored gemstones.

Charlotte Chesnais pearl eclipse 18kt gold-vermeil ring

$779

MATCHESFASHION.COM

Delfina Delettrez 18-karat yellow and white gold, pearl and diamond ring

$2,530

NET-A-PORTER

Bibi Van Der Velden Starry Night diamond, pearl & 18kt gold ring

$15,195

MATCHESFASHION.COM

David Yurman 18kt gold, pearl, and diamond ring

$10,000

NORDSTROM