A symbol of elegance for centuries, the pearl necklace has never been more on-trend. A classic strand of white pearls, a single pearl pendant, colorful pearls or tiny gold beads on a dainty chain: today there's a pearl necklace for every style and every budget. Here's our guide to understanding it all before choosing yours.
Cultured pearls, natural pearls, fashion pearls: what's the difference?
Before choosing a pearl necklace, you need to know what kind of pearl you're talking about:
- Natural pearls form spontaneously inside an oyster, without any human intervention. They've become extremely rare and are mostly found in antique jewelry.
- Cultured pearls are also produced by a mollusk, but a nucleus or graft is introduced by hand to trigger their formation. These are the "real" pearls found in fine jewelry today: freshwater pearls, Akoya, Tahitian or South Sea pearls.
- Fashion pearls imitate pearls (pearlescent glass, resin, ceramic) or play in a different register: mother-of-pearl, seed beads, gold metal beads. They're the most affordable option and the most varied in colors and shapes.
At S&F Bijoux, we offer fashion jewelry: our necklaces pair pearlescent beads, mother-of-pearl or metal beads with gold-tone or gold-plated stainless steel, for an elegant look at an affordable price.
Our pearl necklaces
Our Favorite
Gold Coin and Pearl Necklace for Women – Boho Dangle Necklace with Hammered Coins, Stainless Steel
A wavy chain that catches the light, accented with dangles alternating small hammered gold coins and white pearly beads. Boho and delicate, this necklace adds movement to…
$19.90
View productMother-of-pearl, the pearl's cousin
Mother-of-pearl is the iridescent material that lines the inside of shells and also forms the surface of pearls. Cut into a clover, a disc or a flower, it offers the same soft luster as a pearl, in a more graphic style. In white for softness, in black for contrast:
Necklaces with tiny gold beads
Another big trend: a dainty chain dotted with tiny metallic gold beads. More understated than a strand of pearls, it adds a precious touch to everyday looks and layers very easily with a pendant necklace.
What length for a pearl necklace?
Pearl necklaces have their own length vocabulary:
- Choker (35-40 cm / 14-16 in): the strand sits at the base of the neck, very chic with an open neckline. See our choker necklace guide;
- Princess (42-48 cm / 16.5-19 in): the most classic and versatile length, on the collarbones;
- Matinee (50-60 cm / 20-24 in): the necklace falls on the upper chest, ideal over a crew neck;
- Opera (70-85 cm / 28-33 in): worn long or wrapped twice;
- Rope (over 90 cm / 35 in): the long pearl necklace can be knotted, doubled or left to hang freely, like our long necklace in a chain version.
Single pearl, large pearls, colored pearls: pearl necklace styles
The single pearl necklace
A single pearl hanging from a dainty chain: it's the quintessential pearl pendant, minimalist and modern, for everyday wear.
The strand of white pearls
The white pearl necklace remains the timeless icon. With small pearls, it's delicate; with one large pearl or bigger pearls, it becomes the statement piece of your outfit.
Colored pearls
Red, green, blue, turquoise or multicolored pearls: colorful beaded necklaces bring a boho, summery touch. Seed beads, tiny glass beads, also make for very colorful, lightweight necklaces.
Pearls and gold chain necklace
Mixing pearls with gold metal (pearls alternating on a chain, tassels, pearls and coins) completely modernizes the pearl and gives it a more relaxed feel.
Pearl necklaces for men
Popularized by celebrities and the runway, the men's pearl necklace is one of the big trends of recent seasons. It's usually chosen as a choker or princess length, with irregular (baroque) pearls or mixed with metal elements for an edgier look.
Our shop is mostly dedicated to women's jewelry for now, but our chains with tiny gold beads also look great on men.
How much does a cultured pearl necklace cost?
The price of a cultured pearl necklace varies enormously depending on the type of pearl, its size, shape, luster and how well matched the strand is. As a rough guide, a freshwater pearl necklace can start at a few dozen dollars, while a beautiful strand of Akoya, Tahitian or South Sea pearls can reach several hundred or even several thousand dollars. For a first necklace or an everyday piece, a quality fashion pearl necklace is an excellent, much more affordable alternative.
How to tell if a pearl is real
- Touch: a real pearl feels cool against the skin, then slowly warms up;
- appearance: cultured pearls have slight irregularities in shape and surface; a perfectly identical strand can be a sign of an imitation;
- weight: a cultured pearl is often heavier than a plastic pearl;
- certificate: for a significant purchase, always ask your jeweler for a certificate of authenticity.
Pearl necklaces for weddings
Pearls are the ultimate wedding jewelry: a delicate strand or a single pearl goes with every gown, from strapless to high neck. For guests, a pearl and gold chain necklace adds elegance without overdoing it. More ideas in our jewelry gift ideas for every occasion.
Caring for your pearl necklace
- "Last on, first off": put on your necklace after perfume, hairspray and lotions, and take it off first;
- wipe the pearls with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing them;
- avoid chlorinated water, the ocean and household cleaners;
- store it flat, separate from your other jewelry, to avoid scratches.
Find all our tips in our guide to caring for your jewelry every day, and our pairing ideas in how to layer jewelry.
Frequently asked questions about pearl necklaces
Are pearl necklaces still in style?
More than ever: pearls have gone modern, in asymmetrical designs, mixed with gold, as a single pearl or worn by men. Today they look as good with jeans as with an evening dress.
What pearl color should you choose?
White and cream are the easiest to wear and flatter every skin tone. Pinkish pearls soften fair complexions, while golden or gray pearls warm up olive and deeper skin tones. Colored pearls are ideal for a more boho style.
Can you wear a pearl necklace every day?
Yes, as long as you take care of it: just avoid spraying perfume directly on the pearls, water and knocks.
Ready to treat yourself? Browse our full collection of women's necklaces. Our necklaces are shipped with care from Aix-en-Provence, France, with free shipping to the USA.
