Pearls have been worn as a form of adornment since before written history, with Persian princesses taking this ultimate status symbol to the grave. So special were these gems in ancient times that Julius Caesar passed a law in Rome to limit the wearing of pearls to the ruling classes only.
Now the rules around pearls are a whole lot looser. Although our own century’s traditional wearing of pearls has previously been reserved for dainty necklaces and perfectly round earrings and rings, a new wave of accessories is making the most of faux-pearl technology for a fun, anything-goes update on this beloved accessory.
Weather your pearls were formed in salt water shells or not, keep your style fresh by dressing power pearls with casual and work wear.
See our gallery below to find how to wear, and where to buy, key pieces to add some lustre to your look now.
Manning Cartel Pearl top
Who said pearls have to be white? These bronze pearl bead embellishments create a sophisticated colourway for this sheer Manning Cartel blouse. At once opulent and effortless, shirts dotted with pearl beading can be worn with casual summer pants or work-ready trousers.
Manning Cartel top, AU$449, from The Iconic
Karen Walker jewellery
To celebrate Karen Walker’s Runaway Girl emblem’s Sweet 16 the brand has just released the Girl with a Pearl collection, featuring a Runaway Girl sporting a pearl rather than a rucksack, as well as other jewellery items with a single, dangling pearl.
From left: Earrings, $239, and necklace, $1,699, by Karen Walker.
Trelise Cooper pearl jacket
Nothing says confidence like a bold jacket collar, and this one covered in large pearls from Trelise Cooper is perfectly playful. Team with a work dress during the week and jeans on the weekend to channel some serious off-duty chic.
Jacket, $799, by Trelise Cooper.
pearl earrings
Costume jewellery makes playing with pearls even more interesting, especially if the styles nod to the 80s and 90s statement earrings. Oversized clip-ons amp up the glam – pair with a t-shirt or summer knit to keep the look casual.
From left: Earrings, $79, and $89, from Homage.
Shrimp pearl bag
Accessorising accessories with pearls is the new norm. Go all-out with a textured evening bag covered in these round gems. Make sure the style of the bag you choose is simple, and slightly nostalgic, like this Shrimps number for a classic yet cool take on the trend.
Shrimps bag, $695, from Matches.
Stuart Weitzman pearl shoes
Who says your feet should miss out on the fun? Shoes with shiny costume pearls are popping up in stores in time for summer. These styles by Stuart Weitzman, exclusive to Scarpa in New Zealand, have options from everyday flats to high and low party heels.
From left: Stuart Weitzman loafers, $720, and heels, $750, from Scarpa.
Gucci pearl button jacket
Traditional pearls are a significant investment and it seems faux-pearl creations from luxury brands are keeping with this custom. Gucci’s logo-emblazoned pearl buttons update a classic cardigan for a polished yet eclectic look.
Gucci Jacket, $2,316, from Net-A-Porter.
Nicholas Kirkwood pearl heels
If you’d rather just stick to a pair of pearls, Nicholas Kirkwood’s perfectly placed spheres redefine a classic heel shape. Whether you wear these heels with a cocktail dress, power suit or jeans they are sure to catch some compliments.
From left: Nicholas Kirkwood heels, AU$832, and AU$992, from Farfetch.
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