While there will always be a place for dazzling diamonds and colorful gemstones in a woman’s jewelry collection, no accessory exudes elegance more than a classic pearl necklace. Available in a striking assortment of hues, pearls are one of the most versatile and timeless gemstones out there. With our expert look at the most popular pearl necklace styles, anyone can find their perfect piece.
How are Pearls Formed?
As the only precious gems produced by living creatures, pearls are one of the most unique gemstones found and formed on Earth! However, while they’re considered to be gemstones, they’re not actually stones.
Pearls are created when foreign debris, like a grain of sand, enters a mollusk’s shell, and the creature secretes layers of nacre around the irritant as a defense mechanism. Over time, as the layers build up, a pearl is formed.
Different Types of Cultured Pearls Used in Pearl Necklaces
While naturally formed pearls are used in jewelry, the little beauties can be hard to find, making them extremely rare and valuable. Luckily, with human intervention, pearl jewelry experts have learned how to raise and farm cultured pearls for use in designs like pearl necklaces. There are four major types:
- Akoya: produced in Japan and China, these coveted saltwater cultured pearls are typically white or cream-colored and are well-known for their superior luster and flawless appearance.
- South Sea: harvested in Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, these rare cultured pearls can range from white to silver to gold and are revered for their exceptional size and thick nacre layers.
- Tahitian: cultivated around the islands of French Polynesia, these saltwater pearls are known best for naturally dark colors and a wide array of iridescent overtones, including shades of green, blue, purple, and pink.
- Freshwater: farmed primarily in the freshwater lakes and ponds of China and created with a remarkable range of sizes, shapes, colors, and price points, these are the most commonly produced pearls on the market.
Why Pearl Necklaces Will Never Go Out of Style
There’s a reason pearl jewelry has remained one of the most popular types of accessories for millennia: versatility! With unique shapes and a vast assortment of hues to choose from, a gold necklace with pearls can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
With a trend-transcending aesthetic and a sophisticated appeal, pearl necklaces complete any outfit, from jeans and a blouse to a formal gown. With contemporary and traditional designs available, there’s a pearl necklace for every kind of style.
Best Metal Options for Pearl Necklaces
When shopping for the perfect pearl necklace as a June birthstone jewelry gift for a loved one, make sure to pay attention to the metal used in the design, as each one brings out unique facets of the gem’s beauty. The most popular metals for pearl jewelry are:
- Yellow gold: with a natural elegance and a warm glow, yellow gold necklaces with pearls enhance the natural luster of the gem, creating a soft, feminine look.
- Platinum: with a bright, silvery-white hue, platinum provides sturdy support and helps the iridescence of a pearl stand out.
- White gold: with a cool, neutral tone, white gold necklaces with pearls help make the gems appear more vibrant.
- Rose gold: with a delicate, rosy tone, rose gold necklaces with pearls are perfectly designed to bring out the darling peachy and pink undertones found in some gems.
- Sterling silver: with a reflective, sleek look, sterling silver provides a visually pleasing contrast with the gentle shine of a pearl’s surface.
A Look at the Most Popular Pearl Necklace Styles
If you’re interested in purchasing a pearl necklace for yourself or marking your 30th anniversary with your beloved, good news—with a large assortment of designs, there’s something for everyone. The next time you stop into your preferred jewelry store or shop online, keep an eye out for these sophisticated pearl necklace styles:
Pearl Rope Necklaces
To qualify as a rope necklace, the design must measure 36 inches or longer. Pearl rope necklaces feature an endless strand of equally sized pearls from start to finish for an elevated look.
With versatile styling options, you can sport this historic type of pearl necklace in a variety of ways. Wear it as one long single strand, wrap it for a layered look, or knot it in the center for a classic flapper-inspired touch.
Pearl Choker Necklaces
Pearl choker necklaces have been one of the most consistently popular styles throughout history. With a short chain length of about 14 to 16 inches, pearl choker necklaces sit close to the neck and work well with a variety of neckline styles, making them one of the most versatile pieces in your set.
Pearl Pendant Necklaces
Pendant necklaces are best suited for subtle, everyday accessorizing. Available in a variety of lengths, a pearl pendant necklace typically features a single pearl hanging in the center of a chain. This gold necklace with pearls can be layered with other favorites in your collection for a modern, eclectic vibe or worn on its own for a simple style.
Pearl Station Chain Necklaces
Station necklaces combine the best features of a traditional pearl piece with the more modern chain style. This gold necklace with pearls features evenly spaced gems along a dainty chain. This lightweight option is perfect for casual, everyday wear, especially when paired with a similar style of pearl earring.
Pearl Starter Necklaces
At first glance, you may assume that a pearl starter necklace is simple, featuring one, two, or three pearls on a dainty chain. But it’s actually the most meaningful type of pearl necklace there is.
With every new milestone and life experience, the wearer is encouraged to have a pearl added to the chain. Over time, every pearl will acquire its own sentimental value, and you may even end up with a full strand, ensuring that the design becomes a treasured family heirloom.
How to Care for and Store Pearl Necklaces
If you’re lucky enough to own a lustrous pearl design, understanding proper caring and storage methods is essential. Keep your gold necklace with pearls looking its best for years to come by:
- Storing it in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keeping it in a soft cloth pouch or a lined jewelry box when not around your neck
- Avoiding any contact with harsh chemicals, lotions, or perfumes
- Cleaning each pearl regularly with a soft, damp cloth
- Having your jeweler professionally inspect and clean it every few years
Pearl necklaces have been and likely will remain some of the most sophisticated designs on the market. Whether you prefer a silver or gold necklace with pearls is up to you. With this many types to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find your perfect pearl piece for any occasion.
