Pearls have historically been a popular choice for brides. They are timeless, chic and versatile and are imbued with symbolism that is fitting for a bride on her wedding day! Read on to learn about why pearls continue to be a popular choice and how to make them work best for your look on your wedding day.
Why Brides Choose Pearl Jewelry
Pearl jewelry has long been coveted for its rarity and beauty. In fact, pearl jewels were reserved only for royalty in Ancient Chinese and Roman cultures. These days, thanks to pearl cultivation and high-quality synthetics, pearl jewelry has become accessible to all classes and has become particularly popular among brides.
Traditionally, brides were expected to exude purity and virtue on their wedding day. Along with being traditionally white in color, pearls are symbolic of innocence and purity and are also believed to promote a happy marriage.
On a style note, pearls are often considered the epitome of elegance and are reminiscent of graceful style icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel. Many brides pay homage to the tradition of a demure wedding day look no matter what their style or taste, which is why many choose to complete their bridal outfit with polished pearls.
How To Wear Different Styles of Pearl Jewelry
Classic Pearl Jewelry
Brides with a more classic style sensibility should consider finishing their look off with traditional pearl designs. Simple stud earrings, elegant teardrop earrings or simple necklaces are all perfect choices.
If your gown features a detailed neckline such as halter, high-neck, single shoulder or off-the-shoulder, steer clear of pearl necklaces as they will clash with the design of your gown. Instead, choose an elegant set of earrings paired with a matching bracelet.
For brides with a simple neckline such as sweetheart or boatneck, a face-framing pearl necklace that is either collar length (sits at the throat), choker (drapes at the base of the neck) or princess (drapes along the collar bones) is a great choice. Uniform designs that feature pearls of the same size and gradual designs with pearls that get larger towards the middle will add just the right amount of detail to a classic bridal look.
If you want to be a little daring while keeping your look classic, chose mismatched pearl shapes. For example, pair teardrop pearl earrings with a classic uniform pearl bracelet. You can even add a little extra sparkle to your wrist by layering simple tennis bracelets and chain bracelets around your pearls.
Statement Pearl Jewelry
Brides that want to make more of a statement with their jewelry can incorporate pearls into pieces with grand designs. Gowns with boatneck necklines, simple sheath silhouettes and grand ballgowns that need a bit of detail on the top for balance will all suit a statement necklace or set of earrings.
Choosing designs that include pearls matches jewelry with the white of your gown and adds a touch of old-world elegance to strong pieces. As with all bold bridal jewels, avoid pairing big earrings with a big necklace as this can distract from your face.
If you want to make a statement with your jewelry without wearing anything chunky choose colored pearls. Tahitian or black pearls come in various dark shades of gray, blue, green and purple and will contrast beautifully with modern white gowns. If your wedding day look is on the playful side, consider choosing pastel freshwater pearls in peach, pink or light lemon yellow for a subtle splash of color.
Brides with coastal ceremonies can take inspiration from the seashell trend that has featured strongly in fashion jewelry. Styles that feature cowrie shells, sea glass-like stones and delicately entwined clusters of tiny pearls are the perfect finishing touch for a beach bride.
Modern Minimalist Pearl Jewelry
Jewelry may be the last thing that comes to mind for a minimalist bride, but a simple wedding gown matched with paired-back jewelry can make a stunning combination. The key is to choose pearl jewelry that is modern, rather than classic to keep the look captivating.
Look for avant-garde designs that keep it simple by using pearls and stones sparingly. Asymmetrical rings, slim wrist cuffs and solid collar necklaces that feature a single pearl delicately placed inline or on the end of open designs are all gorgeous modern takes on pearl jewelry.
Brides can also choose to keep their pearl jewels minimal by wearing unexpected takes on classic pieces. Consider a unique pearl ear crawler, or a baroque (misshapen) pearl pendant.
Things to Consider with Pearl Wedding Jewelry
Though pearls may seem like an easy choice for brides, there are some things to consider before you commit to pearls for your wedding jewelry or engagement ring.
Wedding Jewelry
If you are choosing pearls to accessorize your wedding dress because your wedding dress features pearl beading, make sure they match! If pearls are featured heavily in your gown, it is likely that the beads are imitation pearls as these are more affordable than cultured pearls. Imitation pearls are made of a glass center and finished with an iridescent pearl coating. They are usually just as lustrous as cultured pearls, however sometimes lack the depth of color.
To match your jewels with the pearls on your gown, don’t inspect the beads on the gown too closely. Instead, stand back and try to match the overall tone of the beading (warm or cool) and the white of the gown with your pearl jewelry. Jewelry shopping with a swatch of your gown is always a good idea.
If you are choosing a delicate string of pearls for your wedding jewelry, consider choosing a knotted design. Knotted pearls are separated by tiny knots in the string which prevents the pearls from rubbing together. This will help preserve the luster of your pearls.
Pearl Engagement Rings
Pearl engagement rings are in the limelight again thanks to Emma Stone’s pearl and diamond sparkler. They are a fantastic choice for women that dream of a bold engagement ring without having too much sparkle. However, if you are the type to wear your engagement ring daily, keep in mind that pearls are more prone to wear than other stones.
The hardness or durability of precious gems and stones is measured on the Mohs scale. The hardest stone is diamond and rates a 10 on the Mohs scale. In contrast, pearls rate between 2.5-4.5. This is because unlike other stones which are formed through compression, pearls are made up of layers of nacre that is secreted by aquatic organisms. While the Mohs rating of pearls is relatively low, there are things you can do to keep your precious pearls perfect.
How to Care for Pearl Jewelry
The most important thing you can do to care for your pearl jewelry is to be careful with it. Don’t store your pearls with other pieces that can scratch the surface (soft individual bags are a good idea) and be mindful of your pearls when you wear them.
If you have your heart set on a pearl engagement ring, look for a design that sets the pearl deeper into the ring to limit the exposed surface. This will mean that the pearl should be smaller. If you want a large statement pearl engagement ring, reserve it for special occasions.
When you do decide to wear your pearl pieces, put them on last. That is after all makeup and perfume has already been put on. Chemicals in perfume, hair sprays and makeup and damage the delicate layers of nacre. On the same token, pearls should never be submerged in water as this will wear them down.
To store your pearls, do so in individual soft bags, but not in airtight containers. An environment that is too dry can lead to cracked pearls. You should also avoid hanging stringed pearls as this will cause unnecessary strain on the silk string and clasps. Re-stringing your pearls every few years is also a good idea as an unexpected snap is never welcome.
Lastly, you should wear your pearls! They will benefit from the occasional coating of natural oils from your skin. Just be sure to give them a gentle wipe after wearing to avoid too much oil build-up that can dull the shine.
