From left to right: Harry Styles, A$AP Rocky, Vivienne Westwood, Hatton Labs
(Picture: Getty Images & Press Images)Pearls have long had their place in jewellery history.
From ancient Chinese emperors receiving them as gifts, to Julius Caesar decreeing that they were to be worn exclusively by the ruling classes in Rome, the precious stones have deep roots that extend to the modern day royal family but the earliest traces of the gems date back nearly 2,500 years to 420BC.
More recently, they have been associated with the conservative middle class - visions of Bree Van de Kamp clutching her pearls come to mind - and, of course, Marge Simpson, before becoming a stylish accessory worn by men and women alike.
They were particularly pervalent adorning the necks of male models during the spring/summer 23 runways at Valentino, Dior and Givenchy, having been given the fashion crowd’s stamp of approval. Spotted on the necks by everyone from Harry Styles to A$AP Rocky, Shawn Mendes to Jaden Smith, even the Love Island lotharios are now dipping their toes in the iridescent water.
With options on the market from jewellery heavyweight Missoma, breakthrough label Hatton Labs, and Alighieri, Eliou and Serge DeNimes all offering their take on the style, all aesthetics and budgets are covered so you’re spoilt for choice.
Keep scrolling to shop the best.
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Missoma Baroque Pearl Claw T-Bar Necklace
With chunky metal T-bar clasp that’s 18kt gold plated sterling silver and 8mm freshwater pearls, Missoma’s design is a classic with an edge. Worn on its own, it will instantly elevate any evening look, whether you wear the hardware at the front or the back.
Buy now £169.00, Missoma
Éliou este pearl & gold-plated necklace
A favourite of Harry Styles, and his stylist Harry Lambert, Miami-based jewellery brand Éliou is one that should be on your radar.
Offering a selection of playful, colourful and fun necklaces, these uneven pearls hit the brief. With a surfy, wanderlust aesthetic, this is the perfect holiday accessory.
Buy now £135.00, MatchesFashion
Hatton Labs Classic sterling-silver and freshwater pearl necklace
Whilst Hatton Labs offers a great selection of silver jewellery, it’s also a label that’s well-known for its colourful pearl designs.
With a selection of classic white freshwater pearls that are broken up with blue, pink and purple iterations, you can easily see the brand’s signature sense of fun.
Buy now £540.00, Selfridges
Serge Denimes Polished sterling-silver and pearl bead necklace
If your go-to is a silver chain, but you’re ready to try pearls, Serge Denimes’ design is a happy hybrid. Featuring 66 shell pearls on a sterling silver cable chain, it’s a more wallet friendly option for the real deal at £115.
Buy now £115.00, Selfridges
Completedworks Pearl, tiger's eye & recycled silver necklace
The Seventies are back! The strip of tiger’s eye beads on London-based Completedworks’ necklace have a distinctly vintage feel - and we’re here for it.
Buy now £385.00, MatchesFashion
Chained + Able Pearl T-Bar Necklace
Although Chained + Able’s design isn’t made using precious metals or genuine pearls, for £12, it’s a great second best. With a hefty T-bar closure and a longer length, it’s a masculine take that’s just as timeless.
Buy now £12.00, Urban Outfitters
Mejuri Dual Pearl Necklace
If you can’t decide whether silver or pearls goes better with your look, the good news is that this necklace that does it all. In the words of Hannah Montana, you get the best of both worlds.
Buy now £175.00, Mejuri
Vivienne Westwood Man Mini Bas Relief Pearl Necklace
Dating back to the Eighties, Vivienne Westwood’s pearl necklace is one that’s stood the test of time.
Handcrafted using Swarovski pearls with the label’s iconic orb pendant front and centre, it’s a punky staple that’s in the jewellery collections of celebs and influencers alike.
Buy now £150.00, Vivienne Westwood
Faded Future faux pearl pendant neck chain in gold
Featuring a chunky gold-tone steel chain and a faux pearl pendant, at £6, ASOS’s design is ideal if you want to test the pearl waters without fully committing to the aesthetic - or the price tag.
Buy now £6.60, ASOS
