Pearl jewellery is cool again thanks to Princess Kate – and it’s more affordable than you think
Pearl jewellery has always been a staple of the royals, and right now, it’s everywhere from the high street to street style. Up until a few years ago, pearls had been resigned to nothing more than a string of pearls or the fancy dress essential to wear to a Gatsby themed party.
And thanks to Princess Kate’s love of a pearl plus some clever reimagining of the traditional jewellery gemstone, we’re seeing pearls in all their glory – from dainty pearls on huggies and delicate rings to large, irregular shaped stones on chunky gold chains, big, bold pearls on statement earrings and beaded styles too.
© AFP via Getty ImagesPrincess Kate is often seen in her go-to pair of Annoushka pearl earrings, whether to a glitzy red carpet event or an informal royal engagement, and relies on classic pearl pieces and modern-skewed pearl jewellery to elevate her look, whatever the occasion. She’s also been known to re-wear the Monica Vinader Nura Pearl Necklace, most recently worn to the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall last November. She accessorised her elegant black coat dress by Alexander McQueen with a pair of Collingwood pearl earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana, and the pearl necklace.
© Max Mumby/IndigoShe often wears affordable pearl jewellery mixed with heirloom pieces, including pearl jewellery that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth. Earlier this month, the Princess of Wales wore the late Queen’s four-strand pearl choker necklace, originally gifted to the Queen by the Japanese government during her first visit to Japan in 1975. Designed by Garrard, the official Crown Jeweller, it was also famously worn by Princess Diana and was the meaningful jewellery piece Kate chose to wear to Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.
They’re a beautiful gift to give your mum on Mother’s Day, as they’re beautifully timeless and transcend trends.
How to wear pearls now
Think of pearls as you would gold or silver jewellery – something for everyday, for special occasions and just because. I love how contemporary pearl pieces are designed to fit into an everyday uniform of jeans and T-shirts, with pearls designed to sit flat against the skin or as additions to hoops. Pearl studs are of course, forever chic, and look just as elegant enveloped in a structural gold shape as they do left alone, or as a drop pendant on hoop earrings (like Princess Kate).
Don’t be afraid to go classic, like Kate, with drop pearl pendants, simple pearl earrings or a single strand of pearls. I love the look of layering a single pearl strand with a diamond tennis necklace, or adding a single pearl stud to your earring stack.
Look to influencers and street style for pearl styling inspiration, where pearls are incorporated into simple outfits. They’re fancy, without being too fanciful.
As Kate proves, these days, pearls are considered as cool as they are classic – from high street pearl jewellery to designer pieces, there’s plenty of pearl jewellery to choose from.
How I chose the best pearl jewellery
- Style: Since pearls are considered a classic, I’ve challenged that pre-conceived idea by including not just timeless pieces, but more contemporary styles too to show the versatility of pearls.
- Price: Pearl jewellery can be expensive, like all jewellery, but the high street has pearl-imitation jewellery in abundance. I’ve kept the price tag under £200 on this occasion.
- Trusted brands: I’ve not been lucky enough to see all of this jewellery IRL, but I’ve included brands I know and trust. These are the brands I personally shop, or my colleagues, or that get rave reviews from shoppers across the board.
Shop the best pearl jewellery I’m loving right now
Monica Vinader Mini Pearl Studs
© Monica Vinader- 18k Gold Vermeil & Pearl
- Earring height 4mm, width 4mm
Editor’s note:
Monica Vinader has many pearl pieces, from structural accessories to simple, timeless pearls including these super sweet mini pearl studs.
Crafted from 18k gold vermeil, the centre stone is a natural freshwater pearl which can slip seamlessly into your earring stack.
Estella Bartlett The Edit Link Chain Pearl Necklace
- Gold plated
- Freshwater pearl
Editor’s note:
A modern twist on a classic design, this necklace unites a natural pearl with a geometric link style chain in gold.
Mejuri Puffy Charlotte Pearl Drop Earring
- 18k Gold Vermeil
- Freshwater pearls
Editor’s note:
I love these contemporary earrings, a trendy take on the traditional pearl earring. Puffy gold tiers and a freshwater drop pearl combine to create an earring worthy of a night out!
They’re also available in sterling silver.
M&S Freshwater Pearl Bubble Bracelet
Editor’s note:
Costume jewellery is a great way to tap into a trend, and M&S’ pearl bracelet is the sort of piece you could wear everyday, with its bubble-style pearls and elasticated band.
Orelia Pearl Drop Pavé Huggie Hoop Earrings
- Available in 18K gold plated or sterling silver
- Freshwater pearls
Editor’s note:
For those that love Princess Kate’s pearl hoops, but can’t stretch to the price tag, these are a great lookalike that give the same effect. The delicate huggie hoop feature a freshwater pearl charm for an update on the classic hoop.
Pandora Treated Freshwater Cultured Pearl Open Ring
- 14k gold-plated
- Freshwater pearls
Editor’s note:
How cool is this ring, which splits into three separate bands with a treated freshwater cultured pearl at the end of each band.
Abbott Lyon Pearl Chain Signature Name Necklace
- 18k gold plated stainless steel
- Vegan-friendly pearl
Editor’s note:
This unique necklace is not only cute, but bespoke to you with the choice of name being available on the necklace. How cool?
Lisa Angel Pearl and Chain Anklets
- 14ct gold plated brass
- Set of 2 anklets
Editor’s note:
Teeny pearls are forever cute, and I love them on an anklet like this Lisa Angel piece. Pop on and wear throughout the summer to add a little jewellery touch your whole look.
