Think Marilyn Monroe dripping in pearl necklaces, or the late Queen Elizabeth II in any number of heirlooms pieces passed down from generations before her. Pearls are a timeless classic, enduring decades of evolving styles, loved by royalty and Hollywood starlets alike, evoking glamour and sophistication.
On public occasions, Her Majesty often wore a triple pearl necklace gifted by her grandfather, King George V, with a pair of pearl and diamond studs. The studs are known as the Queen Mary button earrings and Her Majesty inherited them from her grandmother.
The new royals have continued the pearl trend, but now the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh have updated their pearl pieces with a more contemporary look. At the Order of the Garter service in June, the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh both opted for stylish pearl pieces with a modern feel.
Sophie wore a co-ordinating droplet style necklace and earring set. The drop setting feels less traditional than, for example, the button pearl earrings so often worn by Queen Elizabeth II, while the diamonds add a little extra texture and sparkle.
The Princess of Wales, on the other hand, mixed a traditional, multi-strand pearl necklace (a firm royal favourite across the years) with a statement pair of gold and pearl earrings set in a cross-like shape. Kate often wears pearl pieces in more modern styles, including from brands like Missoma and Monica Vinader which stock pieces at more accessible price points.
While we might have expected the traditional jewel to have remained a feature of royal wardrobes, pearls are also having a renaissance on the necklines, earlobes and wrists of celebrities everywhere.
Stacey Solomon wore a handmade freshwater pearl bracelet by small business Tomm jewellery, resulting in the brand going viral. Meanwhile, the much anticipated nuptials between Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck saw J.Lo embracing pearls as part of multiple wedding looks on the day - a stone she has worn at events many times over the years.
And, if an old-fashioned string of tiny white globes still spring to mind, then think again. Modern, asymmetric shapes, droplets and hybrid jewellery which mixes various stones and metals are now all the rage, meaning a truly varied selection of stunning pieces are available.
Pearls are even beginning to challenge the classic diamond as a go-to choice, as pearl engagement rings begin to seep onto the scene. While historically pearls were priceless jewels reserved for aristocracy, they are becoming increasingly affordable, and faux pearls can often look just as good as the real thing.
If you're looking for a way to make pearls feel modern, look towards unusual shapes (such as asymmetrically shaped fresh water pearls - Monica Vinader, a favourite brand of Kate's, have some great options) or an interesting setting (Missoma do a 'molten' setting while Lily & Roo are a good option if you want a little more sparkle).
Here are some of our favourite pearl pieces, beginning with neckalces:
Mini Nugget Pearl Beaded Necklace Adjustable 41-46cm/16-18"
Lucy Williams Square Mother of Pearl Necklace
Pearl bracelets are a subtle way to embrace the trend and we love the delicate look pearls afford the jewellery:
MONICA VINADER Keshi recycled 18ct yellow gold-plated vermeil sterling silver and freshwater pearl bracelet
One of the more modern takes on the scene is the pearl ring:
Gold Floe Pearl Ring
And the pearl earring is an enduringly iconic option which never goes out of style, whether featured in the likes of Johannes Vermeer's famous painting, or on the lobes of modern duchesses:
Amy Powney Keshi Pearl Large Drop Earrings
Rosaria Earrings
