Pearl jewellery has been around for centuries (literally—it’s thought to date back to 420 BC), but it looks pretty different to how it looked even 50 years ago. Your grandma’s strings might have classic elegance, but pearls in 2025 have been given a modern makeover, dominating the biggest spring/summer catwalks and making themselves known as one of this year’s hottest jewellery trends.
Back in the day, pearls were something of a status symbol, with the roundest, cleanest pearls being an undebatable mark of wealth. But today’s pearl jewellery has been reimagined in contemporary designs that do more than just showcase someone’s financial status. Here’s everything you should know about the modern pearls of 2025.
Why Pearls Are Making a Comeback
Pearls are no longer viewed as dated, and in 2025, we’re not only reserving them for formal occasions.
This year, we’ve seen big fashion houses and celebrity stylists alike bringing pearls into everyday wear. The big appeal of pearl jewellery is that it spans across generations, and modern designers like Freya Pearls are creating timeless pieces using affordable South Sea Pearls to appeal to millennials and Gen Z as well as older generations of jewellery lovers.
The Modern Spin on Classic Pearls
The pearl jewellery we’ve seen on the runways this year often uses baroque, irregular shapes rather than traditional rounds. No, the classic round pearl isn’t going anywhere, but having new options that transcend what we’ve traditionally associated with is always fun.
We’ve also seen designers mix pearls with metals like gold vermeil, silver, or chunky chains for another take on jewellery that was originally seen as minimalist and understated. Plus, asymmetry and layered looks are trending instead of perfectly matched sets.
Pearls in Everyday Fashion
We’re seeing pearls featured in casual jewellery pieces, like hoop earrings and bracelets. There’s no need to only wear pearls at a black tie event, which can only be a good thing—while the ultra-rich might be invited to Gatsby-esque parties every other weekend, most of us only get out our fancy clothes once a year if we’re lucky.
Men’s fashion is also embracing pearls, especially in layered necklaces. Because who said any form of jewellery was reserved for women only?
Finally, sustainability and ethics are arguably more important today than they were 100 years ago, and this is reflected in the pearls sold today. Cultured, lab-grown pearls are becoming a sustainable alternative, and more people want to know that their pearls have been responsibly sourced.
How to Style Pearls Today
Pearls go with so many different looks, so if you’re not wearing slip dresses and vintage cardigans on the daily, you’ve still got lots of options.
You might want to see how celebrities are wearing pearls for some inspo. But if you just want some quick guidance, you could layer pearl necklaces with chains for contrast or mix pearl studs with mismatched earrings for something a bit edgier. In terms of your outfits, pearls look great with denim, oversized blazers, smart suits, and casual dresses.