Pearl necklaces have long been associated with an old school femininity — inextricable elegance and sophistication.
Grace Kelly — the epitome of bygone elegance — was rumoured to have once said "The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens". And we couldn't agree more.
The American actress turned Princess had a long love affair with pearls, famously remarking, "I favour pearls on screen and in my private life".
Jackie Kennedy was also a dedicated pearl habitué, saying, "Pearls are always appropriate". Indeed, the former First Lady was so often photographed wearing pearls they seemed a natural extension of her.
While layered and single string pearls are the timeless designs reinforced by a minimal aesthetic and pristine pearls, there are also a whole host of jewellery designers who are reinventing the established stones.
With brands like Olivia & Pearl, Alighieri and Mizuki leading the pack, the pearl has taken on new and inventive forms targeted specifically for the modern woman.
Designed as a pendant on a classic chain, taking new shapes, as a traditional string or adorned on a choker, pearl necklaces come in many shapes and sizes.
How do you take care of pearl jewellery?
While you may save your pearls for special occasions, you actually help the gems retain their lustre by wearing them as they absorb the oils from your skin.
That being said, put them on after your perfume as it may erode the pearls or immediately wipe them if they come into direct contact with any fragrance.
Before putting your pearls away, wipe them clean with a soft cloth and wrap them in a pouch to prevent them getting scratched and to avoid chemicals. Do not store them somewhere that is too dry as they may crack.
See our favourites.
Chain pearl necklaces
Annoushka Gold Seed Pearl Long Chain
This elegant Annoushka necklace is comprised of a variety of peach, pink and creamy white freshwater pearls with a high gloss finish that are set on an 18 carat yellow gold chain. The 90cm chain length that can be worn long or wrapped twice around the neck.
£995 | Annoushka | Buy it now
Peggy Pearl Necklace
For an everyday set that will add instant sophistication to any ensemble, this Astley Clarke necklace combines freshwater pearls with an adjustable sterling silver chain. The piece – that is also offered in 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat rose gold vermeil – has an adjustable length, varying from 14 – 16 inches and so can be made into a choker.
£195 | Astley Clarke | Buy it now
Pearls by the Yard Sprinkle Necklace
An understated but elegant addition to your jewellery collection, this pearl necklace from Tiffany & Co. is part of the Elsa Peretti collection. The necklace has a 36-inch sterling silver chain with 12 freshwater cultured pearls that have been carefully selected for their quality and beauty.
£1,200 | Tiffany & Co. | Buy it now
Night Market Pearl Necklace
Made in Italy, this extravagant pearl and bead layered necklace from Night Market features a tie fastening at the back, this is a statement pearl piece that cannot go unmissed.
£144 | Farfetch | Buy it now *On sale now, was £343
Layered Pearl Necklace
This statement piece is decorated with faux pearls to bring glamour to your evening and day wear. The sophisticated necklace has a long length on a gold-tone chain.
£48 | Anthropologie | Buy it now
Links of London Orbs Pearl Choker
Links of London is reimagining classic pearl designs with the Orbs collection. The range includes earrings, a ring and this necklace where freshwater pearls are set alongside drop hanging variations on an adjustable sterling silver chain. This necklace can be worn as a choker or with three longer lengths.
£395 | Links of London | Buy from April 8
Pendant pearl necklaces
Violette Necklace by Drajée
In the theme of French-girl chic, the Violette necklace is the sophisticated stunner for black-tie events and anywhere you're expected to look head-to-toe gorgeous. For accomplished collectors, the 18ct gold layered pendant necklace is detailed in a single polished pearl. For effortless elegance it doesn't get better than this.
£675 | Drajée | Buy it now
The remedy, chapter i
Taking a unique approach to the precious gem, this pendant necklace from London-based label Alighieri features unique baroque pearl that is designed to resemble a vile or potion-bottle. Each piece is made to order and is cast in 24 carat gold-plated bronze.
£210 | Alighieri | Buy it now
Maria Nilsdotter Silver Claw Necklace With Black Pearl
An edgier take on the classic pearl by jewellery designer Maria Nilsdotter. We love the claw grasping the pearl like a hawk catching its next feast — a delicate touch for a powerful woman.
£340 | Browns Fashion | Buy it now
9ct Yellow Gold Pearl Pendant
With the addition of a playful gold-coated shell housing, this necklace has a pearl pendant with an oyster-like casing. The dangling pendant is offered with a 9 carat yellow gold chain.
£80 | Goldsmiths | Buy it now
Freshwater Pearl Pendant
A lovely introduction to pearl jewellery, this necklace would make a fine gift to mark a special occasion and is subtle enough to wear everyday. The cultured freshwater pearl and 9ct yellow gold necklace is on a 45cm chain and is currently offered on sale.
£39.99 | H.Samuel | Buy it now
Mizuki diamond, pearl & gold choker
Inspired by the organic shapes found in nature, the Japanese label Mizuki has brought a fresh, contemporary take on a pearl necklace. The choker silhouette is adorned with a Keshi pearl – a rare gem formed without a nucleus. It is set on a 14kt gold slim band with a 0.11cts diamond.
£2,630 | Matches Fashion | Buy it now
String pearl necklaces
Louison Pearl Necklace
Add a sophisticated flair to any black tie look with a string of pearl that is further embellished with a sparkling rhodium-plated crystal leaf design. The crystals are set alongside luminous Swarovski Crystal Pearls and radiates elegance.
£169 | Swarovski | Buy it now
Pearl Necklace
The classic design of this pearl necklace from Tiffany & Co. originates from the 1920s and is a true testament to the timeless style. The 16 inch chain is adorned with freshwater cultured pearls and a sterling silver clasp.
£545 | Tiffany & Co. | Buy it now
Susan Caplan Monet Vintage Necklace
This 1970s vintage piece was originally designed by jeweller Monet who found widespread popularity after the Second World War. The faux pearl necklace has an elegant drop detailing with emerald-cut, round-cut and marquis-cut Swarovski crystals set on an adjustable chain.
£85 | Harvey Nichols | Buy it now
Graduate Pearl Necklace
Olivia & Pearl specialise in the reinvention of classic pearl pieces at affordable price tags with a range of traditional and innovative designs. This piece has a combination of natural pink and white freshwater pearls on a 9 carat gold clasp that can be adjusted to a choker length.
£350 | Olivia & Pearl | Buy it now
Kojis 18ct Gold Freshwater Pearl Necklace
A graceful and refined necklace made with 78 gorgeous freshwater pearls and 18ct gold accents finished with a gold ball clasp closure. If you're looking for an affordable investment piece this is an excellent choice.
£295 | Liberty | Buy it now
