Modern Man & Pearl Jewelry Trends
When you picture a strand of pearls, who do you imagine wearing them? Many people would be quick to say, Princess Diana or Audrey Hepburn. But can men wear pearls, too? According to history and Hollywood, the answer is a resounding yes.
While some still believe pearls are accessories that belong in their grandma’s jewelry box, more and more men are discovering the timeless charm and power of these classic gems. Men wearing pearls symbolize a shift from traditional gender norms, showcasing a personal expression of fashion.
From strings of pearls to single pendants, the modern man can and has been modeling this genderless jewelry trend that’s here to stay. Discover your new style outlet with this men’s fashion accessories guide to pearl jewelry.
Pearls: Stylish Gems for Men
While new red-carpet and sports-field looks have brought pearls for men to the forefront of luxury fashion trends, men wearing pearls is old news—try centuries old. Nobles of all strides from traditional Indian Maharajas to European kings could be spotted donning these precious undersea gems as a symbol of power.
Now, modern men are getting with the program.
Pearls have quickly become a staple of genderless style. These gems are featured in diverse pieces like men’s necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. Innovations in pearl development and jewelry design have given this gift from the sea new meaning, and you can now find black and colored pearls paired with androgynous hardware and other details that speak to the unique style of both the feminine and masculine.
Popular Styles of Pearl Jewelry for Men
Pearl jewelry for the modern man doesn’t start and end with the classic single-strand necklace. Instead, it often combines these timeless gems with modern favorites like silver, gold, diamonds, and more for a unique and androgynous look. Let’s explore.
Pearl Necklaces
What’s more versatile than a pearl necklace? Some popular pearl necklace styles for men include:
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Single strands
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Layered strands
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Drop pendants
Keep it classic with an all-pearl necklace or get experimental with jewelry length and try chunky silver chains, artistic charms, or other precious stones.
Pearl Bracelets
Give your wrists the same love with pearl men’s bracelets. Keep it subtle with a single pearl bangle or fully embrace the sea with a complete strand. Consider bracelets that combine pearls with colored beads for an elevated beachy feel.
Pearl Rings
Again, the ocean floor is the limit with pearl jewelry—that goes for pearl rings, too.
You can find pearls inset in practically any precious metal and molded into any style. If you don’t want a full pearl worn on your finger, you can try bands with flat, mother-of-pearl in-lays for a subtle, lustrous shine.
How to Wear Pearl Necklaces in Men’s Fashion
If you love the look of pearls but don’t know when to wear them, here’s a dose of styling inspiration to get you started.
Casual Looks with Pearls
Pearl jewelry is genderless—it’s occasionless, too.
Pair your pearl necklace with a sports jersey to cheer on your favorite players (some of whom may be sporting pearls themselves), or add a pearl bracelet to your daily pieces to complete your look.
Formal Outfits with Pearls
Of course, the easiest way to dress up a formal look is with a few glistening pearls.
If you have a major dinner event, add a strand of pearls over your shirt collar to elevate your typical evening fit. Or, if you want to make a statement at your next black-tie party, layer on the pearl rings and necklaces for a sophisticated, nautical look.
Famous Men Who Wear Pearls
Male celebrities—from mega-star Harry Styles to all-star Joc Pederson—have been on the pearl boat for years. Whether stunning on the red carpet or winning the World Series, these men exude confidence and sophistication thanks to these wonders of the sea. These cultural icons demonstrate how men wearing pearl necklaces and other jeweled accessories can positively impact future fashion trends.
Genderless fashion and pearl jewelry trends have taken Hollywood for a dip. Other notable male celebrities who have made a splash while dripping in pearls include:
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A$AP Rocky
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Shawn Mendes
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Timothée Chalamet
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Pharrell Williams
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Sir Elton John
And keep your eyes peeled for more pearl looks on the soccer and football fields from players like Raheem Sterling, James Maddison, and Garrett Wilson.
Why Quality Matters When Choosing Pearl Jewelry
Pearls are unique gems formed by mollusks (think clams and oysters) through a long 5- to 10-year process. “Real,” natural pearls are nearly impossible to find today due to their extreme rarity. Instead, humans can “farm” or cultured pearls by kickstarting the pearl-growing process inside the mollusks.
While created with human help, jewelers still consider cultured pearls to be real, and they almost exclusively make up the authentic pearl market. Imitation pearls, on the other hand, are not grown at all but are made from glass beads and fish-scale luster.
Not all cultured pearls are created equal. Only 5% of cultured pearls meet the standards of the Cultured Pearl Association of America. They grade a pearl’s quality based on factors such as:
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Size
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Shape
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Color
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Luster
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Surface
Quality impacts the appearance of your pearl jewelry as well as its longevity. Choosing high-quality pieces—both in pearl quality and jewelry construction—will enhance your pearl-styled looks.
Embrace the Modern Man Style with Pearl Jewelry from John Hardy
Pearls enhance any look no matter your gender, and you can harness the strength and resilience of the sea with authentic pearl jewelry from John Hardy.
We craft every piece with cultured freshwater pearls and the highest-quality sterling silver, gold, or other precious stones. Explore the full collection online or visit one of our boutiques today.
Sources:
CNN. Men want pearls and they’re not afraid to wear them. https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/13/business/men-wearing-pearls/index.html
Forbes. Mikimoto Banks On Pearls For Men As A Trend Here To Stay. https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2023/09/01/mikimoto-banks-on-pearls-for-men-as-a-trend-here-to-stay/
Jewelers of America. Pearl Buying Guide. https://www.jewelers.org/buying-jewelry/jewelry-buying-guides/pearl-buying-guide