Pearls are back: how to wear pearls the modern way
Pearls are back, and they're more playful than ever. Here's how to wear them the modern way: mix a pearl with warm gold, put a pearl necklace next to a bold chunky chain, add a pearl hoop to your ear stack and wear them with your coziest chunky knit or simply with jeans. The more relaxed the outfit, the fresher the pearl looks.
How to wear pearls the modern way
Five ways to wear pearls now:
- Mix with gold: a pearl in a gold setting, or pearls next to sleek gold pieces.
- Next to a chunky chain: delicate pearls and a bold link chain, with a few centimeters between them.
- In your ear stack: one pearl hoop between small studs and an ear cuff.
- With a knit sweater: soft pearls on chunky knitwear, just right for fall.
- With denim: a white tee, your favorite jeans and one pearl. Done.
Good to know: pearl-look is not waterproof. Further down you will find how to keep it looking lovely.
Why pearls feel so fresh right now
For a long time pearls belonged in grandma's jewelry box: a prim strand with a neat suit. Now you see them everywhere, but worn more loosely. One pearl on a fine gold chain, little pearls between tiny gold beads, a pearl on a hoop. That contrast between classic and casual is exactly what makes them modern.
Pearls are also incredibly versatile. They are playful with jeans and a sweater, and at the same time the classic, understated choice for a farewell. Read more in what jewelry to wear to a funeral. All pearls in this article are pearl-look: the soft sheen of pearl combined with premium stainless steel.
1. Mix pearls with gold
The easiest way to make pearls modern: pair them with warm gold. A pearl in a gold setting, little pearls between gold beads or a pearl bracelet next to a smooth gold chain. The creamy sheen of pearl and warm gold bring out the best in each other, so the look feels sunny instead of stiff. Prefer silver? Pearls look just as good with it, only cooler and fresher. Read how to mix metals in how to combine gold and silver.
Shop the look
Pärla – pearl
Pärla is Swedish for pearl. Five little pearls around your neck, hoops with a pearl accent, a delicate pearl bracelet and a ring with a mother-of-pearl sheen: classic, but light and modern.
- Esmee necklace with five little pearls
- Lenna hoops with pearl
- Vivienne pearl bracelet
- Philippa mother-of-pearl ring
2. Pearls next to a chunky chain
In the mood for something bolder? Put a delicate pearl necklace next to a thick link chain. The softness of the pearls and the graphic look of a chunky chain make each other more interesting. Wear the chunky chain shortest, around 40 centimeters, and the pearls a few centimeters lower. Or choose a double-strand pearl necklace: the layering is already built in. Find more combinations in how to layer necklaces.
3. A pearl hoop in your ear stack
Pearls in your ear stack are the most fun way to try the trend. Start at the bottom with a pearl hoop, add a small stud or ball above it and finish with an ear cuff. One pearl per ear is enough: it keeps things light and playful. Feel free to mix gold and silver; pearl goes with both. Read more about the layered ear in earring trends 2026, and find ready-made combinations in the ear party.
4. Casual pearls: with a knit sweater and with denim
With a knit sweater
This is the combination for fall. Soft pearls on chunky knitwear feel surprisingly modern: pearl studs with a turtleneck, a delicate pearl necklace over a crew neck or a pearl bracelet peeking out from under your sleeve. The chunkier the sweater, the better the contrast.
With denim
A white tee, your favorite jeans and a pearl: that is all you need. Denim takes the formality out of pearls. Try a pearl drop on a fine chain with a denim shirt, or a pearl ring with jeans and sneakers. Precisely because the rest is so simple, the pearl stands out.
Also lovely: mother-of-pearl
Mother-of-pearl is the glossy inner layer of a shell, with the same soft, rainbow-like sheen as a pearl. As a flat heart or a round stone it feels even more graphic and contemporary. Feel free to combine it with pearls: they are family.
How to keep your pearls looking lovely
To be honest: pearl-look is not waterproof. The stainless steel handles water just fine, but the pearl sheen itself is more delicate. With these habits your pearls will stay lovely for a long time:
- Last on, first offPerfume, body lotion and hairspray first, then your pearls.
- Keep them out of the waterTake them off in the shower, in the sea, in the pool and when you work out. Got them wet anyway? Pat them dry straight away.
- Wipe after wearingWith a dry, soft cloth. No cleaning products or polishing cloths.
- Store separatelyIn a pouch or compartment, so they don't rub against chunkier chains.
Mother-of-pearl is a natural material, so keep that dry as well. The pieces without pearls in this article, like the chunky chains, are made of premium stainless steel with a PVD coating: those are waterproof and hypoallergenic. Find more tips per material in how to clean jewelry by material.
Pearls as a gift
Pearls are one of the easiest gifts: timeless, feminine and completely of the moment. Small pearl studs are a safe choice; a pearl necklace or pearl bracelet makes a little more of an impression. Every piece ships in a luxury gift box, and when you order in our own webshop you always get a free gift bag. With larger orders, the gift ladder adds free gifts too. Order before 3 pm (CET) on a working day and we ship the same day; for costs and delivery times, see our shipping page.
Frequently asked questions about wearing pearls
Are pearls back in style?
Yes. Pearls are one of the big jewelry trends right now, but in modern shapes: a single pearl on a fine gold chain, little pearls between links, a pearl on a hoop or a pearl bracelet. They are worn casually, with a sweater or jeans.
How do you wear pearls in a modern way?
Mix them with warm gold, pair a pearl necklace with a chunky chain, wear one pearl hoop in your ear stack and style them with casual clothes like a knit sweater or denim. The simpler the outfit, the more modern the pearl.
Do pearls go with gold or silver?
Both. With gold, pearls look warm and sunny; with silver they look cooler and fresher. You can also mix: pearl goes with both metals.
Can you shower or swim with pearl-look jewelry?
No. Pearl-look is not waterproof. Take your pearls off before you shower, swim or work out, and pat them dry straight away if they do get wet.
How do you care for pearl-look jewelry?
Put them on last, after perfume and hairspray, and take them off first. Wipe them with a dry, soft cloth after wearing and store them away from chunkier chains.
What is the difference between real pearls and pearl-look?
Real pearls grow inside an oyster or mussel and are precious and delicate. Pearl-look has the same soft sheen but is man-made, more affordable and more uniform in shape. Pearl-look is best kept dry too.
How do you combine a pearl necklace with other necklaces?
Wear the boldest necklace shortest and the pearl necklace a few centimeters lower. A difference of about 4 to 5 centimeters works well. A double-strand pearl necklace has the layering built in.
What is mother-of-pearl?
Mother-of-pearl is the glossy inner layer of a shell, with the same rainbow-like sheen as a pearl. In jewelry you see it as a flat heart or round stone, for example in a ring or pendant.
Are pearls appropriate at a funeral?
Yes, pearls are actually the classic choice at a funeral: they glow softly and have long symbolized tears. Keep it understated, with small pearl studs or a single pearl on a fine chain.
Ready to mix up your pearls?
Discover all Lundholm pearl jewelry, always in a luxury gift box.
