Modern Pearl Accessories for Spring 2020
Photo by 湉双 陈 from Pexels
Warmer weather is on the horizon and with that comes short sleeves, cool breezes and accessories replacing scarves from the cold winter.
Pearls have been on the come up, brought further into rotation by brands like Tiffany’s and Chanel and stars like Harry Styles and Gigi Hadid.
Here are a few styles of pearls to try out for the new season that can add a sprinkle of pizazz to your spring looks!
Shopbop
Shopbop is a large online store specializing in contemporary and designer accessories. They have it all – from clothing to bags – but most importantly, they have a variety of jewelry options.
These Amore earrings from Shashi are $38 and made in the USA from Swarovski pearls. Made from 18K gold plated brass, these French hook-style earrings would go great with a billowy top, a spring essential. A rose gold alternative would be Jennifer Behr’s Melodie earrings, also made in the USA with Swarovski pearls, which are $172. With all Shopbop orders made in the USA, there’s free shipping!
For a more classic look, Shopbop has Kenneth Jay Lane Small Glass Pearl Post Earrings for $14. Also made in the USA, these studs have a 22k gold plate closure. To match your earrings with a necklace, Kenneth Jay Lane has an imitation pearl necklace with a “22k gold-plated ring-and-toggle clasp” at $42.
Lulus
Lulus is also a great online store that showcases different types of clothes and jewelry at more affordable prices. These small gold Halo Again earrings made from faux pearls are simple and could go with any outfit – plus they are only $11! A matching style from Lulus is their Darling Little Thing hair pin set. For a more boho look, Lulus has unique gold and freshwater pearl earrings for $14.
Etsy
Etsy is another great marketplace for jewelry of all kinds. If you’re looking for a more handmade and unique feel, this is the place for you. Most sellers on Etsy are small-business owners that make great handmade pieces. There’s such a variety on this site that everyone can find the perfect piece.
Shop E&E Project sells elegant pearl drop earrings with two options: sterling silver or gold-filled. These earrings are handmade with Swarovski pearls for $41 (sterling silver) and $44 (gold-filled). If earrings aren’t your vibe, then another shop, Blushes and Gold sells a minimalistic pearl choker starting at $57. This necklace is handmade and uses freshwater pearls with options of 14k gold-filled, rose gold-filled or sterling silver, made in New York City.
Both of these shops have many other styles to fit your style aesthetic!
Owner Asish Gupta of Eravos Jewelers in Tysons Corner said pearls target a “niche” consumer.
“There are freshwater pearls, seawater pearls, these are all cultural pearls. Natural pearls are very very pricey so nobody touches it, seriously,” Gupta said. “But some people, some very very classy people still prefer the natural pearls.”
Gupta said a strand of pearls could possibly cost close to $100,000, depending on different factors such as the quality and place.
Pearl customers are usually those fifty and above, he said. And even then, most don’t wear a piece of jewelry that is only composed of pearls.
“50 plus people, prefer a couple of pearls in a necklace,” Gupta said. “...but totally pearl thing is not in trend at all.”
Gupta cites Japanese Mikimoto Kōkichi as “one of the best.” Kōkichi created the first cultured pearl in 1893, according to the brand’s site.
While pearls may not be big in the Millenials and Gen Z market, many brands and celebrities are bringing back a classic jewelry trend in more ways than one.
