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Pearls can make a woman of any age look fashionable and sophisticated when worn properly.

It is a common misconception to think that pearls can make one look old-fashioned. Leading fashion stylists and designers will all agree with the right knowledge and etiquette, pearls can be an elegant addition to your wardrobe. 

Whether it is a busy day at the office, a trip to the supermarket for errands to a night out in the town with your special someone – pearls are a versatile and timeless item to add to your jewelry collection because of how well they work in both casual and formal occasions.

To help we have listed below helpful pearl etiquette tips to update your style.

When to wear pearls

A pearl necklace or a set of earrings, rings, or bracelets can come in a variety of shapes, colors, and designs. This is why pearls can serve as both a statement piece and as an understated addition to your wardrobe. A lustrous set of Akoya pearls, whether worn as a necklace or as stud earrings, can do wonders for your appearance.

It is essential to choose pearl jewelry according to what occasion you will wear them for. An elegant one-strand necklace or a dainty pair of stud pearl earrings can lift any work outfit or your go-to weekday choice of jeans and a plain t-shirt. For special occasions like a night at the opera, go with larger statement pieces, oversized pears, or multi-layered necklaces that should be worn with understated outfits. On basic days, keep your pearl accessories simple so as not to interfere with the demands of your day.

Pick the right color, size, and length for your body type

In any combination we decide to wear, choosing the right color to match our skin tone is apparent in any fashion choice. The hues you pick for the fabric are dependent on what looks best on your skin tone. When choosing the right pearls to update your style, the basic rule is pale skin tones pair well with rosy tones, darker or olive skin tones pair great with cream or golden tones. Pure white pearls are fabulous with any skin tone and can bring a chic and contemporary feel to any outfit.

Select pearls that can flatter your body type. A choker pearl necklace, for example, works better for women with a tall, slim build. Fuller frames may need to move away from small pearl pieces and go for larger pearls and of a longer length to produce a more slimming silhouette. The princess-length pearl necklace, which ranges from 42 to 45 cm, is a flexible accessory to have because it invariably suits most occasions and changing dress necklines.

The length of your pearl necklace

If you are about to attend a special matinee the standard length of your pearl necklace should be between 50 – 70 cm. You’ll look spectacular at a night at the opera with a longer set of pearls that go from 76 – 92 cm. Go shorter for a more open-neck or off-the-shoulder look.

An office outfit will need a one-strand necklace that should not fall past your bust line. At work, you would want your pearl necklace to compliment your office outfit and not overpower it. It is important to also consider style and function while picking out a pearl necklace that you can wear every day to the office. Consider a pearl pendant with a simple gold or silver chain if you want a more modern and chic look.

Small pearls for the younger

Pearls make a great coming-of-age gift for young girls between the ages of 16 to 21. A younger girl will appreciate a smaller, and more delicate pearl necklace or pair of pearl stud earrings that can range from around 3 mm to the dainty rice pearl necklaces. These kinds of pearls also make great gifts for your goddaughter, bridesmaids, or any younger girl in your family which she can cherish for the rest of her life.

Larger pearls work better as we age, and set in more ornate designs combined with other precious stones which can be effectively used to accent your outfit as a necklace, bracelet, or pair of dangling earrings, or even as a multi-layered pearl bracelet.

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Mix and layer it up

Wear your pearls in unusual ways by mixing them up and layering them with your other jewelry. Pearls look great when combined with gold, diamond, and even Swarovski crystals. Use your creativity and ingenuity by making your own unique look. Explore by transforming your pearl necklace with a silver chain that can be wrapped around your wrist and serve as a chic bracelet. 

Don’t be afraid to mix different design aesthetics, colors, sizes, and types of pearls to achieve a unique bohemian look. Long knotted pearl necklaces do not only look spectacular with a black dress but can also be worn closer to the neck or unraveled and knotted around one’s waist. The combinations are endless!

In Closing

Pearls are a precious gift to us from the ocean that has characterized beauty, wealth, and femininity throughout history. Pearls have been worn by many famous women and are now readily accessible to more women across the globe. Pearls have a wonderful way of being able to complement one’s skin tone, hair, and eye color regardless of your nationality.

Be it a simple pearl necklace, a chunky bracelet, or a dainty pair of pearl earrings there is a design and variety that will work for any occasion. A pearl’s versatility can complement and brighten even the dullest wardrobe when worn correctly. All you need is a bit of patience and ingenuity to explore what best looks good on you and reflects your personal taste and style.