It's no secret that pearl jewelry is a timeless and classic accessory, and it has been for centuries. And it's also no secret that pearl's rise in popularity and the 2022 Pearlcore trend brought on scads of updated, modern pearl jewelry designs - making all pearl lovers drool.

I noticed lately that most of today's modern pearl jewelry is geared toward adults. Don't get me wrong - I couldn't be happier. From the casual pearls I wear with my jeans and T-shirt, to the pearl jewelry I put on for fun family gatherings or elegant holiday parties - I have tons of pearls suitable for every occasion.

But with Spring on its way and special days like Easter and Mother's Day practically around the corner, it made me stop and think. What about the little ones?  

You know, those sweet little girls all dolled up in cute dresses with nicely styled hair and looking so pretty? Yes, those little ones!

 

Little Girls Just Wanna Wear Pearls, Too!

Watching little girls play dress-up with their mother or grandmother's jewelry is always fun. Do you remember doing this? I do! It made me feel so glamorous!

 

 

I recently wrote about the importance of the tradition of handing down heirloom pearls and family jewelry in a prior post. The beauty of starting a young girl on a pearl jewelry journey of her own not only creates a beautiful family tradition but also introduces her to the world of fine jewelry and the appreciation of quality craftsmanship.

But when is a good time to start purchasing quality jewelry, especially pear jewelry, for your little girl to wear? 

It's (almost) never too early to start a little girl on her own pearl jewelry journey if you ask me, but what are some things you should consider? 

In this post, I'll touch on a few things, such as…

• What's an appropriate age to get a little girl's ears pierced?

• And what's the best size of pearl for a little girl's first pair of pearl stud earrings?

• What's a good age to buy a quality strand of pearls for your little one? 

• What size pearls should the pearl necklace have on it?

• What length is appropriate for different ages of girls?

 

... So how do you start your little girl's pearl jewelry journey?

 

 

Although introducing young girls to pearl jewelry can happen at any age, it's typically a good idea to wait until a child is old enough to handle and care for the jewelry. An appropriate age to introduce young girls to pearl jewelry is generally between 5 and 7 years old. Many girls at this age are old enough to understand the significance of jewelry and take care of it with proper guidance.

Let's start off with the basics, shall we? 

 

Pearl Stud Earrings

The first piece of pearl jewelry a young girl often receives is a pair of pearl stud earrings after her ears are pierced. 

 

 

So what's an appropriate age to get a little girl's ears pierced if you didn't have it done shortly after her birth? I suggest somewhere between the ages of 6-8 years old. It could be sooner than this if your little one shows a great interest in jewelry and taking care of it. 

 

What Pearl Earring Size is Appropriate for a Little Girl?

 

These 6.0-7.0mm pearl earrings as seen on a grown female model might still be a tad too large for young girls under 10 years old. Try stepping down a size!

 

The size of pearls should be small and dainty, typically around 4 to 6 millimeters. This size is perfect for young girls as they are not too large and overpowering for their tiny ears.

 

These 5.0-5.5mm Japanese Akoya Pearl Stud Earrings are just right!

 

Additionally, Akoya pearls are a good choice for good-quality stud earrings since they're affordable and come in various sizes and colors. Freshwater pearls are another great choice - especially if your little one has her heart set on more adventurous colors! 

For more information on what sizes are appropriate as your little one grows, read our #1 Google ranked article on Finding Your Perfect Pearl Earring Size.

Also, it's a good idea to teach your child that wearing her pearl earrings - or any pearl jewelry - in the bath, shower or swimming pool isn't a good idea. Pearls can lose their beautiful luster over time if worn in the water.

For information on how to care for your pearls, please check out our helpful pearl care section here.

 

A Girl and Her Pearls!

As a young girl grows into her tween and teenage years, she’ll be ready for her first strand of pearls - the classic pearl necklace most people think of when they think of pearls.

A first pearl necklace for a young girl should feature pearls that are smaller in size, typically ranging from 5 to 7 millimeters. The most recommended size for a younger girl is achoker-length necklace, which is about 14 to 16 inches. 

Freshwater pearls are a good choice for any pearl necklace, as they are available in a wide variety of shapes and colors. But for those who love wearing a pearl necklace with many different outfits, then a string of Akoya pearls might be a better choice - for younger girls and adults, too!

Sharing your love of pearls with your child is an exciting adventure. It’s always fun starting your little one on her very own pearl jewelry journey. But what about when your child is no longer a little girl? How can you help your loved one with her pearl journey as she grows from a teenager to a young woman and beyond? I know it’s hard, but they do grow up!

 

 

And as a girl grows from a teenager into a young woman, it’s important to choose the right size and length of pearls to suit her personal style. Classically, a strand of Akoya pearls sized 7.0 to 7.5 millimeters is the go-to choice for a first, quality strand for a younger woman in their early to mid-20s, for instance.

 

The 7.0-7.5mm Akoya Pearl Necklace size is considered the "Go To" for young women starting at about 18 years of age, well up into their 50s and 60s!

 

We sell a lot of pearls here atPure Pearls, and this size range is perfect for a young woman because it’s not too small or too large. It makes an elegant and timeless piece that can be worn for any occasion - casual or dressier events - through the years. 

We get asked quite often what the length should be for a young woman’s first quality strand of pearls, and I often reply that aprincess length, which is about 18 inches, is the perfect length. I think this is a very flattering and versatile length, and it’s super easy to pair with a variety of outfits during any season of the year.

 

 

In addition to the size and length of the pearls, it is also essential to consider the quality of the pearls you purchase. High-quality pearls have a lustrous surface, a smooth and even shape, and a uniform color. When investing in a quality strand of pearls, it is essential to choose areputable jeweler - Pure Pearls, of course! - that you can trust to ensure the pearls you buy are of the highest quality and at the best price, too.

South Sea pearls or heirloom quality Hanadama Akoya pearls are another option for a luxury quality first strand. You can never go wrong with either of these choices! Trust me on this one!

 

 

Bracelets 

For those who may not be comfortable wearing necklaces or earrings, pearl bracelets are a great starter piece of pearl jewelry for a young girl. A simple pearl bracelet can be worn with any outfit and adds fun to your little girl's wardrobe. 

The great thing about bracelets is they're always appropriate, no matter the age or the occasion. Again, Freshwater pearls are an excellent choice for younger girls and teenagers when it comes to pearl bracelets, and for young adult women and older women alike, a nice Akoya pearl bracelet is an absolute must!

 

 

As a woman gets older and her personal style changes, it's very common for the size of the pearls on her pearl necklace to increase. Women in their 30s are opting for larger size pearls as they transition away from their first strand of pearls into strands of different kinds of pearls or pearl necklaces in longer lengths. 

Ultimately, the size and length of a woman's pearl necklace as she gets older should reflect her personal style and taste. And depending on the person, their individual style and the latest fashion trends, many are regularly wearinglarger pearls of 9.0 millimeters and up! They're gorgeous, I'm telling you!

 

 This Akoya Pearl Necklace measuring 8.5-9.0mm is large and luxurious!!

 

Trends influence the colors of pearls in today's world, too. It's perfectly okay to wear a strand of white pearls, but many women are opting for a striking, near black strand of Akoya pearls to up their style game. And it's a trend we don't see ending soon, either.

Many younger women are also drawn to the mystique of these darker-colored pearls, and they can be seen mixing them with longer strands of white Akoyas or South Sea pearls, too! 

 

 

Starting a young girl on a pearl jewelry journey is a beautiful tradition that can be treasured for a lifetime. From her first pair of pearl stud earrings to her first quality strand, pearls are a timeless and classic accessory that will never go out of style. 

With proper care and maintenance, a pearl necklace can be a cherished and timeless piece anyone can enjoy for a lifetime. If you're ever stumped on what size might be appropriate for a gift you're looking to purchase for someone - or for yourself, too - send me a message so I can answer your questions - I'm here to help.

 

Until Next Time,

 

XO!

 

Ashley