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Photo: Timothée Chalamet wearing a Vivienne Westwood pearl choker and sweater at "Bones and All" photocall in Rome. Mondadori Portfolio
Lucky for us pearl lovers, the pearls’ popularity in 2023 is bigger and more mainstream than ever.
Although 2022’s Pearlcore trend isn’t exactly passé, pearls’ role has evolved into a gem that, according to some sources, is practically more popular than diamonds right now!
But the evolution of how pearls are worn and by whom is what is so exciting!
Case in point – The RealReal detailed in their 2023 Luxury Consignment Report that shoppers’ interest in pearls, especially pearl bracelets, more than doubled from the third to the fourth quarter of 2022.
The buy now – pay later giant Klarna also found pearl jewelry trending as they reported an online uptick of pearl necklace sales by +32% compared to an average month in 2021, with pearl earrings as the third top-trending Regencycore item of 2022.
And according to a survey conducted by the Cultured Pearl Association of America in 2021, 44% of men aged 18-35 and 33% of men aged 35-54 are interested in purchasing pearl jewelry. Those are not small numbers!
The evolution of men's pearl jewelry is a fascinating journey spanning centuries. And while it's true that pearls have long been worn by kings and queens alike, the seemingly feminine pearl strand necklace has blossomed into a trend for men in recent years.
Sir Walter Raleigh, lover and consort to Queen Elizabeth I, pictured in his court portrait wearing a large drop-shaped natural pearl earring, with pearl embellished buttons, cape and pearl embellished pants. Photo: National Portrait Gallery
Gen Z men are some of the biggest fans of pearls and they're helping push the boundaries of how people view and wear pearl jewelry.
Photo: Singer Shaun Mendez wearing a keshi pearl necklace. Getty
Even though Gen Z males seem to have cornered the market on the essential strand of pearly whites, we're seeing variations of pearl necklaces on men of all ages, with individualized pearl necklaces of varied designs popping up all over.
The recent popularity of men wearing pearls can primarily be attributed to cultural shifts, fashion trends, and social media influence. Pearl jewelry can be seen daily being worn by many athletes, musicians, movie stars, and T.V. personalities.
Join me as we explore current men's pearl jewelry trends, including popular styles and how to wear them.
Photo credit: Malorca pearls. Alex Sanchez shows off his casual yet refined Malorca pearls.
Cultural shifts are playing a significant role in the rise of men's pearl jewelry lately. Gender norms and stereotypes are changing, and more men are embracing traditionally feminine styles of clothing and accessories. Men are becoming more comfortable expressing their individuality and personal style, and pearls are a perfect addition to this trend.
Fashion designers are incorporating more pearls into their collections and featuring them in unique and modern ways. From Dior to Chanel, Saint Laurent to AMIRI, designers were eager to drape male models in glowing pearls on runways the world over this year. This change in fashion trends contributes to the recent rise of men wearing pearl jewelry and has helped shift the perception of pearls as stuffy or outdated, making them more appealing to everyone wearing jewelry.
And then, of course, there's the social media factor. Platforms like Instagram, for example, have allowed for a broader and more diverse representation of fashion and style, breaking down traditional gender barriers. Men's fashion bloggers and influencers promote pearls as a stylish and fashionable accessory for men, making them more accessible and approachable.
Pharrell Williams has been spotted repeatedly rocking strands of pearls on his travels since 2014 - an early adopter of the pearl trend, and maybe even the catalyst for this renaissance himself! Photo credit: PriceScope
Big-name celebs and T.V. stars of all ages can be seen wearing pearls, and it's been a significant factor in the rise of men's pearl jewelry. Top male celebrities and athletes such as Harry Styles, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and LeBron James have been seen sporting pearls, making them a go-to choice for those who want to keep up with the latest trends in men's fashion. This trend helps promote the idea that pearls are not just for women but that they can be a stylish and versatile accessory for men, too.
The men of Love Island, Australia, definitely made a steamy splash during the 2023 season, with many dudes sporting pearl necklaces and slim pearl bracelets. This trend may be growing on me!
For instance, the men of Love Island – pretty much all the men on the show – were spotted wearing white pearl necklace strands. Each necklace was slightly different from the others in not only design aesthetic but also the way they were styled.
You see, that's the great thing about pearls. You can style them with gold and silver chains, necklaces with multiple-colored beads or gemstones and even layer them with oversized or petite pearl necklaces, depending on your desired style.
The signature design of a classic strand of white pearls knotted on silk reigns supreme. The iconic pearl necklace has definitely returned to its rightful place – the glowing spotlight!
Pearls with an edge - Harry Styles is famous for rocking his pearl necklaces. Photo credit: Vogue
But let's not forget all the other pieces of pearl jewelry out there. Men's pearl jewelry is no longer limited to just one style or design. As the trend of men's pearl jewelry continues to grow, jewelry designers worldwide are creating new and exciting styles – giving us all more choices!
Men have many choices when it comes to wearing pearl jewelry, whether necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings or cufflinks. Let me give you a little info to help you out.
Photo credit: Daily Mail
Mix and match a single strand pearl necklace with Sterling Silver and Gold chains for an edgy rocker aesthetic.
Start Small: If you're new to wearing men's pearl jewelry, start with a small piece like a single pearl stud earring or a simple pearl bracelet. This will help you get comfortable with the look and feel of the jewelry.
Mix and Match: Feel free to mix and match different types of men's pearl jewelry, such as a pearl necklace and a pearl bracelet. Just make sure they complement each other in terms of size, color and design.
When in Doubt - Keep it Simple: Less is often more if you're not used to wearing pearl jewelry. Stick to one or two pieces at a time to avoid looking overdone.
Consider the Occasion: Men's pearl jewelry can be appropriate for casual and formal occasions, but make sure to choose suitable pieces for the occasion or special event you attend.
Pearls are no longer seen as exclusively feminine. They're also a unique and sophisticated accessory for the modern man. They're a gem for all genders, and pearls' versatility and timeless appeal make them the best go-to choice for jewelry in general.
No matter who you are, what you're wearing, or where you're going – pearls are where it's at!
Until Next Time,
XO
Ashley
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