It feels weird to call pearl jewelry a summer jewelry trend. Because when many of us say the word “trendy,” we mean to suggest that something is new and exciting—or that something that used to be new and exciting has recently become that way again. Pearl jewelry doesn’t fit this bill. It’s been a mainstay in jewelry collections, generation after generation. It never went out of style. But spend a few minutes looking at this summer’s trendiest pearl pieces, and you’ll be unable to deny that something new is happening here. Pearl jewelry isn’t new—but it’s gotten a kitschy, campy makeover. And honestly, it’s pulling it off.
This summer, pearl jewelry looks nothing like the classic strings of pearls that used to hide inside your grandma’s jewelry box. They’re colorful, misshapen, and often juxtaposed with teeny-tiny beads. In some cases, the pearls are the main event: Arrays of large, rough-looking pearls are strung together, broken up by rainbow seed beads. In other cases, pearls are merely an accent piece: They add a touch of texture to friendship bracelets, beaded barrettes, and kitschy chokers. The pearl jewelry landscape looks nothing like it ever has before. Class and sophistication have been traded for camp and whimsy, and the result is undeniably fun.
In many ways, this summer’s pearl jewelry trend resembles the shell jewelry trend we’ve come to love over the last few years. It’s just a little softer, a little daintier, and a little more iridescent. Sometimes, the trends appear in tandem—with shells and pearls working together to create a summer look that’s idyllic and fun. Other times, they act as substitutes for one another—with shells being the rougher and campier of the two, and pearls maintaining some amount of the classy appeal they’re known for.
Whether coupled or alone, these trends have left the summer jewelry landscape feeling textured, lovely, and full of personality. And our jewelry boxes are all the better for it.
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1. Beaded Charm Necklace
shop the look — $29 from & Other Stories
2. Lizzie Fortunato Life Saver Hoop Earrings
shop the look — $185 from Shopbop
3. LELET NY Magic Bobby Pin Set
shop the look — $38.40 from Shopbop
4. Eliou Asti Necklace
shop the look — $269.50 from Shopbop
5. Maison Monik Bracelet Joie
shop the look — $53 from Shopbop
6. Eliou Nesto Earrings
shop the look — $232 from Shopbop
7. Dannijo Basel Necklace
shop the look — $170 from Shopbop
8. Shashi Ornella Earrings
shop the look — $58 from Shopbop
9. The Cape Necklaces
shop the look — $80 from Joolz by Martha Calvo
10. Pearl Charm Hoop Earrings
shop the look — $48 from Anthropologie
11. Jennifer Behr Janice Choker
shop the look — $225 from Farfetch
12. Aym Andreia Disc Pearl Earrings
shop the look — $33 from Farfetch
13. Gaviria Love Parade Necklace
shop the look — $188 from Shopbop
14. Venessa Arizaga Moonlight Beach Earrings
shop the look — $28.50 from Shopbop
15. Brianna Pearl Bracelet
shop the look — $10 from BaubleBar
16. Organic Pearl Open Hoop Earrings
shop the look — $10 from BaubleBar
17. Pink Lemonade Necklace Set
shop the look — $110 from Joolz by Martha Calvo
18. Dannijo Jeana Bracelet
shop the look — $84 from Shopbop
19. Eliou Paxi Necklace
shop the look — $128 from Shopbop
20. Aym Green Amethyst and Pearl Drop Earrings
shop the look — $45 from Farfetch
21. Eliou Trivoli Trio Bracelet Set
shop the look — $195 from Shopbop
22. Sandralexandra Mia Beaded Pearl Drop Earrings
shop the look — $78 from Farfetch
23. Eliou All the Feels Shut Up Barrette Clip
shop the look — $92 from Shopbop
24. Shashi Always Rings
shop the look — $56 from Shopbop
25. Eshvi Astro Earrings
shop the look — $212 from Farfetch
26. Maison Irem Rainbow Love Necklace
shop the look — $245 from Shopbop
27. Shashi Florasion Huggies
shop the look — $55 from Shopbop
28. Jennifer Behr Babette Barrette
shop the look — $38.40 from Shopbop
29. Mosaic Bracelet Set
shop the look — $95 from Joolz by Martha Calvo
30. Shashi Shipwrecked Earrings
shop the look — $54 from Shopbop
31. LELET NY Magic Headband
shop the look — $50.40 from Shopbop
32. Timeless Pearly Pearl Charm Bracelet
shop the look — $328 from Anthropologie
33. Eliou No Chill Trio Earring Pack
shop the look — $142 from Shopbop
34. Eliou Andrias Necklace
shop the look — $320 from Shopbop
35. Protection Baroque Pearl Earrings
shop the look — $180 from Joolz by Martha Calvo
36. Venessa Arizaga Moonlight Beach Bracelet
shop the look — $22.50 from Shopbop
37. Eliou Forli Necklace
shop the look — $170 from Shopbop
38. Loren Stewart Pearl Paleta Earrings
shop the look — $315 from Shopbop
39. Maison Irem Pearl Nazar Bracelet
shop the look — $85 from Shopbop
40. Joanna Laura Constantine Freshwater Pearl Earrings
shop the look — $133 from Farfetch
41. Roxanne Assoulin Little Darling Necklace
shop the look — $75 from Shopbop
42. Sandralexandra Miercoles Pearl Hoop Earrings
shop the look — $110 from Farfetch
43. Jennifer Behr Nanette Barrette
shop the look — $152 from Shopbop
44. Colorblock Choker
shop the look — $85 from Joolz by Martha Calvo
45. Venessa Arizaga Moonlight Beach Earrings
shop the look — $95 from Shopbop
46. DesignB London Bracelet
shop the look — $6.65 from ASOS
47. Maison Irem Pearl Swan Necklace
shop the look — $160 from Shopbop
48. Shashi King Triton Earrings
shop the look — $68 from Shopbop
49. Eliou Elba Barrette Clip
shop the look — $15.60 from Shopbop
50. Beck Jewels Spiagga Verde Totem Hoops
shop the look — $154 from Shopbop
51. Eliou Hot Chili Necklace
shop the look — $116.90 from Shopbop
52. Barrier Earrings
shop the look — $135 from Joolz by Martha Calvo
53. Eliou Mafra Necklace
shop the look — $198 from Shopbop
54. Pearl and Colorful Bead Hoop Earrings
shop the look — $5.20 from ASOS
55. Shashi Shipwreck Bobby Pin Set
shop the look — $48 from Shopbop
56. No Bad Vibes Choker
shop the look — $145 from Joolz by Martha Calvo
57. Beck Jewels Malachite Heart Totem Hoops
shop the look — $220 from Shopbop
58. Juliet Daisy Pearl Necklace
shop the look — $20 from Urban Outfitters
59. Beck Jewels Carallo Totem Hoops
shop the look — $118 from Shopbop
60. Coin Pearl Pendant Necklace Set
shop the look — $24.99 from Madewell
61. Eshvi Pearl Drop Earrings
shop the look — $194 from Farfetch
62. Eliou Gela Necklace
shop the look — $68.60 from Shopbop
63. Jennifer Behr Babette Barrette
shop the look — $38.40 from Shopbop
64. Mosaic Necklace
shop the look — $115 from Joolz by Martha Calvo
65. Anni Lu Dropped Pearl Hoop Earrings
shop the look — $127 from Farfetch
66. Mallorca Sunnies Chain
shop the look — $58 from Free People
67. Notte Galleria Pearl Earrings
shop the look — $102 from Urban Outfitters
68. Freshwater Pearl Anklet
shop the look — $36 from Free People
69. Eliou Lucca Earrings
shop the look — $50.40 from Shopbop
70. Eliou Matera Necklace
shop the look — $162.40 from Shopbop
71. Faux Pearl Mini Hoop Earrings
shop the look — $7.60 from ASOS
72. Aprille Pearl Pendant Necklace
shop the look — $38 from BaubleBar
73. Shashi Brilliance Earrings
shop the look — $55 from Shopbop
74. Loren Stewart Coral and Pearl Necklace
shop the look — $245 from Shopbop
75. Daisy Pearl Hair Pin Duo
shop the look — $12 from Urban Outfitters
76. Loren Stewart Polychrome Necklace
shop the look — $450 from Shopbop
77. Sashalexandra Isabela Beaded Earrings
shop the look — $96 from Farfetch
78. Venessa Arizaga Summer Shells Pearl Necklace
shop the look — $88 from Farfetch
79. Jules Smith Large Pearl Bracelet
shop the look — $50 from Shopbop
80. Chan Luu Pink Pearl Hoop Earrings
shop the look — $95 from Shopbop
81. Limoncello Necklace
shop the look — $165 from Joolz by Martha Calvo
82. NST Studio Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings
shop the look — $230 from Anthropologie
83. Naomie Bobby Pin Set
shop the look — $20 from Anthropologie
84. Ariel Gordon Jewelry Baroque Cultured Pearl Necklace
shop the look — $495 from Shopbop
85. Eliou Kea Bracelet
shop the look — $78 from Shopbop
86. Peacock Pearl Bobby Pin Set
shop the look — $19.95 from Anthropologie
87. Baroque Drop Pearl Earrings
shop the look — $170 from Joolz by Martha Calvo
88. Maison Monik Necklace Joie
shop the look — $97 from Shopbop
89. Eliou Kavala Rainbow Earrings
shop the look — $129.50 from Shopbop
90. Roxanne Assoulin Pancake Imitation Pearl Necklace
shop the look — $120 from Shopbop
91. Dannijo Pari Drop Earrings
