Three photos of trendy pearl jewelry on a graphic, colorful background.

This Summer’s Coolest Jewelry Trend Is Literally Just Pearls

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.

Here at Unruly, we’re committed to featuring plus-size pieces we genuinely love and want to share with you. We’re connected to an affiliate revenue program, which means we might make a small commission when you buy products through our shopping guides. This in no way affects the pieces we choose to feature, and it never will. (Confused? We’d love to answer any questions you have about this. Email us at beunrulyinfo@gmail.com!)

1. Beaded Charm NecklaceFriendship necklace with beads and pearls.

shop the look — $29 from & Other Stories


2. Lizzie Fortunato Life Saver Hoop Earrings

Gold hoop earrings with pearl drops and periwinkle enamel.

shop the look — $185 from Shopbop


3. LELET NY Magic Bobby Pin Set

Pearl and beaded bobby pins.

shop the look — $38.40 from Shopbop


4. Eliou Asti Necklace

Pearl necklace punctuated by rainbow beads.

shop the look — $269.50 from Shopbop


5. Maison Monik Bracelet Joie

Gold bracelet with pearl detailing.

shop the look — $53 from Shopbop


6. Eliou Nesto Earrings

Beaded pearl drop earrings.

shop the look — $232 from Shopbop


7. Dannijo Basel Necklace

A necklace that's crafted from light pink beads and small pearls.

shop the look — $170 from Shopbop


8. Shashi Ornella Earrings

Drop earrings with strings of green and white pearls.

shop the look — $58 from Shopbop


9. The Cape Necklaces

Layered rainbow beaded and pearl necklace.

shop the look — $80 from Joolz by Martha Calvo


10. Pearl Charm Hoop Earrings

White hoop earrings with pearl tassels.

shop the look — $48 from Anthropologie


11. Jennifer Behr Janice Choker

Choker crafted from flat-sided lavender pearls.

shop the look — $225 from Farfetch


12. Aym Andreia Disc Pearl Earrings

Orange drop earrings with pearls.

shop the look — $33 from Farfetch


13. Gaviria Love Parade Necklace

Pearl necklace with charms.

shop the look — $188 from Shopbop


14. Venessa Arizaga Moonlight Beach Earrings

Pearl drop earrings with shells dip-dyed aqua and yellow.

shop the look — $28.50 from Shopbop


15. Brianna Pearl Bracelet

Black and white beaded bracelet with a pearl on it.

shop the look — $10 from BaubleBar


16. Organic Pearl Open Hoop Earrings

A pair of hoop earrings covered in pearls.

shop the look — $10 from BaubleBar


17. Pink Lemonade Necklace Set

A layered necklace crafted from small yellow beads, small pink beads, and large pearls.

shop the look — $110 from Joolz by Martha Calvo


18. Dannijo Jeana Bracelet

A gold chain bracelet with large rectangular pearls and red and aqua beads.

shop the look — $84 from Shopbop


19. Eliou Paxi Necklace

A rainbow beaded necklace with shells and pearls hanging off it.

shop the look — $128 from Shopbop


20. Aym Green Amethyst and Pearl Drop Earrings

Two yellow and blue drop earrings with strings of pearls hanging from them.

shop the look — $45 from Farfetch


21. Eliou Trivoli Trio Bracelet Set

Several beaded bracelets, one of which is crafted from large pearls and orange seed beads.

shop the look — $195 from Shopbop


22. Sandralexandra Mia Beaded Pearl Drop Earrings

Gold hoop earrings with strings of white and charcoal pearls dangling from them.

shop the look — $78 from Farfetch


23. Eliou All the Feels Shut Up Barrette Clip

A hair barrette covered in pearls, seed beads, and letter beads.

shop the look — $92 from Shopbop


24. Shashi Always Rings

Three pink pearl rings.

shop the look — $56 from Shopbop


25. Eshvi Astro Earrings

A pair of drop earrings that look like planets with pearls dangling from them.

shop the look — $212 from Farfetch


26. Maison Irem Rainbow Love Necklace

A pearl necklace punctuated by rainbow beads.

shop the look — $245 from Shopbop


27. Shashi Florasion Huggies

A pair of gold hoop earrings with a cluster of misshapen pearl pieces hanging from them.

shop the look — $55 from Shopbop


28. Jennifer Behr Babette Barrette

A barrette made of pearls and turquoise beads.

shop the look — $38.40 from Shopbop


29. Mosaic Bracelet Set

Two rainbow beaded bracelets with pearls on them.

shop the look — $95 from Joolz by Martha Calvo


30. Shashi Shipwrecked Earrings

A pair of asymmetrical drop earrings with large, thin pearl slivers on them.

shop the look — $54 from Shopbop


31. LELET NY Magic Headband

A pearl-covered headband with pastel beads on it.

shop the look — $50.40 from Shopbop


32. Timeless Pearly Pearl Charm Bracelet

A charm bracelet with large misshapen pearls dangling from it.

shop the look — $328 from Anthropologie


33. Eliou No Chill Trio Earring Pack

A 3-earring set with rainbow beads, pearls, and letter beads.

shop the look — $142 from Shopbop


34. Eliou Andrias Necklace

A necklace that's half made from a loose gold chain and half made from a strand of pearls.

shop the look — $320 from Shopbop


35. Protection Baroque Pearl Earrings

A pair of drop earrings made of large pearls and blue beads.

shop the look — $180 from Joolz by Martha Calvo


36. Venessa Arizaga Moonlight Beach Bracelet

A woven shell bracelet with a pearl on it.

shop the look — $22.50 from Shopbop


37. Eliou Forli Necklace

A red and blue beaded necklace with a line of pearls on it.

shop the look — $170 from Shopbop


38. Loren Stewart Pearl Paleta Earrings

A pair of drop earrings crafted from large pearl pieces.

shop the look — $315 from Shopbop


39. Maison Irem Pearl Nazar Bracelet

A pearl bracelet punctuated by colorful beads.

shop the look — $85 from Shopbop


40. Joanna Laura Constantine Freshwater Pearl Earrings

A pair of drop earrings with several strands of pearls hanging from them.

shop the look — $133 from Farfetch


41. Roxanne Assoulin Little Darling Necklace

A beaded necklace crafted from small pearls and aqua beads.

shop the look — $75 from Shopbop


42. Sandralexandra Miercoles Pearl Hoop Earrings

A pair of circular drop earrings covered in charcoal and white pearls.

shop the look — $110 from Farfetch


43. Jennifer Behr Nanette Barrette

A barrette covered in pearls of different shapes and sizes.

shop the look — $152 from Shopbop


44. Colorblock Choker

A choker crafted from a chunk of white seed beads, a chunk of red seed beads, a chunk of blue seed beads, a chunk of yellow seed beads, and a line of small pearls.

shop the look — $85 from Joolz by Martha Calvo


45. Venessa Arizaga Moonlight Beach Earrings

A pair of drop earrings made of pearls and leopard print-painted shells.

shop the look — $95 from Shopbop


46. DesignB London Bracelet

A pearl bracelet punctuated by colorful beads.

shop the look — $6.65 from ASOS


47. Maison Irem Pearl Swan Necklace

A pearl pendant necklace on a gold chain.

shop the look — $160 from Shopbop


48. Shashi King Triton Earrings

A pair of drop earrings crafted from blue, green, and charcoal pearls.

shop the look — $68 from Shopbop


49. Eliou Elba Barrette Clip

A barrette covered in pearls and rainbow beads.

shop the look — $15.60 from Shopbop


50. Beck Jewels Spiagga Verde Totem Hoops

A pair of drop earrings crafted from light aqua beads and large pearls.

shop the look — $154 from Shopbop


51. Eliou Hot Chili Necklace

A pearl necklace punctuated by chili pepper-shaped charms.

shop the look — $116.90 from Shopbop


52. Barrier Earrings

A pair of asymmetrical drop earrings. One features a cluster of charms, including pearls. The other features a single, larger pearl.

shop the look — $135 from Joolz by Martha Calvo


53. Eliou Mafra Necklace

A gold chain necklace featuring several large pearls.

shop the look — $198 from Shopbop


54. Pearl and Colorful Bead Hoop Earrings

A pair of gold hoop earrings with pearls and rainbow beads dangling from them.

shop the look — $5.20 from ASOS


55. Shashi Shipwreck Bobby Pin Set

An array of gold bobby pins covered in white shells and pearls.

shop the look — $48 from Shopbop


56. No Bad Vibes Choker

A pearl charm necklace with beads and letter beads on it.

shop the look — $145 from Joolz by Martha Calvo


57. Beck Jewels Malachite Heart Totem Hoops

A pair of asymmetrical drop earrings featuring green beads and pearls.

shop the look — $220 from Shopbop


58. Juliet Daisy Pearl Necklace

A dainty necklace covered in small pink pearls and small flower-shaped beads.

shop the look — $20 from Urban Outfitters


59. Beck Jewels Carallo Totem Hoops

A pair of asymmetrical drop earrings featuring large red beads and large pearls.

shop the look — $118 from Shopbop


60. Coin Pearl Pendant Necklace Set

A layered gold chain necklace with pearls dangling from it.

shop the look — $24.99 from Madewell


61. Eshvi Pearl Drop Earrings

A pair of large, rhinestone-encrusted pearl drop earrings.

shop the look — $194 from Farfetch


62. Eliou Gela Necklace

A yellow beaded necklace with a large pearl on it.

shop the look — $68.60 from Shopbop


63. Jennifer Behr Babette Barrette

A barrette with beads, pearls, and shell-shaped charms on it.

shop the look — $38.40 from Shopbop


64. Mosaic Necklace

A rainbow beaded choker with pearls on it.

shop the look — $115 from Joolz by Martha Calvo


65. Anni Lu Dropped Pearl Hoop Earrings

A pair of pearl drop earrings on small gold hoops.

shop the look — $127 from Farfetch


66. Mallorca Sunnies Chain

A pearl sunglasses chain with rainbow beads on it.

shop the look — $58 from Free People


67. Notte Galleria Pearl Earrings

A pair of pearl drop earrings on small gold hoops.

shop the look — $102 from Urban Outfitters


68. Freshwater Pearl Anklet

A layered pearl anklet.

shop the look — $36 from Free People


69. Eliou Lucca Earrings

A pair of pearl drop earrings with chains of rainbow beads dangling from them.

shop the look — $50.40 from Shopbop


70. Eliou Matera Necklace

A pearl pendant necklace on a loose gold chain.

shop the look — $162.40 from Shopbop


71. Faux Pearl Mini Hoop Earrings

A pair of hoop earrings covered in hot pink pearls.

shop the look — $7.60 from ASOS


72. Aprille Pearl Pendant Necklace

A pearl pendant necklace on a tight gold chain.

shop the look — $38 from BaubleBar


73. Shashi Brilliance Earrings

A pair of drop earrings featuring transparent jade green beads and pearls.

shop the look — $55 from Shopbop


74. Loren Stewart Coral and Pearl Necklace

A pearl necklace with three red beads on it.

shop the look — $245 from Shopbop


75. Daisy Pearl Hair Pin Duo

A pair of pearl-covered barrettes.

shop the look — $12 from Urban Outfitters


76. Loren Stewart Polychrome Necklace

A pearl necklace punctuated by rainbow beads.

shop the look — $450 from Shopbop


77. Sashalexandra Isabela Beaded Earrings

A pair of pearl drop earrings on small gold hoops.

shop the look — $96 from Farfetch


78. Venessa Arizaga Summer Shells Pearl Necklace

A pearl necklace with hot pink shells on it.

shop the look — $88 from Farfetch


79. Jules Smith Large Pearl Bracelet

A thin gold chain bracelet with a pearl on it.

shop the look — $50 from Shopbop


80. Chan Luu Pink Pearl Hoop Earrings

A pair of hoop earrings covered in light pink pearls.

shop the look — $95 from Shopbop


81. Limoncello Necklace

A gold chain necklace with pearls and lemon-shaped beads on it.

shop the look — $165 from Joolz by Martha Calvo


82. NST Studio Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings

A pair of drop earrings featuring an array of differently sized pearls.

shop the look — $230 from Anthropologie


83. Naomie Bobby Pin Set

A set of bobby pins covered in pearls and pearl pieces.

shop the look — $20 from Anthropologie


84. Ariel Gordon Jewelry Baroque Cultured Pearl Necklace

A pearl pendant necklace on a tight gold chain.

shop the look — $495 from Shopbop


85. Eliou Kea Bracelet

A pearl bracelet punctuated by rainbow beads.

shop the look — $78 from Shopbop


86. Peacock Pearl Bobby Pin Set

A set of bobby pins that have small pearls on them.

shop the look — $19.95 from Anthropologie


87. Baroque Drop Pearl Earrings

A set of pearl drop earrings.

shop the look — $170 from Joolz by Martha Calvo


88. Maison Monik Necklace Joie

A gold chain necklace featuring a line of small pearls on it.

shop the look — $97 from Shopbop


89. Eliou Kavala Rainbow Earrings

A pair of small gold hoop earrings with pearls and rainbow beads dangling from it.

shop the look — $129.50 from Shopbop


90. Roxanne Assoulin Pancake Imitation Pearl Necklace

A pearl necklace punctuated by orange beads.

shop the look — $120 from Shopbop


91. Dannijo Pari Drop Earrings

A pair of pearl drop earrings.

shop the look — $216 from Revolve