Few gemstones carry the quiet elegance and timeless appeal of pearls. Unlike diamonds and colored gemstones that form deep within the earth, pearls are born from the sea, created layer by luminous layer inside living mollusks. This unique origin gives them a soft, organic glow that has captivated jewelry lovers for centuries. Whether you’re drawn to the classic sophistication of a strand of cultured pearls or the modern edge of pearl-and-diamond combinations, pearls offer versatility that moves seamlessly from boardroom to black-tie event.

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At Robbins Brothers, we’ve been helping guests discover the perfect pieces for life’s meaningful moments for more than 100 years. Our pearl jewelry collection includes everything from elegant Akoya pearl strands to contemporary designs from designers like Verragio, Doves, and Shy Creation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to choose pearl jewelry with confidence, from understanding pearl types and quality factors to styling tips that will help you wear your pearls beautifully.

How to Style Pearl Jewelry

One of the joys of pearl jewelry is its remarkable versatility. Here are our recommendations for wearing pearls beautifully in different settings.

Everyday Elegance

For daily wear, keep it simple. A pair of pearl studs or a single pearl pendant works with virtually any outfit, from jeans and a crisp white shirt to business attire. Choose smaller to medium-sized pearls (6-8mm) for understated elegance that won’t overwhelm casual looks. Station necklaces and bracelets offer a modern, minimalist take on pearl jewelry that transitions effortlessly from day to evening.

18k yellow gold South Sea drop shaped pearl pendant

Professional Settings

Pearls have a long history as power accessories in professional environments. A classic pearl strand or refined studs project confidence and sophistication without being distracting. Stick to white or cream pearls in traditional settings, or make a subtle statement with soft pink or golden hues if your workplace culture allows more personal expression.

Verragio 18k yellow gold Akoya pearl and natural diamond necklace

Special Occasions and Evening Wear

For formal events, this is the time to embrace statement pearl pieces. Multi-strand necklaces, dramatic drop earrings, or pearl-and-diamond combinations create memorable impact. When styling pearl jewelry with a bold red lip, diamonds complement any red tone beautifully. Keep pieces refined and let the jewelry be the focal point by choosing statement earrings, ring, or statement necklace.

14k yellow gold cultured pearl and natural diamond ring

Layering and Mixing

Contemporary pearl styling embraces layering. Mix pearl strands with delicate gold chains for an edgy, dimensional look. Combine different pearl sizes and shapes for visual interest. Layer pearl bracelets with gold bangles or chain bracelets. The key is balance: if your neckline is busy with layers, keep earrings simple, and vice versa.

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Choosing Metals for Your Skin Tone

The metal you choose for pearl settings affects how the jewelry complements your complexion. Cool undertones (pink, red, or blue hints in your skin) pair beautifully with white gold and platinum. Warm undertones (yellow, peach, or golden tones) look stunning with yellow gold. Neutral undertones can wear both metals well. Rose gold is flattering across almost all skin tones and offers a romantic, modern feel.

Pearl Jewelry Styles: Finding Your Perfect Piece

Our pearl jewelry collection includes a variety of styles to suit different tastes and occasions. Here’s what you’ll find at Robbins Brothers.

	Pearl Necklaces and Pendants Pearl necklaces and pendants range from single pearl solitaires to multi-strand statement pieces. Classic strand lengths include choker (14-16 inches), princess (17-19 inches, the most versatile), matinee (20-24 inches), and opera length (28-35 inches) for dramatic layering. Our collection features Japanese cultured pearl strands in both white and yellow gold, as well as contemporary designs that pair pearls with diamonds for added sparkle.
	Pearl Earrings Pearl earrings are the most versatile pearl jewelry piece. Classic pearl studs work for virtually any occasion, while drop and dangle styles add movement and elegance for evening wear. Our collection includes simple cultured pearl studs in 14k white and yellow gold, as well as more elaborate designs featuring diamond halos or clusters.
	Pearl Bracelets Pearl bracelets range from classic beaded strands to modern station designs. Station bracelets feature pearls spaced along a delicate chain, offering a contemporary look that layers beautifully with other bracelets. Traditional beaded pearl bracelets create a more classic appearance and pair perfectly with matching necklaces for a coordinated set. Our collection includes two-tone station bracelets that combine yellow and white gold, offering versatility to wear with other metals in your jewelry wardrobe.

Are Pearls in Style?

Yes, pearls are absolutely in style. Modern pearl jewelry has evolved beyond traditional strands to include bold sculptural designs, mixed-metal settings, and baroque shapes. Today’s pearl trend embraces versatility, with pearls being styled casually with denim as well as formally with evening wear.

Pearls have long been associated with sophistication and timeless style, but recent years have seen them step into a bolder, more adventurous era. Runway shows from fashion houses like Chanel, Givenchy, and Simone Rocha have showcased modern pearl designs that embrace contrast: baroque shapes alongside sleek metals, classic strands layered with contemporary chains, and pearl accents appearing in unexpected places.

What’s driving this renewed interest? Modern jewelry lovers value pieces that tell a story, that feel personal and meaningful rather than purely decorative. Pearls, with their unique organic origin, fit perfectly into this desire for jewelry with soul. Each pearl is genuinely one-of-a-kind, formed over months or years inside a living creature, making every piece inherently special.

Another factor is versatility. Today’s pearl designs work equally well for the office, a weekend brunch, or a formal celebration. They layer beautifully with other jewelry, can be mixed with different metals, and complement virtually every skin tone. At our showrooms, we’ve noticed guests increasingly reaching for pearl pieces as go-to accessories rather than items reserved for special occasions.

What Are the Different Types of Pearls?

The four main types of cultured pearls are Akoya, Freshwater, South Sea, and Tahitian. You can learn more about them from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

• Akoya pearls are classic white saltwater pearls from Japan known for exceptional luster.
• Freshwater pearls from China offer variety in color and shape at accessible prices.
• South Sea pearls are the largest and most valuable, coming in white and golden hues.
• Tahitian pearls display naturally dark colors with peacock, green, or purple overtones.

Akoya pearls are a classic choice and are what most people picture when they think of pearls: perfectly round, lustrous white gems with a mirror-like shine. Cultivated primarily in Japan, these saltwater pearls typically range from 6mm to 9mm and are prized for their exceptional luster and consistent shape. Akoya pearls are the foundation of classic pearl strands and remain the most popular choice for traditional pearl jewelry. Our collection includes Japanese cultured pearl necklaces and pearl earrings featuring these timeless gems.

What Is the Best Type of Pearl for Jewelry?

The best type of pearl depends on your style preferences, budget, and intended use. Akoya pearls are ideal for classic, traditional jewelry with their perfect round shapes and mirror-like luster. Freshwater pearls offer the best value for everyday wear with excellent variety. South Sea pearls are best for luxury statement pieces due to their large size and rarity. Tahitian pearls are perfect for those who want dramatic, contemporary jewelry with naturally dark colors.

How Do I Know If Pearls Are Good Quality?

Good quality pearls have high luster with bright, sharp reflections, a smooth surface with minimal blemishes, and consistent shape. The GIA evaluates pearls using seven value factors:

• luster – refers to the intensity and sharpness of light reflected from a pearl’s surface, and it’s what gives pearls their distinctive glow. High-quality pearls display bright, sharp reflections that seem to come from deep within the gem. The GIA Luster Scale ranges from Excellent to Poor. When examining pearls, look for reflections that are clear and detailed rather than hazy or diffused. In our experience, luster is the quality that catches your eye first and makes the difference between an ordinary pearl and an extraordinary one.
• surface quality – Pearls naturally develop surface characteristics during their formation. The GIA Surface Scale classifies pearls as Clean, Lightly Spotted, Moderately Spotted, or Heavily Spotted. While minor surface characteristics are normal and don’t necessarily detract from a pearl’s beauty, extensive blemishes can affect both appearance and durability. Surface quality is especially important for pearl earrings and pendants where the gems are prominently displayed.
• shape – Round pearls are the most valued for traditional jewelry, but other shapes have their own appeal. Button-shaped pearls work beautifully in earrings, drop shapes create elegant pendants, and baroque (irregular) pearls offer unique character for contemporary designs. Your choice of shape often depends on the style of jewelry you prefer and whether you’re drawn to classic or modern aesthetics.
• color – has three components: body color (the dominant overall hue), overtone (one or more translucent colors that appear over the body color), and orient (iridescent rainbow colors visible on some pearls). White and cream remain classic choices, but pink, golden, gray, and black pearls each have devoted admirers. Color preference is highly personal, and we recommend trying on different hues to see what complements your skin tone.
• size – affects both appearance and price, with larger pearls generally being more valuable.
• nacre thickness – Nacre thickness (the pearly substance that gives pearls their luster) affects durability and the depth of the pearl’s glow.
• matching – For strands and matched pairs like earrings, matching, or how well pearls complement each other in size, shape, color, and luster, is also carefully evaluated.

Luster is considered the most important factor, as it creates the distinctive glow that makes pearls beautiful. When examining pearls, look for reflections that are clear and detailed rather than hazy or diffused.

Is Pearl a Birthstone?

Pearl is one of three official birthstones for June, alongside alexandrite and moonstone. Unlike other gemstones that are mined from the earth, pearls are organic gems created by living mollusks. Pearl symbolizes purity, wisdom, and integrity, making it a meaningful gift for June birthdays. It is also the traditional gemstone for 3rd, 13th, and 30th wedding anniversaries.

If you or someone you love was born in June, this makes pearl jewelry particularly meaningful as a birthday gift.

Is Pearl Significant for Anniversaries?

Pearl is the traditional gemstone for 3rd, 13th, and 30th wedding anniversaries, making it a thoughtful choice for milestone celebrations.

The symbolism of pearls adds to their significance as gifts. Throughout history, pearls have represented purity, wisdom, and integrity. Their unique formation, layer by luminous layer, makes them natural symbols of patience and growth. Many cultures believe pearls bring good fortune and emotional balance to their wearers.

How Do You Care for Pearl Jewelry?

To care for pearl jewelry, put pearls on last after applying cosmetics, wipe them with a soft damp cloth after wearing, and store them separately in a soft pouch. Avoid exposing pearls to chemicals, extreme heat, and chlorinated water. Unlike other gemstones, pearls are organic and benefit from regular wear, as the moisture from your skin helps maintain their luster. Have pearl strands restrung every one to two years if worn frequently.

Here’s what we recommend to keep your pearls looking their best for generations.

• Put pearls on last. Apply makeup, perfume, and hairspray before putting on your pearls. Chemicals in these products can damage the nacre over time.
• Wipe after wearing. Gently wipe your pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each wear to remove body oils and residue that can dull their luster.
• Store carefully. Keep pearls in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box, separate from other jewelry that could scratch them. Avoid storing in plastic bags, which can cause pearls to dry out.
• Avoid extremes. Keep pearls away from excessive heat, which can cause the nacre to crack or discolor. Don’t wear pearls in swimming pools or hot tubs where chlorine can damage them.
• Wear them often. Pearls benefit from the moisture in your skin. Regular wear actually helps maintain their luster.
• Restring periodically. Pearl strands should be restrung every one to two years if worn regularly. Look for strands with knots between each pearl, which protects against loss if the strand breaks and prevents pearls from rubbing against each other.

Our lifetime warranty includes complimentary cleaning and inspection services at any of our showrooms. Bring your pearl jewelry in regularly, and our team will help ensure it stays in beautiful condition.

The Robbins Brothers Difference

For more than 100 years, we’ve guided guests through some of life’s most meaningful jewelry purchases. What sets us apart goes beyond our carefully curated selection of pearl jewelry. When you visit one of our showrooms across Arizona, California, Texas, and Washington, you’ll find a warm, welcoming environment where you can explore different pearl styles, ask questions, and take your time making a decision. Our jewelry consultants are experts in their field, but more importantly, they’re listeners who genuinely want to help you find pieces that reflect your personal style and fit your lifestyle.

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