Not Your Grandma's Pearls

Move over diamonds, pearls are officially our new best friend.

This year has made a very malleable space for trends to emerge, and pearls have no doubt made their way to the top of 2021’s trend board. Pearls have dug their way out of their “mature” label and have become a staple in our jewelry box. Whether you want to dress them up or throw them on with some sweats and a crewneck, they never disappoint. And you know we love a versatile piece.

But before this gem of the sea got a modern makeover, we have to give credit to fashion icons who paved the way for pearl lovers today. To name a few: Cleopatra, Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, and Rihanna. If it’s one thing they have proven, it’s that this gem lapses time. By nature, pearls exude luxury, so whatever you style them with, you’re bound to look your best—they hold the title “Queen of Gems” for a reason.

Pearls have long appeared on the runway whether they adorn models as accessories or are heavily incorporated into the wardrobe (see: Dior, Gucci, Vivienne Westwood). An unforgettable homage to pearls was the pearl encrusted carousel centerpiece designed for the Chanel 2008 Fall runway show. Chanel is notorious for their use of the gem, and although this collection did not involve too many pearls, the carousel made up for it.

Another iconic modern pearl moment goes to Cardi B for her show-stopping 2019 Grammy Awards Mugler gown. There is no better way to show appreciation for pearls than to physically emblemize a pearl. Every detail was thought out from the rows of pearls wrapped around her hair to the pearl belly ring.

Inspired by these less-than-traditional pearl moments, our pearl collection answers the question of how and when to wear these precious gems. (Everywhere and everyday). The combination of iridescent, freshwater pearls with yellow gold pops on every skin tone and makes it easy to pair with any outfit. Fear of over-accessorizing? That worry is a thief of joy.

But this year's pearl trend extends past jewelry and the beauty of this trend is the “more the merrier” approach. Mix pearl types, sizes, styles and placement for a layered look that captures the trend in a fresh, cool way. Pearl buttons on a cardigan? Yes. Pearl phone strap? Why not. Pearl ear party? Absolutely. Pearls give a refined dimension to any look.

We want to see how you take this trend from the runway to your instagram feed. Here are some of our favorite ways Valeria has styled pearls this season.

Click to adorn yourself in some of our latest pearl pieces.