A Guide To Men's Pearl Necklaces

A Guide To Men's Pearl Necklaces

Emily Schinella Emily Schinella
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When it comes to jewellery, women have long enjoyed the freedom to express themselves with a wide variety of styles and designs. However, men's jewellery has traditionally been more limited in scope and options. However, men’s fashion has seen a significant overhaul in recent years which has seen many males break away from the shackles of conventional dressing and are no longer being restricted to just shirts, trousers and jackets. Today’s men not only have way more clothing and shoe options to choose from but also a myriad of accessories to help express who they are. Ambiguous dressing and the concept of a unisex wardrobe have also never been so popular and so it should come as no surprise that the one accessory to capture people’s eye lately is men's pearl necklaces. 

Once viewed as one of the more feminine accessories that only your gran could pull off, pearl jewellery, particularly pearl necklaces is really taking the world by storm at the moment. Embraced by young fashionistas with a penchant for a vintage aesthetic along with those eager to add a timeless edge to their look, the most surprising aspect of the ‘pearlcore’ movement is that men are embracing it in droves too. Prior to the 2020s, males would be lucky to find so much as a diamond or zirconia stone in men’s jewellery without being mistaken for a gangsta rapper. However, with young style icons such as Harry Styles and Timothee Chalamet having embraced jewellery with significantly more detailed and layered designs on the red carpet, there has never been more of a demand for timelessly eclectic pieces such as pearl necklaces.

Whether you’re keen to add some pearlcore to your everyday capsule wardrobe or are looking to take your go-to party ensemble up a notch you’re probably wondering how you go about styling these effortlessly chic necklaces. Read on and find all that out =and more in our guide to men’s pearl necklaces. 

a guide to men's pearl necklaces

Overview:

Can Men Wear Pearl Necklaces

Pearls have long been considered a symbol of luxury, sophistication, and elegance. As a result, pearl jewellery is often associated with women's fashion. However, there is no inherent reason why men cannot wear pearls. Prior to social media the debate on whether men can wear pearl necklaces or not would have undoubtedly been significantly heightened. However, in contemporary fashion, there really are no rules or standards on what one should wear based on their gender. While pearl jewellery has traditionally been worn by women, it is not necessarily produced just to fit them and their body types. Whether it’s women wearing their boyfriend’s t-shirts and rocking men’s watches or men wearing earrings or engagement rings, people are challenging many of the gender norms previously put into place when it comes to fashion. With that said, there is really no rhyme or reason why men’s pearl necklaces shouldn’t be a thing. As the June birthstone, men’s pearl necklaces not only provide a way to incorporate some of your personality into your look but will help bring the whole outfit together nicely. 

can men wear pearl necklaces

Ultimately, fashion is a form of self-expression, and everyone should be able to wear what they want without fear of judgment or discrimination. If a man wants to wear a pearl necklace or any type of jewellery for that matter, there is no reason why he should not be able to do so. The idea that certain accessories are exclusively for one gender is a social construct that is slowly being dismantled. As society becomes more accepting of diversity, we can expect to see more men wearing pearl necklaces and other accessories traditionally associated with women's fashion. In fact, there are many examples of men wearing pearls throughout history, dating back to as early as the days of Ancient Rome or as recent as the Renaissance era where they were often adorned by royalty and other dignitaries. Today men’s pearl necklaces are a prominent fixture on the red carpet and are often seen worn by the likes of Broadway star Billy Porter, singer Lenny Kravitz as well as actor and heartthrob Johnny Depp. 

How To Style Men's Pearl Necklaces 

When it comes to styling men's pearl necklaces, there are several approaches that can be taken depending on the desired look and occasion. One way to style a pearl necklace is to pair it with a button-up shirt or a plain crew-neck t-shirt and blazer for a more formal look. A simple white or black pearl necklace can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to an outfit without being too flashy. For a more casual look, a pearl necklace can be worn with a plain t-shirt or solid-coloured knit jumper, a pair of blue jeans and white trainers to add a touch of luxury to an otherwise simple outfit. The key is to keep the rest of the outfit simple so that the necklace can be the focal point.

mens pearl necklaces

When it comes to choosing the type of pearl necklace to wear, there are many options available. White or black pearls are classic and versatile, while coloured pearls such as pink or lavender can add a pop of colour to an outfit. The size of the pearls can also vary depending on personal preference, from small delicate pearls to larger statement pieces. Ultimately, the key to styling a men's pearl necklace is to experiment and have fun with it. Fashion is all about self-expression, and there is no right or wrong way to wear a pearl necklace.

Opt For Long Strands For A More Casual Look

Because males generally have larger chests and broader shoulders it means that there are limitations with the types of pearl necklaces that men can wear. Fortunately, longer-stand pearl necklaces provide a way around this issue and give you an easy accessory that is perfect for everyday wear. Simply wear the necklace over a plain white or grey t-shirt and a pair of jeans, then place blue denim or leather jacket over the top for an effortless yet extremely polished look. If you are feeling particularly daring, you could even pair your pearl necklace with matching pearl bracelets, a slick stainless steel watch or some subtle stud earrings if you have your ears pierced. 

Add Some Flair With Chains & Pendants

The great thing about pearls is that they are neutral. Unlike other gemstone jewellery which is often vibrantly coloured in enhanced, created or naturally bold hues, pearls are much more subdued. While they can make a great statement piece, they also exist well as an enhancement piece that will pair well with other jewellery in your collection. So, if you’re keen to make a statement with your accessories, jump on the layering bandwagon. Mix and match your look with the other pendants and chains in your collection. To begin, start with a choker-length pearl necklace. Next, add a longer pearl necklace or a silver or gold pendant that falls just below the choker necklace. Then add a plain silver or gold chain.

Try Choker Styles For A Little Edge

Choker-style men’s pearl necklaces are great for adding a more formal quality to your look. A great way to rock a pearl choker is to rock a polo or a sleek button-up shirt with the necklace peeking out the top. Slip on a fitted or oversized blazer, a pair of dress shoes or some plain white sneakers and you’ll have an edgy party look that will definitely make you stand out. If you do want something a little more casual, though, try adding a pearl choker to a v-neck t-shirt or jumper that will help accentuate the neckline. You can also try adding one or two charms to your pearl choker to add a dash of playfulness to your look or a long pendant that you can place underneath it. 

Our Favourite Pearl Necklaces For Men

If we’ve inspired you to jump on the men’s pearl necklaces bandwagon, the good news is you won’t have to go very far to find the right one to add to your collection. Grahams has an array of men’s pearl necklaces in both men’s and unisex jewellery collections that will help complement both your style and personality. Here are just five of our favourite men’s pearl necklaces that will enhance your style and help you embrace one of the biggest men’s accessories trends of the 2020s. 

our favourite pearl necklaces

180cm White Freshwater Pearl Necklace 

At 180 centimetres long, this white freshwater pearl necklace is easily customisable. Perfect for layering with chains or fashioning with plain t-shirts, it is a must-have piece for any classic pearl enthusiasts. Pair it with a blazer for a more polished look like rockstar Lenny Kravitz often does, add some edge with a leather jacket and matching bracelet or be street-style ready in your go-to oversized denim jacket, a chain bracelet and some layered signet rings

180cm White Freshwater Pearl Strand

180cm White Freshwater Pearl Strand

$599.00

This white Freshwater Pearl strand is a must have for any pearl enthusiast. At 180 cm it’s easily customisable: wear as is for an elongated, ethereal look or double it for a more bespoke, chic appearance.… read more

Multi-Coloured Tahitian South Sea Pearl Strand With White Gold Clasp 

This multi-coloured pearl strand complete with a 9-carat white gold clasp and daring black Tahitian pearls is full of shimmer, colour and luxury, making for one breathtaking statement piece. Tahitian black pearls are known for their beautiful mix of dark shades and subtle bursts of colour and so this set is sure to bring out your playful side. Enhance the daring tones featured in this piece by rocking an all-black monochromatic look or by pairing it with the other gold jewellery in your collection. 

Tahitian Multi Coloured South Sea Strand with 9ct White Gold Clasp

Tahitian Multi Coloured South Sea Strand with 9ct White Gold Clasp

$4,599.00

This Tahitian Multi Coloured South Sea Strand with 9ct White Gold Clasp is full of shimmer and colour, making a breathtaking statement piece. Tahitian black pearls are known for their beautiful mix of dark shades and subtle bursts of colour.… read more

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80cm Sterling Silver Simulated Pearl, Bead & Zirconia Chain 

Silver chains have a unique ability to turn the simplest-looking outfits into spectacular fashion statements. If you are after a chic, unique look that is sure to make you stand out, this long sterling silver chain featuring simulated pearls, silver beads and zirconia stones is one to add to your jewellery collection. Designed to form an intricate yet stylish pattern, it is the perfect piece for those hoping to combine the classic with the contemporary.  

Sterling Silver Simulated Pearl, Bead and Zirconia Long Chain 80cm

Sterling Silver Simulated Pearl, Bead and Zirconia Long Chain 80cm

$69.50 $139.00

Accentuate your femininity with this Sterling Silver Pearl, Bead and Zirconia 80cm Chain. Intricately designed with a pattern of pearls, beads and zirconia , it is a must have for women who love combining classic and modern styles. Long chains… read more

60cm White Freshwater Pearl Strand 

Flowing with sophistication, this 60-centimetre white freshwater necklace is an ideal match for all your outfits. Giving the iconic look of the twenties that will never fall out of form, this pearl necklace combines the classic appeal of timeless white freshwater pearls with the carefree and understanding aesthetic usually found with silver jewellery. You can play into the carefree nature and neutral tones of this piece by layering it with silver pendants and chains. 

White Freshwater Strand 60cm Pearl Necklace

White Freshwater Strand 60cm Pearl Necklace

$499.00

Flowing with sophistication, this white freshwater strand 60cm pearl necklace is an ideal match for all your outfits. Giving the iconic look of the twenties, pearl necklaces are the most fun and carefree way to add glitz and glamour to… read more

45cm White Freshwater Pearl Strand With Gold Clasp 

With tones of gold, pink and peach, this 45-centimetre freshwater pearl strand offers a subtle pop of colour and an almost vintage aesthetic you’re guaranteed to love for many years to come. The perfect addition to any light or neutral-coloured outfit, this pearl necklace is much shorter and therefore is likely to make for a great choker-style necklace. Whether worn on its own or layered with chains, rest assured you a guaranteed to stand out wearing this unique piece. For a slightly more daring look, add a yellow-gold charm to the piece or if you have your ears pierced, rock some gold sleepers with it.

White Freshwater Strand White Pearl Necklace

White Freshwater Strand White Pearl Necklace

$499.00

Embrace vintage beauty in this stunning White Freshwater Strand White Pearl Necklace. A strand of magical beads with dreamy hues of pink and white, this pearl necklace will stand out wherever you go. Pearls are so special because they are… read more

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