5 Ways to Wear Pearls Featuring Chic Statement Necklaces

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Few gems and jewelry pieces carry the versatility of pearls. Whether you’re all for classic vibes, modern appeal, boho, preppy or business-chic, the gem of the sea shines in every single ensemble. Fact is, most jewelry lovers will agree that pearls are much more than a classic. With their timeless appeal, sophisticated shine and natural, unmatched beauty, statement necklaces featuring pearls can effortlessly elevate any type of look – from the dress you wear to the farmer’s market on cozy Sundays and the business suit that rocks the boardroom to the fabulous evening gown you’re saving for special occasions.

What Are Statement Necklaces?

Simply put, statement necklaces are jewelry pieces designed to make a style statement. Often times, bigger, opulent necklaces are considered ‘statement’ – but bigger doesn’t always mean better. Making an impact – and ‘making’ the outfit – is often a result of carefully-selected jewelry pieces, curated with a theme or concept in mind. Whether statement means for you a solitary, high-value pearl or ropes and ropes featuring iridescent gems of the sea, the choice is yours.

Next, we’re looking at 5 ways to wear pearls featuring statement necklaces. Dive in and make a style statement through minimalism, color, eclectic combinations, mesmerizing luster or classic elegance wherever you go.

1. Urban Uniform: Casual Minimalism

The Necklace: A Single Pearl Necklace / Pearl Pendant

The Occasion: Daytime / On the Go

The Style: Smart-Casual

When functionality, versatility and comfort are a priority, opting for an urban uniform comprised of jeans, a tee and a smart-casual jacket is a great solution for women on the go. Stick with a neutral palette when creating an urban-chic uniform, including whites and off-whites, taupe, grey, beige and denims – with a darker shade of brown or black in the mix. Opt for comfortable heels (think mid block heels, mules and ankle boots) or flats for a look that is the perfect merger between casual and dressy – ideal for daytime activities.

Above all, aim for a mix of highs and lows when creating a daytime outfit you can wear on repeat. The lows: distressed denims in a lighter wash and the basic tee. Alternatively, opt for a darker wash for a dressier version of the same look. The highs: a statement bag, a structured, yet comfortable jacket in suede and the right pair of heels.

To elevate the look, take this versatile ensemble out of anonymity without disrupting the minimalistic aesthetic by pairing it with a single pearl necklace or a mother of pearl design. More often than not, statement necklaces are large. However, in this case, a single pearl necklace featuring White South Sea Pearls (the most valuable and rare type available on the market) effortlessly denotes refinement in a subtle, elegant way.

Create the Casual Minimalism Outfit:

X Karla The Crew Tee

Sam Edelman Walden Suede Ankle Boots

Gerard Darel Gaetana Suede Jacket, Beige

Joe’s Jeans The Scout Raw-Edge Slim Boyfriend Jeans

White South Sea Pearl & Diamond Ellie Pendant

Margaux Large Tote

2. Business-Ready: Classic Black and White

The Necklace: A Classic White Pearl Necklace

The Occasion: The Office

The Style: Business Smart

Mixing colors is often a challenge when curating an office wardrobe. Therefore, many stick with the classic combo of black and white – the pair that never fails. For a business-ready look that simply can’t go wrong and looks and feels timeless, opt for this ultimate color pairing. Hit the boardroom in style while rocking your power suit in black (or separates that simply work), paired up with a crisp white button-down. In addition, to avoid predictability, select a power suit that, while classically elegant, stands out – through interesting details, asymmetry or cut. Whatever style you choose, the look will always be successful as long as your pantsuit is tailored to perfection.

To complete the business-ready look, count on accessories: a sleek gold watch, a versatile office handbag and a pair of heels that scream poise and power. The highlight: large, statement pearls. For the ultimate power status (used by the widest range of women in politics), select a classic white pearl necklace. In the business arena, pearl size does matter (and presidential candidates certainly prove it), which is why statement necklaces featuring large White South Sea Pearls are the perfect match. Pearl sets are always an option, and so are matching pearl studs in similar-sized gems of the sea.

Create the Classic Black & White Outfit:

Black Wrap Suit Blazer By Topshop Boutique

Washed Black Button Hem Pants

Saint Laurent Black Lexi Slingback 90 Heels

10-12mm White South Sea Pearl Necklace

Saint Laurent Uptown small textured-leather tote

The Marc Jacobs The Cushion Watch 36mm

10mm South Sea Pearl Stud Earrings- Choose Your Quality

3. Daytime Chic: Preppy Pastels

The Necklace: A Pink Freshwater Pearl Necklace

The Occasion: Daytime, brunch, Valentine’s Day

The Style: Preppy

Preppy and proper with a modern twist (or, as gen Z call it: Light Academia) make the perfect pair for a pink pearl necklace. Classic, yet not predictable, a pink pearl necklace is one of the most popular statement necklaces. While it carries the elegant aura of pearls, the surprising shade is a pleasant touch, perfect for a youthful, yet classy outfit that unites ‘dressy’ with ‘daytime’.

Start your look with a carefully curated color palette. For inspo, we picked pastels in soft blush hues. Preppy style starts and ends with tweed – and a form-fitting sweater is its perfect companion. In addition, add a silky touch into the equation and top it off with heels that might look nighttime, but are perfect for dressier daytime activities. In true preppy fashion, keep the statement necklace at choker or princess lengths.

Alternatively, you can create an equally chic preppy look by sticking with a palette of colors featuring navy, white and plaid (paired up with dainty white pearls) for a more traditional interpretation of the style.

Create the Preppy Pastels Outfit:

Astoewiel Crossbody Bag

Pink Paradox Hira Blush Satin Embellished Block Heel Sandals

Hybrid Animals Print Silk Scarf

10-11mm Pink Freshwater Pearl Necklace

En Saison Puff Sleeve Sweater Top

Embroidered Mini Skirt

4. Weekend-Ready: Boho-Chic Vibes

The Necklace: A Multi-Color Tincup Pearl Necklace

The Occasion: Weekend

The Style: Boho-Chic

If your style is on the bohemian side, embrace color and pattern fully with a geometric print dress in bold hues, paired up with comfy slide sandals. Ideal for weekend getaways or grabbing brunch, this look is all about an eclectic mish-mash that conveys joy and predicts good times ahead. For a summery look that relies on color and pattern, adding in some texture with a wicker crossbody bag is the perfect choice.

Pair up the boho-chic ensemble with a mix and match of necklaces – starting with a statement necklace featuring colorful jewels including purple and pastel pink gemstones, plus dainty pearls. Add more pieces at different lengths for that layered necklace look that adds shimmer and visual interest. For a more relaxed bohemian style look, embrace the beachy style and switch the gemstone or tincup pearl jewelry pieces for leather pearl jewelry. Whether you’re all about surfer-chic vibes and ready to hit the waves or you’re looking for a way to layer necklaces effortlessly, a leather pearl choker necklace is the perfect statement piece to pair with your swimsuits and beach coverups.

Create the Boho-Chic Vibes Outfit:

Tommy Hilfiger stud necklace in rose gold

14K Gold Drop-Shape White Freshwater Pearl Tincup Alana Necklace

Heather Embroidered Tunic Dress

Hale Wicker Crossbody Bag

Tribute Nu Pieds Slide Sandal

5. Evening Ropes & Ropes: Dazzling Iridescence

The Necklace: Ropes & Ropes of Tahitian Black Pearls

The Occasion: Evening

The Style: Formal / Special Occasion

The evening way to wear pearls knows no limits. While daytime occasions usually call for pieces at choker or princess lengths, a boho layered necklace or a dainty single pearl necklace, a formal gown welcomes ropes and ropes of pearls. Make a statement in the purest sense of the word by layering multiple long pearl necklaces, paired up with matching earrings. Our pearls of choice for an iridescent nighttime look: Tahitian Black Pearls that come is shades from peacock to silver, copper and green.

The perfect match for Tahitian Pearls – gowns in jewel tones that provide the perfect canvas for statement necklaces in iridescent hues. Whether you opt for an emerald green or sapphire blue dress, the blue and green overtones of Tahitian pearls will simply elevate your glow from every angle. To pull of the ropes & ropes pearl look, select a dress that has an uncomplicated neckline. Choose strapless, off-shoulder or princess cuts and select solids rather than print or shimmer to let the statement necklaces shine.

Create the Evening Glam Outfit:

Gelsey Crystal Embellished Minaudière

Tahitian South Sea Pearl & Diamond Swirl Earrings

10-12mm Opera Length Tahitian South Sea Baroque Pearl Necklace

Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Parvati Off-The-Shoulder Gown

Nicholas Kirkwood S Pump Metallic Leather & PVC Sandals

Pearl Statement Necklaces: Versatility and Timeless Appeal

They shine – but they are subtle. They are classics, but also modern – and they are definitely timeless.

Whether you opt for a single pearl necklace, a piece featuring impressively large gems, a unique shade or a layered necklace, statement necklaces are the perfect way to elevate any look in your wardrobe. From denims to sundresses and from evening gowns to power suits, there’s nothing quite like the perfect pearls to provide an instant glow-up.