House of Silver

Five ways to wear pearls

2018 saw a mixture of bold new trends and classic retro styles. But amongst the big chains, chunky hoops and bold new patterning, it was an old classic that really stood out—pearls were the Big Thing in 2018, and it looks like they’re a trend that’s going to continue into this year.

Anyone who keeps an eye on the catwalks will have seen this classic staple popping up simply everywhere, with big name designers using them for earrings, chokers and even stitched into clothes. But pearls aren’t just for catwalks and evening gowns. They belong to anyone who has a will and a way, with range of cheaper options and alternatives readily available. For anyone who wants to spend this year enjoying the style of high fashion without the inconvenience, here are five ways to wear pearls for any occasion.

Classic understatement:

One of the reasons pearls have always been so popular is because they make a statement without having to shout. The fashion world may be veering towards big and bold, but knowing how to bring out the beauty with only a few well-placed pearls is a talent that will always be in style.

Tips and examples: Sterling silver pearl pull-through earrings

can be used to add a special edge to everyday wear, or else to spruce up a gorgeous evening gown.

Teaching on old horse new tricks:

When deciding on new looks for the new year, it’s important not to forget that you can mix old classics to your funky individual style. Over the past few years there’s been a surge of cool and cute things such as anklets and personalized charms bracelets for giving you that extra edge, and the great thing about them is their versatility. Adding a few pearls here or there is a great was to keep up with current trends without sacrificing all the flair that’s uniquely you.

Tips and examples: clip-on pearl charms are simple but effective—a great edition to any funky charm bracelet.

Welcome to the dark side:

White pearls may be the classic, but with the onset of 2019 there’s room to try a new twist. Black pearls still carry the elegance and simplicity of their white counterparts, but with an extra compelling edge. For added effect, try mixing the two together to bring out both the light and the dark.

Tips and examples: often little bit goes a long way. Don’t underestimate the power of a few splashes of darkness as a way to really add some gravity to your look, such as with simple but striking dark pearl earrings.

Metallic and colourful:

On the other hand, why not spruce up an outfit with a burst of colour? Pearls with a metallic sheen can be used in all the same ways as traditional white freshwater pearls, but sometimes it’s even better to use them subtly, adding glimpsed hints of colour and excitement to your look.

Tips and examples: the wonderful thing about this option is there are so many different colours and styles to choose from. To start off, why not check out some simple stud earrings with a colourful metallic sheen? A funky and affordable way to work out what your colour is, once you’ve mastered these, you can work your way up to going even bigger, bolder, and more colourful!

Big, Brave and Bold:

Fruity is back in! Go big, go bold and go retro with brave pearl designs right out of magazines from a few decades back. Fish out your mum’s old baroque pearls and wear them with something trendy. Emulate the big stars from the past. Be brave—don’t be afraid to mix and match, and you’ll end up with a look that’s half ironic, half iconic, and one-hundred-percent fabulous.

Tips and examples: this is a look that’s easy to get: all you need is a second-hand string of pearls and a bucket-load of confidence.

Evening wear:

Finishing up with an absolute classic: evening wear. Never underestimate the effect that pearls can have on formal dress, particularly if you choose carefully. The main thing to remember is not to overcompensate: a few pearls go a long way, so you don’t want to be dripping in them. But don’t be afraid to splurge a little—after all, a good pearl necklace, worn properly, is always in style.

Tips and examples: a white freshwater pearl cluster necklace is exactly what I’m talking about. It’s not ostentatious, but it doesn’t skimp either.

That’s it for our pearl showcase, so now we’re leaving it to you. If you have any suggestions, tell us in the comments or tweet us at @HouseofSilverUK. We are always interested in hearing your thoughts!

House of Silver (https://www.houseofsilver.co.uk/) is a family-run online business working out of the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter. Specialising in affordably priced, solid Sterling silver jewellery, every single piece gets their personal attention.