A pearl is a type of gemstone with a high luster. These gemstones are usually small, round, and white, though they come in various shapes and colors, including blue, gray, and pink. Pearls form when particles, such as sand, slip between the shell and mantle of [oysters](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-eat-an-oyster). These natural pearls are the most expensive type of pearls. 

Freshwater pearls, also known as cultured or farmed pearls, are made by inseminating [mussels](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-mussels-easy-steamed-mussels-recipe-with-garlic-and-butter). Natural, freshwater, and imitation pearl stones are popular forms of fine jewelry and fashion jewelry. Pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, pearl bracelets, and pearl rings are timeless jewelry pieces.
Historically worn by royalty and the wealthy, pearls are a timeless fashion trend. Consider the following ways to wear pearl jewelry:

1. __Go glam__. A pendant necklace with large pearls can be an excellent statement piece to wear with a [cocktail](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-dress-for-a-cocktail-party) dress or formal attire. Large pearl drop earrings are also glamorous.
2. __Layer a string of pearls__. Layering strands of pearls of various lengths or wearing a multi-layer pearl necklace makes for a dramatic effect. 
3. __Opt for a single pearl stone__. A necklace with a singular pearl stone is a classic look from daytime to evening wear. A pearl pendant necklace can elevate a simple [T-shirt](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-dress-up-a-t-shirt) and jeans outfit, or you can pair a simple pearl necklace with blazers and cardigans for the office. A pair of pearl earrings, like studs, is also appropriate for a casual look and formal attire.
4. __Play with necklace length__. For an edgy look, try a pearl choker necklace. A medium-length pearl necklace, known as a princess-length necklace, or a long pearl necklace, known as an opera-length necklace, is an elegant look.  
5. __Showcase the jewelry__. Blouses, [dresses](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/essential-guide-to-dress-silhouettes), and sweaters featuring simple [necklines](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-necklines)  effectively showcase pearl necklaces. If wearing pearl earrings, pull your hair back into a ponytail or bun to highlight the accessories.
6. __Wear dark colors__. Opt for clothing items of solid colors, especially when wearing white pearls. Bright colors and busy patterns distract from the beautiful simplicity of the pearl necklace. Wearing pearls with a little [black dress](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-style-a-black-dress) is a classic pearl look.
Become a better fashion designer with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Tan France, Anna Wintour, and more.
From single-strand pearl necklaces to stud earrings, pearls are a classic addition to any jewelry box. Learn how to wear pearls casually and formally.

From single-strand pearl necklaces to stud earrings, pearls are a classic addition to any jewelry box. Learn how to wear pearls casually and formally.

How to Wear Pearls: 6 Ways to Wear Pearl Jewelry

A pearl is a type of gemstone with a high luster. These gemstones are usually small, round, and white, though they come in various shapes and colors, including blue, gray, and pink. Pearls form when particles, such as sand, slip between the shell and mantle of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-eat-an-oyster' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-eat-an-oyster","linkCopy":"oysters","category":null}'>oysters</a>. These natural pearls are the most expensive type of pearls. Freshwater pearls, also known as cultured or farmed pearls, are made by inseminating <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-mussels-easy-steamed-mussels-recipe-with-garlic-and-butter' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-mussels-easy-steamed-mussels-recipe-with-garlic-and-butter","linkCopy":"mussels","category":null}'>mussels</a>. Natural, freshwater, and imitation pearl stones are popular forms of fine jewelry and fashion jewelry. Pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, pearl bracelets, and pearl rings are timeless jewelry pieces.

What Are Pearls?

Historically worn by royalty and the wealthy, pearls are a timeless fashion trend. Consider the following ways to wear pearl jewelry:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Go glam. A pendant necklace with large pearls can be an excellent statement piece to wear with a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-dress-for-a-cocktail-party' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-dress-for-a-cocktail-party","linkCopy":"cocktail","category":null}'>cocktail</a> dress or formal attire. Large pearl drop earrings are also glamorous. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Layer a string of pearls. Layering strands of pearls of various lengths or wearing a multi-layer pearl necklace makes for a dramatic effect. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Opt for a single pearl stone. A necklace with a singular pearl stone is a classic look from daytime to evening wear. A pearl pendant necklace can elevate a simple <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-dress-up-a-t-shirt' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-dress-up-a-t-shirt","linkCopy":"T-shirt","category":null}'>T-shirt</a> and jeans outfit, or you can pair a simple pearl necklace with blazers and cardigans for the office. A pair of pearl earrings, like studs, is also appropriate for a casual look and formal attire. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Play with necklace length. For an edgy look, try a pearl choker necklace. A medium-length pearl necklace, known as a princess-length necklace, or a long pearl necklace, known as an opera-length necklace, is an elegant look. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Showcase the jewelry. Blouses, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/essential-guide-to-dress-silhouettes' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/essential-guide-to-dress-silhouettes","linkCopy":"dresses","category":null}'>dresses</a>, and sweaters featuring simple <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-necklines' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-necklines","linkCopy":"necklines","category":null}'>necklines</a> effectively showcase pearl necklaces. If wearing pearl earrings, pull your hair back into a ponytail or bun to highlight the accessories. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Wear dark colors. Opt for clothing items of solid colors, especially when wearing white pearls. Bright colors and busy patterns distract from the beautiful simplicity of the pearl necklace. Wearing pearls with a little <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-style-a-black-dress' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-style-a-black-dress","linkCopy":"black dress","category":null}'>black dress</a> is a classic pearl look. </li></ol>

How to Wear Pearls

Become a better fashion designer with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Tan France, Anna Wintour, and more.

Want to Learn More About Fashion Design?

From single-strand pearl necklaces to stud earrings, pearls are a classic addition to any jewelry box. Learn how to wear pearls casually and formally.

From single-strand pearl necklaces to stud earrings, pearls are a classic addition to any jewelry box. Learn how to wear pearls casually and formally.
