Pearl Jewelry: Six Ideas

A strand of pearls has long been called the quintessential heirloom gift; it is that piece of jewelry that defined our grandmothers' generation as conservative and refined. Pearls are beautiful, pearls are classy, but pearls can be...well, how can I put this? Despite their iridescence, pearls have been written off as a rather dull and matronly accessory. Often associated with debutante balls and dowagers, pearls have gotten a bad rap in the world of fashion jewelry. Unfortunately, that less than complementary reputation meant that the old heirloom strand was often left to languish in the bottom of the jewelry box. At least, it had been, until some enterprising designers discovered how much fun it could be to mix and match their mediums. With new techniques in design and jewelry production, pearls are back in a big way.

Here are six ways to liven up your look with pearls:

A rising star in the world of jewelry design, Suzanne Sumerall's Kai (Ocean) line from her KiraKira collection features an array of sea inspired goodies! The totally charming Gold Starlette Pearl Bracelet has three rows of 9mm pearls, dotted with gold vermeil starfish charms. A beautiful and whimsical way to carry summer with you all year round.

Megha Jain's exotic jewelry line, Taara, is infused with Eastern elegance. These Taara Praiano 22k Gold plated disc earrings are delicately ornamented with tiny, shimmering seed pearls.

How about another beautiful and original design from Suzanna Dai? The Medusa Necklace is a unique, snake-shaped piece, made of overlapping sequins and pearl beads. Suzanna Dai can always be counted on for bold and exquisite fashion jewelry.

The Love Heals Merlin Necklace is the gutsy woman's way to wear pearls! A brilliant combination of peacock rice pearls, bronze charms, and black leather. Brave and beautiful, with no strings attached!

American designer Regan Rowland really knows how to mix her mediums! Her Henri Lou Pearl Ring is a rustic, yet chic way to wear a pearl. A single white freshwater pearl chosen and set in a hand knotted, sterling silver wire, stunning in its simplicity. 

The jewelers at the design house Gypsy Global Jewelry love their pearls, and are liberal in their applications! Their Black Star Ring is bohemian bliss! Expertly cast and gold plated, the large central black crystal is offset by several tea stained freshwater pearls.

So leave the string for kite flying or as a reminder to pick up the dry cleaning. Rice pearls, seed pearls, or whatever you prefer on your jewelry; thank heavens for little pearls!