A few years ago, a man in a pearl necklace would have turned heads. Now you’ll see them on stages, red carpets and high streets, worn by men of every age. So, if you’re wondering where to start, the real question is which pearls suit you.
Here, Chrissie Douglas explains how to choose the best pearl necklace for men, from a simple white strand to black Tahitian pearls on leather.
The simple white strand
Much of the credit for the shift goes to one man. “Probably the first man to start wearing pearls really frequently and very publicly was Harry Styles,” says Chrissie. “He wore what most people would call the twin set and pearls look: a very simple, very modest white round pearl necklace.”
Since Styles wore a single pearl drop earring to the 2019 Met Gala, the look has spread well beyond pop stars, and Chrissie has seen it on young men and older men alike. “It gives a freshness to the look,” she says. “Pearls enhance the beauty of their wearer, and that’s true of men as much as women. The glow of the pearl helps the man wearing it look better.”
Black pearls on leather
For a more casual look, leather makes a natural partner. “Probably my favourite way is a beautiful leather strand with a single pearl, or three pearls, in front, as a pendant necklace,” says Chrissie.
Colour matters here. “When it’s leather, I favour black pearls on black leather for men,” she says. “They look very masculine, very strong and warrior-like.” Our Black Tahitian Single Pearl ‘Friendship’ Necklace is a simple place to start, while the Black Tahitian Pearl ‘Warrior’ Choker makes a bolder statement. The same pairing works on the wrist, too, in chunky black pearl and leather bracelets.
A full Tahitian strand
For something more formal, consider a full strand of black Tahitian pearls. When Timothée Chalamet became British Vogue’s first solo male cover star in 2022, he wore our silver-black Tahitian pearl necklace. “It looks very strong,” says Chrissie. “and very striking.”
Larger pearls and the right length
White South Sea pearls are the largest cultured pearls, they suit men who want something more substantial. “I have clients who wear large white South Sea pearl necklaces very successfully. It is a bit like armour,” says Chrissie.
Whichever pearls you choose, the length makes a difference. “Necklaces worn by men usually sit quite high on the neck,” she explains. “Well above the collarbone, not lower down and not creating a U shape.” In practice, that means a choker or collar length rather than a longer strand. Unless of course you go for a rope, which looks fabulous on the red carpet.
Beyond the necklace
Not every man wants a necklace, and some of the most interesting pearl jewellery for men sits elsewhere. “Brooches are really coming into their own at the moment,” says Chrissie. “Lapel pins, brooches with a generous quantity of pearls.”
Pearl earrings are another understated option. “Elton John wears quite a few: Tahitian and South Sea pearl earrings, single studs,” she says. “Very classic, very chic, very minimal.” Pearl cufflinks and tie pins offer a more traditional way in, particularly for weddings and formal events.
Finding your pearls
For Chrissie, the case for men in pearls is simple. “Men have worn pearls as adornment for centuries, and pearls will all enhance their wearer,” she says. “So why should looking better with pearls be relegated to girls? Men can join in too.” If you’d like help finding the best pearl necklace for you, book your consultation today.
