Pearls are symbolic of purity and beauty, to new beginnings and long-lasting love - which makes pearl jewellery perfect for brides. Everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to Grace Kelly, Serena Williams and Penelope Cruz wore these beautiful, natural gems on their wedding days. In 2022, fashion designers like Vera Wang, Simone Rocha and Madison James have all incorporated pearls into their bridal gowns too.
With that in mind, if your wedding day is just around the corner, you may want to invest in your own pearl wedding jewellery. But which kind will complement you and your dress best? Keep reading as we reveal some of the most popular pearl jewellery for brides, as well as several ways to choose the right design for you.
The range of pearl jewellery for brides
While there are lots of pearls for brides on the market, necklaces, earrings and bracelets tend to be the most sought-after designs. Let’s take a closer look…
Pearl wedding necklaces
When it comes to pearl jewellery for brides, white pearl necklaces are at the top of people’s lists. From classic double strand pearl necklaces that evoke a sense of retro charm, to sultry chokers that elongate your neck, modern chain designs to go with a modern dress, and sleek pearl pendants for the subtle touch - there is a pearl wedding necklace to suit every bride.
Pearl wedding earrings
Popular with royals and celebrities alike, pearl drop earrings are also a favourite amongst brides. With so many pearl wedding earrings to choose from, you won’t be short of options. Keep things simple with a subtle pair of pearl stud earrings or go bold with a sparkling set of pearl and diamond earrings for added wow factor. If you are wearing long earrings, we advise sweeping your hair off your face to show off their elegant movement.
Pearl wedding bracelets
Planning on wearing a sleeveless or a short sleeved wedding dress? A pearl wedding bracelet will add a lovely finishing touch. A pearl cuff bracelet or a double strand design adds noticeable punch alongside a classic and plain white dress. Pearl chain bracelets, on the other hand, are a more understated option, which would suit a detailed and embroidered white dress – so as not to detract from the detail of the gown.
Choosing the perfect pearl wedding jewellery for you
By personal style
You want to choose bridal pearls that complement your personal style. After all, this day is about you! Some people prefer vintage pearls with a hint of old-school Hollywood glamour, while others want a more contemporary look. If you’re a modern bride, pearl hoop earrings, chain designs and baroque pearl jewellery for brides all offer a modern twist on traditional styles.
You could even swap out classic white pearl jewellery altogether and opt for a shade that matches your wedding colour scheme or dark Tahitian pearls for a striking contrast. Alternatively, add ‘something blue’ (as is tradition) into your jewellery with a design that features vivid gems like aquamarine or iridescent moonstone. It’s entirely up to you!
You should also think about whether you’d like a simpler and more subtle design like a delicate pearl pendant, or whether more elaborate pearl designs suit your style.
By complexion and dress colour
When selecting your pearl wedding jewellery, you should also consider your skin tone. Each pearl colour suits a different complexion – even if you choose traditional white pearls.
For example, lustrous South Sea pearl earrings and necklaces with a cool, silver overtone look fabulous against fair skin tones, especially when paired with a pure white wedding gown. Freshwater pearl jewellery with pink overtones are perfect for those with fair skin which tans moderately well, and complement both white and ivory dresses. On the other hand, cream pearls for brides suit medium and dark skin tones and those that tan well, they look great with off-white and antique lace dresses.
If your gown is a different shade or boasts colourful accents, why not choose bridal pearls to match? From dreamy golden pearl necklaces to pink pearl earrings and black pearl bracelets, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Coleman Douglas Pearls.
By neckline
While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to buying pearl jewellery for brides, there are some pearl wedding necklaces and earrings that tend to complement certain necklines best, so it may be worth bearing them in mind.
For dresses with open necks – such as scoops, sweethearts and V-necks – you have several options. A cohesive single strand pearl necklace and pearl drop earring set will create an elegant finish, while pearl chain necklaces and those with a mix of seed pearls will provide a softer, modern look.
If your dress is strapless or has thin straps, a statement pearl choker necklace is a great choice, particularly if the overall design is quite simple. Meanwhile, halter neck and boat neck gowns work well with simple pearl pendants that don’t look too busy.
For backless dresses, a striking, white pearl lariat necklace draped down your spine will add a glamorous feel and position you firmly at the centre of everyone’s attention.
Conversely, if you opt for a high neck dress or one with lots of detail, it may be best to skip the necklace altogether. In this case, we’d suggest an updo hairstyle with medium-large pearl stud earrings, to avoid detracting attention away from your gown.
Discover stunning bridal pearls at Coleman Douglas Pearls
Designed in conjunction with leading wedding jewellery designers like Suzanne Neville, Jenny Packham and Phillipa Lepley, our extensive range of pearl jewellery for brides offers something for everyone.
Whatever your style preference or theme, at Coleman Douglas Pearls, we have the perfect pearl wedding jewellery for you. We can even supply complementary pearl cufflinks for the groom and pretty pearl bracelets for your bridesmaids.
If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, our talented artisans can create a bespoke design just for you ahead of your special day. Simply fill out the contact form on our website or email us at cdp@pearls.co.uk to learn more.
