Our Ultimate Pearl Guide

Our Personal Jewelers want the world to know that pearls have a place in every jewelry wardrobe. If you’re someone who’s always thought of pearls as an heirloom or a fashion relic of a bygone era, it might be about time to take another look. Pearls are having a much-deserved resurgence and we think this guide will help you see why we are most definitely here for it.

Maybe you’re someone who loves pearls, but have always kept yours tucked away safely for those special occasions and black-tie affairs. We want you to get excited about the endless potential for styling and stacking pearls in a way that is sure to fit right in with your everyday style – from classy to casual and everything in between.

Finding Your Perfect Pearl

Each type of pearl has its own characteristics, which makes them perfect for finding just the right tone and texture that works for you. Let’s go over a few of our favorite pearl varieties and see which options might just tick the right boxes for you.

Saltwater Pearls

Cultured saltwater pearls are beloved for their natural beauty. The water temperature and salt content where the mollusks are farmed contribute to a unique luster and shine along with a dazzling array of overtones that play beautifully with the light.

Freshwater Pearls

These pearls strike a lovely harmony of value, versatility and endless wearability. Freshwater pearls can be found in an array of natural overtones like pink and purple. A freshwater cultured pearl strand or stud earrings are perfect for wearing every day and really pop against minimalist clothing like a button down top.

Akoya Pearls

These cultured saltwater pearls have a one-of-a-kind luster. Akoya pearls form more slowly in cooler Asian saltwater, making their harvest a special occasion. They can range in color from a silvery white to cream with stunning overtones. Mikimoto is one of the most renowned makers of Akoya pearl jewelry. They select only the highest quality pearls pair them with exceptional craftsmanship and gorgeous precious metals to create pieces to wear and love for a lifetime.

Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian cultured pearls are also found in a wide range of colors, but it’s the darker hues that really set them apart. Deep and swirling shades that range from soft gray to black and a distinct luster and rainbow-like overtones make these pearls incredibly captivating.

South Sea Pearls

South Sea cultured saltwater pearls are harvested from oysters in Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines, among other locations. South Sea pearls can also be found in a beautiful pallet of overtones, that range from creamy white to silver and gold.

How to Style Your Pearl Jewelry

Pearls offer a whole world of options to style in a way that suits your unique style and personality. Once you have a few pieces in your jewelry wardrobe, you’ll be amazed with the versatility of these gorgeous little gemstones. Below, you’ll find a few ways our Personal Jewelers love to style pearls.

When you’re looking for ultimate elegance, go for a long pearl necklace with matching earrings – or maybe even a choker. For formal occasions, our Personal Jewelers love pairing pearls with something simple and refined, like a one-color dress.

Keeping it Casual

A dainty pearl necklace is and earrings are perfect for effortless, everyday style. We love the look of baroque pearls that showcase the natural shape and look amazing with jeans and a tee shirt. The rustic look makes each pearl unique and adds intrigue with a bit of edge to your daily style.

Make Your Own Rules

Our Personal Jewelers want the world to know that pearls are for absolutely everyone. When it comes to styling pearls, there are no rules when it comes to exploring your creativity and uniqueness. We’re inspired by some of the looks we’re seeing on the red carpet, like A$AP Rocky in a bold pearl necklace and pearl rings. How will you let your personality shine with pearls?

Contrasting Stacks

Pearls are amazing for stacking with contrasting colors and textures. Try pairing your stand with a bold neck chain for an unmistakable impact. We think yellow gold is a great option, but you simply can’t go wrong when it comes to finding your favorite stack and creating a look that’s authentically you.

Pearl Rings

Our Personal Jewelers love the look of pearl rings, especially in 14k yellow or rose gold. They add a vintage-inspired elegance that stands out as a single ring, or will add a nice dramatic touch to your stack.

Pearl Earrings

Baroque dangle earrings are chunky and fun with a gorgeous texture and rainbow-like shine that honors this gemstone in its natural shape. Pearl studs are the ultimate in versatility, perfect for any occasion. We recommend Akoya pearl studs with a diamond accent from Mikimoto. Pearl hoops are perfect if you love stacking your earrings and exploring new combinations of gemstones and precious metals.

Explore Your Look at Ben Bridge

Shop online or visit your nearest Ben Bridge store to explore an immense variety of pearl jewelry and find the right match for you. We only offer naturally colored pearls with no dyes so you can experience pearls in their truest form. Our Personal Jewelers are always here to answer any questions you have and provide personalized service to find a piece that suits your style and personality.