The Small Detail That Is Guaranteed to Elevate Your Summer Staples

For a long time, pearls were a signifier of conservative taste. Costume directors always gave characters like Bree van der Kamp a neat string of pearls to wear with their pastel cardigans and uptight attitudes. However, pearls have become the most popular jewellery trend of 2019, thanks to designers like Timeless Pearly, Alighieri and Anna Lu who are redefining pearls.

You'll find pearls in every possible iteration this season—from hair clips and anklets to chokers and earrings—but the one thing they have in common is that these don't have a perfect finish. Instead of neat strings of pearls, these are freshwater-style with uneven surfaces, natural colours and varying sizes. Although these are beautiful pieces that will give your look a 2019 refresh, they are still items that feel really unique and that you can treasure for years and years to come. There are many designers creating beautiful one-off pieces, such as Alighieri and Timeless Pearly, however, there are also some amazing iterations on the high street.

For inspiration for how to wear pearl jewellery this summer, scroll below for some of the most beautiful pieces we've spotted so far this year.

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(Image credit: Louloudesaison)

Style Notes: Strings of pearls look so much cooler when they are looped around an ankle—especially when paired with the dream Chanel Mary Janes. 

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Style Notes: If anyone knows how to style pearl jewellery without looking twee, it’s Camille Charriere. take your cue from the impeccably accessorised French influencer and team your oversized white shirt with artfully layered pearl-detail necklaces.

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(Image credit: Nnennaechem)

Style Notes: Nnenna is a big fan of pearl jewellery, often wearing dozens of clips, necklaces and accessories at once. We love how she pairs her drop pearl earrings with a pearl choker. 

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(Image credit: Slip into Style)

Style Notes: Ellie from Slip Into Style shows that pearls and gold look amazing mixed together. 

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(Image credit: Monikh)

Style Notes: One of the brands leading the pearl jewellery revival is Alighieri, who creates a beautiful pearl pendant resting on a gold coin. 

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(Image credit: Venns Wife)

Style Notes: For a simple look, opt for a single strand of pearls. 

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(Image credit: ch.phr8ph)

Style Notes: If you're from the "more is more" school of thought, pile on those pearls and wear multiple earrings, rings and necklaces at the same time. 

Shop Pearl Jewellery

Related: Summer 2019 Fashion Trends: Looks You Need to Know

Next up, see our guide to the key trends for spring/summer 2019.

This piece was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Emma Spedding