How can you pick a high-quality pearl?

“The tell-tale sign of a quality pearl is its luster,” Chao tells us. Luster refers to the light that’s reflected from the surface of the pearl. “A good quality pearl should exhibit a soft glow and high reflectiveness.”

What is the most popular type of pearl necklace?

A string of pearls worn at the neck (in the style of Holly Golightly) is the most classic type of pearl necklace. To put a modern spin on this look, follow the lead of celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie Bradshaw in And Just Like That… and layer it with a smaller or larger set. For a ’90s-inspired twist, choose a choker-like necklace. A dainty option is best for every day, while a chunkier piece is great for evenings out on the town.

How do you care for pearl necklaces?

Pearls are soft, natural gemstones and thus can be quite sensitive to substances like chlorine, sunscreen, perfume, and even perspiration. (By “soft” we mean that in terms of mineral hardness, they rank a 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, compared to diamonds, which rank a 10.) Experts say you should never clean pearls using ultrasonic light or steam. Instead, you can use warm, soapy water; just make sure you dry them quickly and thoroughly. When you take them off, store them in a soft, loose pouch to keep them from becoming scratched or dented.

The Best Pearl Necklace Brands to Shop

Pearls are a classic for a reason: Less showy than diamonds but equally precious, these oyster-derived gemstones have been popular for centuries for their unique shapes and high luster. Pearl necklaces in particular are a timeless staple, but the way designers are using pearls is changing. “When most people think of pearls, they picture grandma’s big, white pearl strands,” says gemologist and Auroro co-founder, Tiffany Chao. But more and more contemporary jewelry brands are reinventing and diversifying this category: Modern pearl necklaces can include a single round pearl layered with coordinated gold chains, or a chunky strand of baroque pearls best worn with an open neckline. To help you find your ideal piece, we've rounded up ten of the best pearl necklace brands of the moment, spanning every price point and aesthetic.

Meet the Expert

Tiffany Chao is a gemologist and the co-founder of Los Angeles-based jewelry label Auroro.
Katie Zimmerman is a fine jewelry expert and the chief merchandising officer at Blue Nile.

What to Look for in a Pearl Necklace Brand

While lots of pearl necklace brands are out there, as with most things, not all are created equal. The good news is we have tips for how to find the best options for your priorities and price points, complete with expert input.

Pearl Type

According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), there are two different types of pearls, natural and cultured. Natural pearls come from the bodies of certain mollusks in the wild. Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are essentially farm-raised. There are several subcategories of cultured pearls, such as Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian, and freshwater (Biwa pearls fall into this category).This guide by the GIA can provide you with more information on each.

Quality

Like diamonds, pearls can come with an accreditation verifying their quality and origin. They come in the form of grading reports performed by reputable organizations like the GIA and the American Gem Society (AGS). “It’s just not as common compared to how prominent these types of grading reports are done on diamonds,” says Blue Nile chief merchandising officer, Katie Zimmerman. “Not all pearls will be graded, but you shouldn’t make your purchase decision based on this.” Buying pearls from a trusted retailer is another way that you can ensure they’re great quality.

The Best Pearl Necklace Brands to Shop

01 of 10

Monica Vinader

Close-up of woman wearing pearl necklace, white button-down shirt, and oversized ring — @monicavinader / Instagram

Monica Vinader is our go-to for the coolest contemporary jewelry. The designs are so easy to wear and fairly affordable, with most necklaces priced under $400. It has a dedicated selection of pearl pieces that mostly consists of pearl pendants. Some of the most unique pieces are the Nura Biwa Pearl Beaded Chain Necklace, which features a single Biwa pearl on a chain with matching gold beads strung throughout, as well as the Nura Pearl Necklace, a delicate gold chain pendant with a single baroque pearl.

Price Range: $100–$400

Monica Vinader Nura Irregular Pearl Mixed Necklace

Buy on Monicavinader.com $395

02 of 10

Aurum

Close-up of woman wearing a necklace with a single pearl held by organic gold design — @aurumjewellery / Instagram

Icelandic jeweler Aurum should be on your radar for its simple but distinctive pearl necklaces. Case in point: the Perla Necklace, which features a smooth and lustrous freshwater pearl encased in silver and strung on a thin rope chain. Though any design you choose will be handcrafted with care—the brand assures that. It offers a lifetime guarantee for every piece it makes. We consider it an eco-friendly option because it also advertises its ethical sources, like recycled and refined precious metals and conflict-free precious stones.

Price Range: $110–$700

Aurum Kolga Necklace

Buy on Aurumiceland.com $165

03 of 10

Mejuri

Close-up of woman wearing string of pearls necklace with gold shell pendant — @mejuri / Instagram

Mejuri has indeed become a buzzy brand in the jewelry space—and understandably so. Its offerings are on-trend and affordable (a great combination for everyday jewelry). Many of the designs have a ’90s feel with their choker-like styles. If you like to switch things up often, we’d suggest investing in a chain and various charms from the brand for a rugged, wild-caught effect. Other bonuses of the brand are its majority use of recycled metals and its two-year warranty.

Price Range: $50–$250

Pearl Charm Necklace

Buy on Mejuri.com $198

04 of 10

Mikimoto

Woman wearing two pearl necklaces, pearl stud earrings, and denim jacket — @official_mikimoto / Instagram

When it comes to pearls, you can’t go wrong with Mikimoto. The label’s founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, is widely credited with creating the world’s first cultured pearls in the 1890s, and his business remains a destination for timeless and ultra-luxurious pearl jewelry (this dainty pearl pendant necklace is one of its more affordable options). The range of pearls includes Akoya, baroque, and South Sea (Black, White, or Golden), and every finished piece has Mikimoto’s seal of approval—just look for an engraved outline of an oyster or the Mikimoto name.

Price Range: Starts at $1000

Mikimoto M Collection Cultured Akoya Pearl Pendant Necklace

Buy on Saks Fifth Avenue $3,900

05 of 10

Catbird

Close-up of model wearing layered gold necklaces, bracelets, and rings including pearl pendant — @catbirdnyc / Instagram

If you can’t visit Catbird's store in Williamsburg, don’t worry, because the brand’s online shop is equally delicious. When it comes to pearl necklaces, it has plenty of necklaces from designers including Stacey Nishimoto (get a good look at these black iridescent pearls), Faris, and Wwake, in addition to its own collection.

Price Range: $38–$850

Catbird Black Swan Pearl Necklace

Buy on Catbirdnyc.com $198

06 of 10

Stone and Strand

Woman wearing layered necklaces including one string of pearls, plus hoop earrings and tortoise sunglasses — @stoneandstrand / Instagram

Stone and Strand’s founder Nadine Kahane champions elegant yet affordable jewelry. Her pearl necklaces, like the Tiny Solitaire Pearl Necklace, are ideal to add to a mix of layered necklaces and retail for $450 or less. We also love that the brand offers repair services to extend the life of your piece, as well as its generous 100-day return policy.

Price Range: $210–$450

Stone and Strand Lucky Pearl Necklace

Buy on Stoneandstrand.com $295

07 of 10

Mateo New York

Close-up of woman wearing layered gold necklaces, one with pearl — @mateonewyork / Instagram

Mateo’s pearl necklace creations are a beautiful mix of antitheses: delicate but substantial, and modern but timeless. Its pearl strand necklaces offer a contemporary take on classic pearls, with some styles opting for rugged baroque pearls over the ultra-classic round ones.

Price Range: $390–$22,000

Mateo New York 14kt Baroque Pearl Necklace

Buy on Mateonewyork.com $750

08 of 10

Roxanne Assoulin

Close-up of person wearing light colored button-down and layered necklaces with pearls, gold, and colorful beads — @roxanneassoulin / Instagram

Roxanne Assoulin is best known for her campy, rainbow-colored baubles, but her faux pearl pieces are just as sweet. Her Princess Pearls Necklace features two strings of glass, pearl-like beads: The outer string features large ones, while the inner string shows a smaller size. The clasps are the designer’s signature button closures with woven red threads on each side for a signature pop of color. Some of her other designs feature not only the aforementioned glass pearls but enamel-coated beads, too.

Price Range: $90–$125

Roxanne Assoulin La Sponda Double Wrap Necklace

Buy on Roxanneassoulin.com $110

09 of 10

Tiffany & Co.

Hailey Bieber wears layered pearl necklaces and earrings — @haileybieber / Instagram

One of the most classic (and mainstream) options is Tiffany, known for its glossy fine jewelry and signature turquoise boxes. We love its mix of traditional and modern elements in its pearl necklaces, such as metal gauge links paired with cultured pearls in the Pearl Lock Necklace, or Elsa Peretti’s ’70s-inspired Mesh Tie Necklace with fringe-like pearls at each end of the piece. The price range at Tiffany & Co. is huge, so while some pearl necklaces are astronomical in price, others can be more accessible investments.

Price Range: $300–$16,000

Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Pearls by the Yard Sprinkle Necklace

Buy on Tiffany.com $4,300

10 of 10

Yam

hand holding strings of vintage and dead-stock pearls — @yam_nyc / Instagram

Looking for a pearl necklace brand with playful energy and an affordable price point? Yam has got you. The label works with various sellers to source vintage and dead stock pearls for its pieces, as well as a small family-owned pearl farm for pearls that are harder to find. The pearls go on to live in stunning modern strings, avant-garde pendants and earrings, and more, with most pieces under $100.

Price Range: $48-$155

Yam Bonar Pearl Choker

Buy on Yamnyc.com $142

FAQ

How can you pick a high-quality pearl?

“The tell-tale sign of a quality pearl is its luster,” Chao tells us. Luster refers to the light that’s reflected from the surface of the pearl. “A good quality pearl should exhibit a soft glow and high reflectiveness.”
What is the most popular type of pearl necklace?

A string of pearls worn at the neck (in the style of Holly Golightly) is the most classic type of pearl necklace. To put a modern spin on this look, follow the lead of celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie Bradshaw in And Just Like That… and layer it with a smaller or larger set. For a ’90s-inspired twist, choose a choker-like necklace. A dainty option is best for every day, while a chunkier piece is great for evenings out on the town.
How do you care for pearl necklaces?

Pearls are soft, natural gemstones and thus can be quite sensitive to substances like chlorine, sunscreen, perfume, and even perspiration. (By “soft” we mean that in terms of mineral hardness, they rank a 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, compared to diamonds, which rank a 10.) Experts say you should never clean pearls using ultrasonic light or steam. Instead, you can use warm, soapy water; just make sure you dry them quickly and thoroughly. When you take them off, store them in a soft, loose pouch to keep them from becoming scratched or dented.

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