While ‘clutching pearls’ is now synonymous with bougie old ladies and angry Karens, men’s pearl necklaces are en vogue and will have you – dare we say – truly clutching your pearls. After being pushed out by toxic masculinity, these seafood-originated gemstones are the latest trend in the journey to genderless jewelry.
“Historically, we do see men wearing pearls – however, in early modern times, pearls have been associated with women and worn in a very classic, feminine style. For this reason, younger generations have moved away from pearls,” says Yasuhiko Hashimoto, CEO for America of leading pearl jewelry brand Mikimoto.
Luckily, the later 2000s’ are shifting the male perspective — especially with trailblazers such as Harry Styles leading the way in genderless dressing. With the search for “men’s pearls” among more specific pearl styles increasing, that means the market is there. Men want to not only gift their loved ones with pearls but wear pearls themselves.
The problem? Which men’s pearl necklaces and other jewelry are worth it, and which should you leave out of the cart?
Don’t worry (no pearl-clutching here) – we’ve scoured the internet marketplace and have picked out the best options for those who want to dip their feet in the glamorous world of pearl-wearing. From the elegant and pricey Mikimoto to the always hip but easier on-the-wallet Urban Outfitters, there is a necklace, ring, or bracelet that will fit seamlessly into your wardrobe.
Our Top Picks
The Best Men’s Pearl Necklace
We take style, price, and brand name into account when curating this list, making sure that we hit all the boxes when it comes to helping you choose your latest accessory. Just continue reading below and get ready to sport some pearls at your next outing.
Here are our top 15 picks for the best men’s pearl necklace.
Founded in 1974 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Peyote Bird collects, creates, and cultivates handcrafted products from and with artisans across the world — and their Desert pearl collection is no different. Descending from the Navajo tradition of hand-crafted pearls, Desert pearls sit beautifully in this American Southwest-inspired jewelry line.
Best for a casual night out, adding a bit of flair to a summer outfit, or when you need something to compliment your classic American jean jacket, the Peyote Bird Desert Sangria Necklace should be at the top of your list.
- This necklace is very versatile while still being elevated, will fit comfortably around your neck, and has a price point that won’t break your bank entirely.
- Since these pearls are more rustic than their “pearly white” counterparts, you will need to ensure your outfit doesn’t scream cowboy when adding this accessory – unless that was your aim.
Vitaly is breaking down doors in the jewelry world with its genderless collections and experimental designs. Established in 2011 in Toronto, Vitaly built and experimented upon the framework of global cultural directions, taking inspiration from robotics, artificial intelligence, and industrial manufacturing processes.
This leads to some seriously futuristic, clean, and crisp necklaces. Add in a gem like pearls, and you have a classic piece for the 21st century. If you’re looking to buy yourself a pearl necklace, but don’t want to be accused of stealing your grandmother’s or want something lowkey, we recommend the Vitaly Akoya Pearl Necklace.
- This necklace combines stainless steel and pearls to create something wholly unique, making you stand out as an accessory innovator. Also, stainless steel lasts essentially forever without the wear and tear of other materials, so this can be a statement piece well into your later years.
- If you’re looking for a little more flair, this isn’t the piece of jewelry for you.
For a pearl necklace that is as unique as you, Pacharee is the brand. Known for the imperfectly perfect pearls (say that 5x fast.), this brand knows how to create jewelry that’s meant to either flatter an outfit or be the center of attention.
From layering necklaces to rings that pop, this brand is for the man who wants to show off their creativity and is also not afraid to show off. The Dhin Long necklace encapsulates all of this perfectly, with its unique Keshi Pearl and textured gold.
- This necklace can be adjusted to three different lengths, which makes it perfect for layering and everyday wear. It also works as a statement piece or in collaboration with the rest of your accessories, taking you from date night to a more formal event.
- The delicate nature of this necklace gives it a bit more a feminine flair, which may or may not fit your style — and if you don’t want to experiment right now, save this tab and come back.
Aporro takes pearl wearing and gives it the urban twist one can expect from a New York City established brand. Using multicultural motifs mixed with traditional jewelry designs and customs, Aporro is the perfect starting point for all men who want to own pearl accessories — especially the WONG Coiled Dragon Pearl Pendant.
The image of a dragon coiling around a pearl symbolizes the dragon’s desire for power, and with meticulous brass detailing of the dragon in combination with a single pearl, you’re sure to be the trend starter in your group.
- The price tag. At $85, this pendant is the definition of bougie on a budget. Also, it’s just really cool to look at. Whoever has this around their neck is sure to get people talking.
- We kind of wish there were more pearls — but that’s just us.
With each piece handcrafted in the London jewelry district of Hatton Gardens, these pearls are bougie in the best way — and the perfect place to get refined freshwater pearls. While other brands may try to spice things up with funky shapes, colors, Hatton Labs keeps it clean, giving us a rejuvenated glow to your grandmother’s favorite pearls with their Classic Freshwater Pearl Chain. Best for a formal night out or to spruce up a date night outfit, this chain will give you a breath of sophistication.
- These pearls manage to both complement and compete with the rest of your look, and that’s a dynamic we want to see more of. Plus, every man should have a classic pearl necklace stashed away.
- If paired incorrectly, these pearls can age you — and have the youngsters mistaking you for an angry old lady.
When it comes to pearls, Mikimoto should be your dream brand. Established in 1893, the founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, was the first in the world to successfully culture a pearl. What followed was this Japanese behemoth in the pearl market. If you want to sport some of the best pearls in the world, you go to Mikimoto — but make sure you can get a loan first.
Owning a Mikimoto pearl necklace, like the ultra-versatile M Code Cultured pearl necklace that follows in the footsteps of the long-standing Mikimoto innovation, this necklace is not for the faint of heart. With the lowest priced necklace coming in at over $4,000, this is a big investment.
- Nothing screams quality pearls like Mikimoto. For the best in the business, you should look no further. Also, it’s so stunningly beautiful and will elevate all of your looks without any effort.
- It’s pretty simple: The price tag can get quite ridiculous.
On the flip side, you can also get some good-looking freshwater pearls for a much lower price — without sacrificing quality. This Pete Pearl Cross necklace from Urban Outfitters does just this.
Classy, clean, and perfect for everyday wear, this pearl necklace will have you looking cool without pulling out a small loan from the bank. Also, we love the religious motif of a cross, whether you’re religious or not. Paired with a leather jacket and white t-shirt and you have yourself a certified look.
- The PRICE. At $25, this necklace is a steal. It also doesn’t look or feel cheap, which means people will be wondering which quality jeweler you snagged this from.
- While places like Urban Outfitters usually supply great quality products, with every department store you run the risk of sub-par products.
Another cheaper alternative that will still elevate your look, ASOS is a great start for that bougie on a budget lifestyle, and their (faux) pearl necklaces are no exception. The standout? Their exclusive Reclaimed Vintage Inspired Pearl Necklace with a yin yang pendant, mixed chain, and faux pearls throw you back while keeping you in the present with its mixture of vintage aesthetic and modern design. This necklace is perfect for the man who wants to test out pearls without indulging in the real deal.
- The unique design of the necklace pairs well with a more rugged look and is perfect for casual outings, date nights, and maybe a happy hour or two. Also at this price, you can buy multiple faux pearl accessories to test your limits.
- While unique, the design can get a bit cluttered depending on the outfit. You will need to make sure it sits as a standout accessory.
While Mejuri has established itself as a women’s jewelry brand since 2015, that doesn’t mean men can’t get in on the pearl action here. While the designs can be more delicate and feminine, this is an excuse to show off your sensitive side and find an everyday pearl necklace that compliments your everyday energy.
Whether you’re feeling more masculine, feminine, or somewhere strictly in between, this Tiny Pearl Necklace will have you feeling your best self. Also, Mejuiri as a brand is huge on sustainability, and this necklace is no different. Using organic freshwater pearls from both oysters and mussels, these pearls give off a radiant hue that will go with every outfit.
- The ode to sustainability really elevates this product for us. Not only is it stylish, but being environmentally sound is something we like to see.
- While it does have a great subtle effect, sometimes we want our pearls to do a bit more.
There is just something absolutely renaissance about Alighieri. Founded by Rosh Matani, each fragmented talisman is inspired by Dante Alighieri’s story of being lost in a dark wood, and these heirlooms are magical. Also creating these handcrafted pieces of art in Hatton Gardens, the pendant for the Baroque Pearl Layer necklace is carved by hand, then cast in bronze and plated in gold.
This unique shape of the pearl stands out in a way that will have people talking, and it pairs well with a suit (but no tie) for those semi-formal events where you can show off your own style.
- That this is a bit different than the pearls we all know. This baroque pearl really stands out from the crowd and will help everyone around you think you know what your pearls are – even if you don’t. Plus the chain is unique and fits well with the pendant.
- The aesthetic isn’t for everyone, and if you’re someone who likes something a bit more modern, we suggest you skip it.
Sometimes, you just want a hint of something. Translated here, it means you want a singular pearl to show that “hey, you like to try something new” but you’re also cautious. Luckily this Gold Solar Necklace from Serges Denimes has the perfect shell pearl accent to help you get there.
The brand started in 2011 with seasonal collections of apparel but didn’t get into high-quality fashion jewelry until 2017 and now we have this multi-pendant pearl necklace. Made with 14-carat gold, the shell pearl is perfectly accessorizing the gold pendant, allowing you to dip your toes into the pearl trend without going all in.
- How simply elegant this necklace is and how this brand is for men by men.
- For us, one pearl isn’t enough. We want all the pearls.
Pyrrha was established in 1995 by a Canadian couple with a dream, and their dream has resulted in some uniquely elegant wax seal talisman jewelry. Some of their best work is when they pair these seals with pearls, like their Direction Freshwater Pearl Necklace.
The compass rose detail helps you to find direction, and looks very cool while doing so. Made of 100% recycled metals, this pearl necklace will look good, feel good, and have everyone running in your direction.
- This unconventional necklace is a fresh take on a traditional pearl necklace, and the sustainability aspect of the necklace is nothing to ignore.
- What if the talisman points us in the wrong direction?
What to look for in a men’s pearl necklace
When it comes to buying a pearl necklace, these are the top three factors to consider.
Pearl Type
While you may not necessarily care what type of pearl you buy or even care if it’s real or fake, it’s best to be aware of the different pearl types when shelling out your hard-earned money on a necklace.
For example, if you’re going to pay hundreds of dollars for a pearl necklace, you want to make sure you’re getting real pearls. There are three types of pearls you can buy. The first is natural, which is extremely rare but is 100% created naturally in the mollusk.
The second is cultured pearls, which are created using a “culturing” process that started in the early 19th century and make up most of the market today. In culturing, an irritant is surgically placed into the mollusk and protected in “pearl farms” while the pearl develops. While man starts the pearl process, it is still up to nature to determine the quality of the final pearl.
The third is imitation pearls, which aren’t pearls at all, but rather glass beads steeped in fish scales that provide its luster. One way you can test pearls is to rub them against another pearl; imitation pearls glide across each other but cultured pearls feel gritty. When buying pearls, it’s important that you evaluate the type of pearl you’re getting versus the price.
Pearl Quality
You should also be evaluating the pearl quality, especially if you know for a fact that your pearl is real. The qualities to look for? Luster – you should be able to see yourself in the pearl and the surface should be more or less blemish free. The shape is another quality to look for. It’s rare you will find a perfectly symmetrical pearl (before shaping), and most baroque pearls are freshwater pearls. The average cultured pearls sold today are between 7 and 7 1/2 millimeters in diameter, so don’t be afraid to ask about the size of your pearls.
Lastly, color and quality of strand are two factors to look for. Depending on your skin tone, you want to find pearls that will best complement your complexion. Meanwhile, the strands should not bunch or twist, and the color should more or less match.
Style
The last thing to truly consider is the style. Whether you want a singular pearl, strands of beads, or pearl-infused pendants, there is a style that fits everyone. If you’re just dipping your toes into the trend, we recommend looking for pendant style pearl necklaces over beads. This will have the pearl being a focal point without going overboard. If you want to go all in, splurge on a chain of pearls that shine brighter than the sun.
FAQ
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Pearls are perfect for any occasion. For a casual look, style a pearl pendant with a leather jacket or button-up, dark wash jeans, and boots. Style a chain of pearls or gold and pearl pendant with a tie-less suit ensemble for a more formal look.
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Yes, men’s pearl necklaces come in a wide range of styles for all personalities. With celebrities like Harry Styles taking the plunge, wearing pearls is the next big thing.
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Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Of course, they can. Pearls are a genderless expression of elegance that anyone can indulge in.
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