Accessories are the key detail for every wedding day look. Your bridal jewellery can make or break your outfit. The best bridal jewellery adds a touch of much-needed sparkle on the Big day. It’s the easiest way to enhance the bridal ensemble. It can even add a personalised touch to your trousseau—wearing your birthstone, opting for your mom or grandma’s wedding jewels or custom pieces that are in line with your preference and personality. From diamond jewellery to polki pieces, there are so many options to choose from and so much to consider when it comes to selecting the perfect piece of wedding jewellery.
Thankfully, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel when making your selection. Going the classic route is a surefire way to do it right. And if classic vintage speaks to your signature style, then you should consider pearls for your walk down the aisle. It’s been believed that pearls signify romance, elegance and loyalty, all of which is important as you embark on your new journey. While pearls have got a reputation for being outdated, in 2024, the gemstone is reclaiming its rightful spot for being a contemporary choice for occasion wear as jewellers continue churning out gorgeous styles and silhouettes for the modern bride.
Pearls are among the more timeless and feminine choices to go with all your outfits, from your cocktail gown to wedding lehenga. The best part is there are four types of cultured pearls to pick from: freshwater which is the more affordable option, Akoya that boasts a white base colour with a subtle iridescent rose glow, the luxurious South Sea all-gold pearls and Tahitian pearls that are known for their hypnotic and moody colours. The classic and modern-day take on pearl jewellery offers a range of combinations with precious stones, gold, rose gold, and silver too. They work well together to create an elevated look for the bride. Regardless of the size, shape and shade of the pearls, you can pair these treasured pieces with various looks for your wedding events. Find yourself the one that you like and pass it on to the generations to come.
How celebrities are styling pearls
Icons like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe have immortalised pearls, both on and off-screen. More recently, celebrities like Ariana Grande and Emma Stone have recently made the case for pearl engagement rings. Bollywood stars, too, have often relied on the lustrous beauty of pearls for special occasions. In February 2024, Alia Bhatt graced the London screening of her web series Poacher in a black velvet sari by Sabyasachi. She teamed it with multi-layers of pearl strings and complementing pearl stud earrings to accessorise her look.
For a red carpet event, Ananya Panday paired her sheer olive Tarun Tahiliani sari with the iridescence of pearls. She opted for a delicate pearl choker which was embedded with a diamond pendant. While she ditched earrings, it can be amped up with a pair of studs.
Former Khush cover girl Athiya Shetty also gave a pearl choker her vote of approval with a white off-shoulder gown. From outfit to jewels, she kept the overall look snow white, but added a punch of colour with dramatic red lips.
Sara Ali Khan showed us how to make pearls traditional with her wedding-ready choker and earrings set, which was teamed with her yellow Gopi Vaid lehenga. From Razwada Jewels, her jewels are encrusted with polkis, emeralds, rubies and pearl drops.
In May 2024, Aditi Rao Hydari proved the power of pearls by wearing a pair of earrings with her monochrome Gaurav Gupta gown for the Cannes Film Festival. By Alloya – Statement Jewelry, her earring stack came with three pearl hoops.
Ascending those iconic red stairs and making her debut at the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, Kiara Advani, too, opted for white pearl earrings with her pristine Prabal Gurung thigh-high slit gown.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja redefined royalty with her all-white look. She turned to a chikankari sari by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla and paired it with a magnificently embroidered chikankari dupatta. She elevated the ensemble with the twisted fancy diamond pearl choker by Tara Fine Jewellery and studs by Mahesh Notandass.
How to style pearl earrings
If you are planning to dazzle the cocktail night or explore elegance on your wedding day, pearl earrings will make you look grand. If you prefer the traditional touches of nature inspired designs, you can opt for pearls set alongside kundan stones. The pearl earrings studded with precious stones are for the bride who likes to keep it minimal and rich. Combined with coloured stones that perfectly match your outfit, these statement pieces will rule the room. Thinking about getting some of the rare off-white pearls? Go for it! An unusually shaped pearl, famously known as baroque is one to possess to make an impact without too much effort.
Your 101 on pearl necklaces
From a single to multiple strands, there is a plethora of pearl necklaces for the dreamy bride. Over the years, the layering trend for brides has explored various styles such as chokers, matinee and opera. And pearls always go the lengths to polish these splendid looks. A dainty pearl string moves along with you as your take onto the dance floor at your bachelorette, while a gemstone rani haar will be apt for your wedding and a studded pearls and diamond necklace will present you as the life of the table at your reception dinner. These picks offer a soft and savoured look for all your magical moments. You don’t have to limit yourself to conventional white or ivory pearls. There are other variations that grow in pastel shades and darker hues. Consider a necklace in one of these tones or a classic white pearls peppered with bright beads to add a pop of colour to a monotone outfit.
Go for pearl rings
Traditionally, it was believed that wearing pearls gave the wearer calmness and serenity. A pearl ring can also acts as the perfect ‘other ring’ besides your dazzling engagement ring. The setting of a pearl into a ring is an intricate process making alongside glittering stones is a guarded choice, while the embossed pearl is a real showstopper. Once you try one of these beauties on yours, your love affair with lustrous pearl rings will begin.
