Cult, Classic, Bridal : Iconic Pearl Jewellery

Second only perhaps to diamonds, pearls have a reputation for being both timeless and iconic. Whether you’re picturing Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s or Madonna, pearls are cult and classic. And, of course, we have their association with weddings. Pearls symbolise love and loyalty, so they’re as touching as they are beautiful.

So how did we get here? What allows pearl jewellery to be both traditional and edgy, universally loved and full of personality, perfect for wearing everyday and on the most important day of your life? We’re taking a look at the history of pearls, their place in fashion, and even getting some insider-advice on choosing pearls for your wedding.

Pearls – Where it all began…

There is an otherworldly quality to pearls that has transfixed people since their first discovery. Ancient myth and legend refer to pearls as ‘teardrops of the moon’ or ‘tears of the gods’. Uniquely formed within oysters and mussels, pearls do not require cutting or polishing to enhance their natural beauty. They’re there, waiting for us. A kind of magic.

The process of creating a pearl begins when an irritant, such as a grain of sand, enters the shell of the oyster or mussel. To protect their soft inner body, the creature secretes layers of nacre around the irritant. Over time, this forms a pearl. Anything foreign body can become a pearl – The Natural History museum has a pearl fish in its collection!

Pearls can be formed naturally, an incredibly rare process that results in very expensive stones. So most commercially available pearls are cultured, where the nacre forms around a human-introduced irritant. The material is exactly the same whichever way the stone is formed.

Pearls are either ‘freshwater’ or ‘saltwater’. Freshwater pearls grow in mussels, living in rivers and lakes. Saltwater pearls are found in oysters, living in ocean inlets. 

Iconic pearl moments…

Coco Chanel made pearls a jewellery wardrobe staple. Her layered pearl necklaces had a sense of witty luxury that we still love today. Her innovative adoption of pearls transformed them from a symbol of old-world aristocracy into an essential of modern fashion.

Audrey Hepburn’s striking Breakfast at Tiffany’s look had the same effect, cementing pearls as a by-word for chic. Holly Golightly’s minimal approach to styling pearls highlighted their versatility, able to elevate any outfit.

And then we have Madonna, whose multi-layered strands showed that contrast is interesting. Pairing her pearls with corsets and lace, she created a bedroom-to-stage look that showed pearls can even be edgy – the classic subversion!

Even at their most timeless, pearls have a freshness that means they always feel relevant, whether ‘on trend’ or not. That’s why contemporary designers continue to embrace pearls, using them in modern and minimalist designs.

Here at Jacks Turner, pearl jewellery bridges the gap between classic and contemporary. Each piece is designed to be versatile, beautiful for both everyday wear and special occasions. Above all, there’s a choice for your individual style and personality.

Bijou Collection by Jacks Turner

Bridal pearls…

Jacks takes a modern approach to pearls. Her designs are minimalist yet filled with considered detail, distinctive yet effortlessly wearable.

Sometimes a cliche is true. Pearls really are ‘day to night’ jewellery, whether a delicate pearl necklace or pair of earrings. And how about the most special of events? For weddings, pearls really come into their own.

Pearls are a traditional and popular choice for bridal jewellery, due to both symbolism and aesthetic. White pearls are a particular complement to a classic bridal look, either alone or accented with diamonds. The natural glow of pearls is even said to enhance the skin when worn against the face, and what better occasion to try it out?

Just as there are countless choices for a bridal dress, pearls give you a variety of options for accessorising too. A simple pair of stud earrings will be all a minimalist bride needs. A drop pendant suits boho or elegant looks, while maximalists will want a matching set. And whatever style you choose, you can go for classic white pearl or the peacock lustre of a Tahitian.

So what is there to consider when choosing pearl wedding jewellery? The first is the style of your dress, particularly the neckline and/or bodice. Do you want jewellery to complement the neckline, or do you want to leave it to shine and add jewellery elsewhere? A very detailed or high neck, for instance, might call for a simple pair of pearl earrings, while a drop pendant will draw the eye towards a V shape.

Then there’s texture. Pearls pair brilliantly with a heavily beaded or diamante-dotted dress, where diamond jewellery may compete for sparkle. The soft lustre of pearl also complements the fabric of a silk, satin or lace wedding dress. And if you do want to add extra glitter? Choose a piece of pearl jewellery with diamond accents!

Tahitian and white pearls both look incredible set in either yellow or white gold (or indeed, silver), allowing you to lean into the cool, colourless tones of a classic bridal look or add a little pop of warm colour.

By offering bespoke and customised pearl jewellery, Jacks Turner make it easy to find your perfect wedding piece. (And if there is one thing you need when planning a wedding, it’s easy…) You can choose one of Jacks’ thoughtfully designed signature lines, or create your own personalised version to suit your dress and style. Some of our brides even choose complementary pieces for their bridesmaids, for a beautifully coordinating wedding party.

Pearl wedding style tips…

But, as they say, don’t just take it from us. Jacks Turner is proud to be part of a community of creative independent businesses here in Bristol and the South West. We’re grateful to Lisa Hayball of Bride by Design for giving her expert view on pairing dresses and pearls. Lisa knows all about finding the perfect styling for her brides. We really enjoyed hearing her take, and seeing the stunning dresses she has shared.

JT: ‘The first dress you have shared with us is the Eleanor by Nicola Anne. This is beautiful – it’s such a sleek and deceptively simple dress, but details like the leg split and incredible neckline really elevate it. I think the plain fabric lends itself to accessorising – what would you suggest?’

LH: ‘I agree – and creamy pearls would match the crepe perfectly! So I’d pair this with Eve diamond earrings, in white or yellow gold. For me I’d probably go for no necklace, just to keep the Bardot neckline sleek and elegant. When you have a neckline like this, it feels really modern and sophisticated to leave your collarbones unadorned. But I would definitely go for some diamonds in the earrings, to add a bit of sparkle.

Wedding Dress ‘Eleanor’ by Nicola Anne @ Bride by Design

JT: ‘That’s so interesting! The Eve earrings would be beautiful. What about a slightly more decorative dress?’

LH: ‘I’m thinking about one of our bestselling dresses here, a really ethereal style by Agnes. So many brides fall for the soft tulle skirt and heavily embellished bodice – it’s covered in three-dimensional flowers and pearls.’

Wedding Dress by Agnes @ Bride by Design

JT: ‘It’s really stunning. So with something this adorned, what would you suggest?’

LH: ‘I’d lean into the idea of picking up the pearl accents here. I think a pearl earrings and necklace set would really complement the pearl beadwork on the dress, keeping the detailing going throughout the whole look. I actually think I’d go for Eve again, because the little flowers would match so prettily with the flowers on the dress. But this time I’d go for round pearls instead of oval, to match the beads. The necklace for this set would sit so well with the v neck. This dress is available in blush pink or ivory, so cream or pink-toned pearls would look amazing, so delicate.

JT: ‘I love you picking up on the round pearls. It really is all about the details, isn’t it? I think that’s what it comes down to, with both jewellery and bridal wear. The little details are what makes something feel pulled together, and personal.’

Thank you to Lisa for her insights! If you’ve been inspired, Bride by Design holds a small collection of Jacks Turner jewellery so you can try on the pearl jewellery with your dress.

We love pearls for their blend of timeless elegance and modern versatility, making them perfect for both everyday wear and significant occasions. Whether you’re drawn to their historic allure or contemporary charm, there’s a piece of pearl jewellery for every style and personality.

Ready to explore? Discover our handcrafted pearl jewellery collection to find your pearl magic. For brides and beyond…