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Long a symbol of class, elegance, and royalty, pearls have been a luxury fashion statement in centuries and eras dating back to ancient civilizations. The only gem created by living organisms, the tiny iridescent spheres have become so rare in the natural world that most today are intentionally created or cultured. But thanks to their growing demand, the best pearl necklaces are no longer exclusively accessible to the Marie Antoinettes and Rihannas of the world, nor are they reserved solely for tea time.

Due in part to a summer season of mermaidcore, pearl necklaces are surging in popularity and gravitating toward a top spot in among the best fall 2023 jewelry trends. In fact, nearly all investment-worthy fine jewelry brands offer a collection of pearl jewelry, followed in suit by variations from more affordable brands you may have already tracked across Instagram. Ahead, shop the best pearl necklaces to add to your collection of must-have accessories.

Charms Necklace

This is a necklace you’re going to wear forever; a long-term fine jewelry investment. Baroque pearls encircled in 18k Siam gold encompass art and style all in one piece.

Classic String of Pearls

Wild Fawn’s jewelry is the epitome of the gift that keeps on giving: eco-conscious luxury. And since I’m a sucker for sustainability and products that pay respect to Mother Earth, I’ll be forever pining for these timeless, organic, and ethically-sourced pearls.

Urban Chic Undulation Pearl Necklace

Made to mimic the lines and curves of the sea, this ocean-inspired choker is crafted with 8mm pearls and anti-allergy stainless steel plated in 18k gold.

Essential Pearls Necklace

Tiffany’s is one of fine jewelry’s heavy-hitters, so you’ll be able to wear this timeless, traditional string of pearls whether you’re 28 or 82.

Tahitian Black Cultured Pearl Strand Necklace

These are not your grandmother’s pearls. While it comes with a heftier price tag, this black Tahitian pearl strand is something of a unicorn when it comes to fine jewelry (meaning it also requires careful care).

Grande Orangerie de Perle

Simple and refined, this Sophie Bille Brahe necklace elegantly showcases seven pearls in descending sizes loosely placed on a 14k gold chain. You can capitalize on the downplayed grandeur of this piece by pairing it with everything from jeans and an oversized button-down shirt to a satin strapless mini dress.

14-Karat Gold Pearl Necklace

The characteristic row of baroque pearl gems on this choker are all unique in size, shape, and color—making it a must-have item to dress up a pair of crips jeans or an LBD.

Pearl Lariat Necklace

This high-quality lariat drop necklace is available in various colors and rates (including recycled gold), and it’s 30 percent off right now. So I can’t think of one reason not to buy this.

Mixed Pearl Beaded Choker Necklace

If you’re not ready to commit to the price tag that often accompanies an authentic pearl necklace, start out with this option (which is a personal favorite of yours truly) from Madewell. It’s dainty and casual, and I don’t have to hold my breath every time I wear it out of the house or on vacation.

Pearl and Chain Initial Necklace

Get personal. This 15” contrasted combination necklace hosts a favorite letter initial set between teardrop Swarovski pearls and a 14k gold plated chain.

Leaf Pendant

Keep Ming Yu Wang on your radar, because the Taiwanese-American designer has an artistic approach to all of her work that you won’t find anywhere else. Inspired by the idea of “wearable art,” her jewelry spotlights modern longevity. I’ve been thinking about the Penna Mini Earring ever since I first laid eyes on it, and this leaf pearl necklace breathes contemporary life into a classic gem.

Bold Pearl Pendant Necklace

Merjuri is not only the brand we deserve but also the brand we need; it offers timeless fine jewelry pieces at an affordable price. This carefully crafted pearl pendant is meant to be a solo statement or part of a stack. “I’m loving the weight of this pearl, its simplicity,” raved one reviewer. “I’ve eyed it for a while...now my summer talisman.”

Toujours Pearl Chain Necklace

Merge this handmade necklace with almost any of your fashion essentials, thanks to the classic freshwater pearls and 18k gold exposed chain clasp.

Aurea Pearl Necklace

For a teeny tiny take on pearls, choose this 14k gold pavé pendant suspended from a yellow gold chain. It’s so delicate, you can make this an everyday accessory.

Darcey Lace Baroque Pearl Necklace

This intricate, artisanal pearl pendant necklace proves that Chloé can do more than luxury celeb-loved bags and shoes.

Luna Pearl Tassel Necklace

Reminiscent of opulent styles of the 1920s, LAGOS’ 18” pearl necklace overlooks no details with its sterling silver and 18k gold accents, as well as the detachable pearl tassel that allows for added style versatility.

The Pearl Portal Necklace

This silk-strung pearl necklace is available in two lengths: 36” and 66”, which means you can wear it in a multitude of different ways. Layer and coil it around your wrist or neck, or let it asymmetrically fall down your back with drapey and backless dresses.

Nora Pearl Choker

Dubbed an “updated heirloom,” this triple-strand clasp choker is a chunkier statement piece that will dress up the minimal pieces in your fall wardrobe and enable you to carry a little bit of an homage to summer wherever you go.

Lisa Necklace

Vibrant beads thread between the pearls on this Eliou choker add a youthful and refreshing pop of color.

Lucky Pearl Necklace

Another quality piece offered at a fair price, this dainty necklace contains solid 10k gold and five freshwater pearls. Plus, Stone and Strand offers you the option to add on a necklace extender to affix to the 16” chain.

Guardian Temple Pearl Necklace

The elevated sculptural design of this necklace makes it an isolated piece worthy of not only a place in your jewelry collection, but a considerable piece of an art collection as well. The carefully contrasted colors are meant to represent themes of “good and evil, shadow and illumination, yin and yang,” through the juxtaposition of black and icy jade.

18k Gold Pearl Necklace

Mikimoto’s founder was the first to successfully create cultured pearls (as opposed to natural) over a century ago in 1893. So if you’re going to invest in a brand with the expertise to back it, this is the one.

Marielle Necklace

Handcrafted in Australia, the Marielle necklace features oblong authentic pearls connected by 14k gold-filled discs—which means it contains five percent solid gold.

Ione Necklace

The hand-carved golden beads woven between baroque-style pearls on this Pamela Love necklace make it a perfect and versatile accessory to complement all of your everyday ’fits.

Glass Pearls Long Necklace

If it’s vintage elegance you’re after, nothing says “uptown girl” like classic Chanel. This long strand of pearls is available in two color variations and features that highly covetable double C.

Anine x Bianca Bead Necklace

For a spunkier spin on traditional pearl styles, take a trip with this 14k charm and beaded necklace that’s been designed in collaboration by Anine Bing and her daughter Bianca.

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