Bridesmaids' Pearls: To Wear Or Not To Wear?

Pearls are a popular choice for weddings, with many brides opting to wear them as jewellery or as part of their hair or dress. Pearls are also a great option for bridesmaids, as they complement almost every bridal gown and match all skin colours. They can be worn as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, or anklets, and can be paired with other stones and jewellery. While some cultures associate pearls with superstition, in others, they are seen as a symbol of purity, love, and protection. Ultimately, the decision to wear pearls as a bridesmaid comes down to personal preference and the bride's wishes.

Types of pearl accessories for bridesmaids

Pearls are a timeless and elegant choice for bridesmaids' accessories. Here are some ideas for different types of pearl accessories that can elevate your bridesmaids' look:

Necklaces

A pearl pendant or necklace can be a beautiful and classic choice for bridesmaids. You can opt for a simple pearl strand or choose a more elaborate statement necklace, depending on the overall style you want to achieve. If your bridesmaids' dresses have different necklines, you may want to skip necklaces altogether or choose individual styles that complement each neckline.

Earrings

Pearl earrings can add a touch of sophistication and charm to your bridesmaids' ensembles. From simple pearl studs to statement drop earrings, there are various options to choose from. If you want to pair earrings with a necklace, consider opting for smaller, more delicate earrings to avoid overwhelming the look.

Bracelets

A pearl bracelet can be a lovely addition to your bridesmaids' attire. You can choose from various styles, such as a single strand or multiple strands of pearls. Bracelets are also a great option if you decide to forgo necklaces, especially if your bridesmaids' dresses have different necklines.

Hair Accessories

Pearl hair accessories are a beautiful way to incorporate pearls into your bridesmaids' looks. You can choose from various styles, such as pearl-embellished hairpins, clips, or combs. These accessories can add a touch of sparkle and elegance to any hairstyle, from simple updos to more intricate styles. Pearl hair accessories are versatile and can be worn with a variety of hairstyles and hair types.

Sets

For a cohesive look, consider opting for pearl jewellery sets that include matching necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. This can ensure that your bridesmaids' accessories complement each other and create a harmonious overall style. Sets can also be a thoughtful gift for your bridesmaids to cherish long after the wedding.

The significance of pearls

Pearls have been valued for millennia, and their distinctive appearance and watery origins have inspired pearl symbolism and lore for centuries. They are strongly linked to the Moon, value, and weddings. Pearls are elegant, serene, and beautiful, and their innate lustre and underwater mystique make them a small reflection of the moon in the eyes of many.

Pearls are the only gems found within living creatures, both salt and freshwater molluscs. They are gems, but not stones, as they are not formed from minerals underground. Instead, they are created within various species of molluscs, making them organic gemstones. This distinction between pearls and other gemstones, such as diamonds and rubies, is an important one.

Pearls have been prized for their beauty and elegance for thousands of years, and their symbolism and lore vary across different cultures. In Western cultures, pearls are associated with the planet Venus and the goddess of love, who is also linked to the sea. Pearls are commonly worn by women, especially brides, as they are seen as symbols of purity, fertility, and love. They are also believed to bring good luck and wealth. In ancient times, kings wore ropes of pearls as a mark of wealth and status.

In Hindu folklore, pearls are described as drops of dew that fell from the sky at night into the moonlit ocean. In this tradition, the pearl is seen as a symbol of purity, love, and union, stemming from the story of Krishna gifting a pearl to his daughter on her wedding day. Similarly, in ancient Chinese lore, pearls are believed to have formed inside the head of a dragon, and one had to slay the dragon to gain ownership of the pearl. Pearls are also said to bring wisdom, protection, good luck, and wealth.

In addition to their cultural significance, pearls have also been associated with healing and anti-aging properties. Some people believe that pearls can enhance moods, improve relationships, and bring balance to one's karma. They are also thought to possess spiritual significance, strengthening one's connection to the spiritual realm.

Matching pearls with the rest of the outfit

Pearls are a timeless and versatile piece of jewellery, perfect for bridesmaids as they rarely go wrong. They are classy, sophisticated, and refined, and can complement a range of outfits, from casual to formal. Here are some tips for matching pearls with the rest of the outfit:

Casual Outfits with Pearls:

Dangling pearl earrings with a simple design can add a nice touch of luxury to a casual outfit. For a relaxed yet stylish look, pair dangling pearl earrings with jeans and a light colourful cover-up dress. This combination is perfect for a casual day at the park or a weekend outing.

Business Outfits with Pearls:

Pearls can also be incorporated into business or professional attire. For a powerful and elegant look, pair a classic white pearl necklace with a black power suit and a crisp white button-down shirt. You can also add other accessories like a sleek gold watch or a nice handbag.

Daytime Chic Outfits with Pearls:

For a daytime chic outfit, a pink pearl necklace can be a perfect choice. Pair it with tweed and a form-fitting sweater for a preppy and proper look. This combination is ideal for daytime activities and will keep you looking stylish and sophisticated.

Evening Attire with Pearls:

When it comes to evening attire, pearls can be a very elegant and discreet accessory. Tahitian Black Pearls in silver, copper, or green, for example, can be paired with a little black dress for a timeless and glamorous look. To really make the pearls shine, choose a dress with an uncomplicated neckline or a strapless, princess, or off-shoulder cut.

Matching Pearl Colours:

When it comes to pearl colours, there are many options to choose from, and each colour can suit different skin tones, hair colours, and outfit styles. Here are some ideas for matching different pearl colours:

• White pearls: Infuse a touch of richness and evoke a classic vibe. They can be paired with various outfits, from traditional to casual. A long white pearl necklace can create a dynamic vibe on a formal evening, while a white pearl choker or stud earrings can add elegance to your look.
• Black pearls: Create a chic look for day-to-night attire. Black pearl jewellery, such as a pendant, earrings, or a ring, can add a classy and dramatic accent to your evening wear.
• Golden pearls: Offer a luxurious and sophisticated look, perfect for formal, casual, or fancy attire. A golden pearl pendant, necklace, or stud earrings can keep your outfit simple yet elegant, making them ideal for special occasions like weddings and anniversaries.
• Blue pearls: Add striking flair to various outfits due to their colour rarity and metallic tones. A blue pearl necklace and pendant pair well with high-neck tops or a midi dress to bring a proper glow.
• Pink pearls: Balance warmth and soft luster, making them versatile for white, grey, or pastel shades. Pink pearl jewellery, such as a choker, pendant, or earrings, can be paired with a floral maxi or cashmere jumpers for a classic and eye-catching look.
• Grey pearls: Provide a delicate or eye-catching style, depending on the outfit. They suit a range of colours, including white, navy, or pink. Try a simple grey pearl pendant with a white blouse, navy blazer, or teal cardigan for a chic and sparkling look.

Superstitions surrounding pearls

Pearls have been valued as gemstones for millennia, but there are several superstitions surrounding them. One of the most well-known superstitions discourages wearing pearls on one's wedding day. This is due to an ancient folklore belief that pearls are a symbol of tears, and wearing them on a wedding day will lead to a sad marriage filled with tears and unhappiness. The number of pearls worn is said to indicate the number of tears that will be shed or the number of unhappy years in the marriage. While this superstition is associated with traditional opaque pearls, some believe that coloured pearls, especially darker ones, can also be an omen of dark times ahead in a marriage.

Pearls are also believed to be unlucky gifts, inviting sadness into the recipient's life. They are also said to only bring tears if bought for oneself; it is considered better to receive them as a gift. Another superstition claims that pearls should never be whiter than the wearer's teeth.

Despite these superstitions, pearls remain popular in weddings, especially for bridesmaids, and are considered a pretty style choice. Pearls are also commonly worn by guests at weddings, as they are seen as appropriate and elegant.

Pearls vs. diamonds

Pearls and diamonds are two of the most coveted and valuable gemstones in the world. While both are beautiful, they have distinct characteristics and histories that set them apart. Here is a detailed comparison of the two:

History

Pearls and diamonds have been valued for millennia, but pearls have a longer history. They are the world's oldest gemstone, dating back at least 7500 years, while some of the oldest diamonds are only about 500 years old. In the past, pearls were incredibly rare, and only royalty and nobility were allowed to wear them. The story of Cleopatra and the pearl earring demonstrates the value and importance of pearls in ancient times. It was only in the 20th century that pearls could be cultured, increasing their availability. Diamonds, on the other hand, have been traded and valued for nearly two thousand years, with their popularity soaring in the 1930s due to the De Beers marketing campaign.

Verdict: Pearls have a richer historical and cultural significance.

Value

The most expensive pearl ever auctioned was the La Peregrina pearl necklace, designed for Elizabeth Taylor, which sold for 11.8 million USD in 2011. In comparison, the most expensive diamond, the Pink Star, auctioned for 71 million USD in 2017. However, it is important to note that large, high-quality pearls can still command very high prices, and natural pearls remain extremely valuable.

Verdict: Diamonds are typically considered more valuable in today's market.

Beauty

Pearls and diamonds are loved for different reasons. Diamonds are renowned for their sparkle and brilliance, created by the way they refract light. Pearls, on the other hand, are cherished for their colour and lustre, known as pearlescence, which is also caused by light interacting with the crystals in the pearl's nacre. Pearls are always opaque, while diamonds are transparent. Both gemstones come in a variety of colours, sizes, and shapes, and they complement each other beautifully when combined in jewellery designs.

Verdict: Both diamonds and pearls are beautiful in their own right and offer unique characteristics.

Uniqueness

Each pearl is unique, with slight imperfections and ridges that act as fingerprints, differentiating one pearl from another. Diamonds, once cut and polished, tend to look very similar, making it challenging to distinguish one from another.

Verdict: Pearls have more individuality than diamonds.

Engagement Rings

Diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings due to their durability and symbolism of commitment and long-lasting love. However, pearl engagement rings are becoming increasingly popular for those seeking a unique and delicate alternative. Pearl rings require more maintenance and may need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years, but they are also more affordable than diamond rings.

Verdict: Diamonds are the traditional choice for engagement rings, but pearls offer a beautiful and affordable alternative.

In conclusion, both pearls and diamonds have their unique appeal and have been cherished throughout history. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal style and preference, as both gemstones offer timeless elegance and versatility in the world of fashion and jewellery.

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