Fashion
17 Edgy Pearl Jewelry Pieces Your Grandmother Probably Wouldn't Approve Of
I know what you're thinking: Pearls are for the hoity-toity. No rule-benders allowed. It’s your grandmother’s favorite accessory, appropriately worn while sipping chamomile tea from fine china or attending some sort of over-the-top classy affair. TRUST ME, as an avid rock and grunge fashion enthusiast, I get that stereotype. But the curiously rebellious and edgy pearl jewelry pieces that have been popping up at every jewelry store have introduced several modern twists and motifs to “traditional” pearls that call for a second look.
Unlike the old single-strand pearl necklace, these designs use contrasting textures to create a push and pull between sweet and sinister, showcasing pearls as accents to gems, spikes, cuffs, gold bands, open-caged rings and eccentric earpieces. Whether you're a rocker-chick looking to experiment with a bit of sophistication or a classy-gal hoping to spice up your accessories, a playful, edgier pearl-style can be worn for any occasion.
Images: Getty Images
In Hollywood
The arrival of Mise En Dior’s tribal influenced double-back pearl earrings and Chanel’s illustrious pearl collar (rocked by your homegirl Cara Delevingne) have been embraced by a number of stars like Jennifer Lawrence and Rihanna, and inspired a ton of designers to make innovative pearl jewelry with mischievous twists. Click through for some more affordable ways to channel these flawless celebs.
Images: Getty Images
Noir Fossilia Double Bone Pearl Ring
Voodoo Jewels Noir Fossilia Double Bone Ring, $350, The Store
Handcrafted with the lost wax technique, this dark ring is accented with complementary pearls.
Rose Gold-Plated Swarovski Pearl Earrings
Ryan Storer Rose Gold-Plated Swarovski Pearl Earrings, $195, Net-A-Porter
This single-earring look includes a dagger-like bar which follows the curve of one ear, and a single pearl stud that is placed on the opposite ear.
Ballard Glass Pearl Cuff
Elizabeth Cole Ballard Bracelet, $143, Elizabeth Cole Jewelry
This gold-plated brass cuff has an open back and contrasts Swarovski crystals with glass pearls to create a rebellious multi-textured look.
Front Back Single-Stud Pearl Earrings
Rebecca Minkoff Curbs Front Back Stud Earrings, $58, Shopbop
This reversible single-earring look features a single claw on one side and an imitation pearl stud on the other.
Faux Pearl Earcuff
Zara Shiny Pearls Earcuff, $6, Zara
Adding faux pearls to an ear cuff puts a feminine touch on a normally aggressive look.
Spike Faux Pearl Bracelet
Jacinthe Bracelet, $59, Stelladot
A fusion of faux pearls and gold spikes creates a rebellious look.
Pearl Warrior Leather Bracelet
Coleman Douglas Freshwater Pearl ‘Warrior’ Bracelet in Black, £383, Pearls
The ultimate statement piece, this hand woven leather bracelet features numerous black pearls molding itself to your arm.
Glass Pearl Ear Cuffs
Jardin P Graduated Glass Pearl Curved Post Ear Cuffs, $69, Amazon
These saber-tooth looking cuffs line the edge of your ear with glass pearls.
Pearl Spike Necklace
Lizzie Fortunato Pyramid II Pearl & Spike Necklace, $325, Neiman Marcus
This braided leather necklace features freshwater coin pearls and bone beads with gold-plated spikes.
Faux Pearl Claw Earrings
Forever 21 Faux Pearl Claw Earrings, $5, Forever 21
These reversible faux pearl stud earrings are made with plated claws for an edgy take on a classic look.
Deco Spiked Pearl Earings
Heiter Deco Spiked Earrings, £120, Soboye
Can’t get much more rock and roll than these earrings plated in dark oxidized silver and covered in Swarovski crystals.
Double Faux Pearl Ring
ASOS Double Faux Pearl Ring, $5, ASOS
This stackable open cage ring has a gunmetal finish with a double faux pearl detail.
Faux Pearl Cuff
Anthropologie Pont Pearl Cuff, $15, Anthropologie
This large cuff is lined with faux pearls for a bold but feminine look.
Pearl Macrame Bracelet
Jordan Alexander Peacock Pearl Macrame Bracelet, $165, Fragments
This adjustable silk macrame bracelet features a sweet iridescent peacock pearl at its center.
Faux Pearl Drape Body Chain
Topshop Pearl Drape Body Chain, $100, Top Shop
Add faux pearls to a body chain to add an alluring twist to an already intricate look.
