PEARL CHOKERS

In 2026, look for pearl necklaces that sit close to the collarbone - choose modern designs made with irregular pearls, natural stone or acrylic beads, or molten details. They’re strong enough to wear solo, or you can also style them with a pendant necklace ( or two) to create a cool layered look. When it comes to outfits, we love pairing pearl chokers with laid-back casual pieces like tee shirts and sweatshirts, and of course everything oversized.

Look for these authenticity markers: Surface look & feel: Real pearls show subtle organic variations, not a perfect glassy finish. Their glow comes from layers of nacre, not coating. Drill holes: Authentic pearls have neat drill edges with visible nacre depth. Painted or chipped edges are common in fakes. Tooth test: Gently rub a pearl along your tooth—real pearls feel slightly gritty, while imitation pearls glide smoothly. Temperature & weight: Genuine pearls feel cool upon first touch and take time to warm up. Many faux pearls feel warm immediately. Shape & matching: Pearl chokers with perfectly identical pearls are rare unless priced accordingly. Slight variation is a strong sign of authenticity. At Cult of Sun, every pearl choker features natural freshwater pearls only - we never use imitation.

Pearl chokers need a soft, minimal approach. After wearing, wipe each pearl with a clean, damp cloth to remove oils, sunscreen, or makeup. Avoid harsh soaps or ultrasonic cleaners - pearls don’t like chemicals. Let the choker air-dry flat before storing it in a fabric pouch so the pearls stay luminous and the strand keeps its shape.

Gold-plated pearl chokers last longest when crafted with a strong base metal and thicker plating. Our 18K gold plating over stainless steel is exceptionally durable since stainless steel doesn’t tarnish, rust, or react to water. Daily wear - even during showers or swim sessions - is totally fine. Store your choker in a separate pouch to avoid scratching, and the gold will stay luminous while your pearls keep their natural glow.

The gold layer doesn’t tarnish - what matters is the metal under it. An 18K gold-plated choker with a stainless steel base does not tarnish and stays radiant because stainless steel won’t rust or discolor, even with frequent exposure to water. Brass bases are more sensitive: moisture causes brass to darken and oxidise, and over time that discoloration will show through the plating. If you want long-lasting shine, stainless steel ( or silver) always outperforms brass.