Pearls are still having a serious moment. I’ve talked a lot about modern pearl necklaces on the blog, but sometimes it’s good to go back to basics. A pearl necklace is the ultimate investment in your closet – what else can you wear with a basic white t-shirt and jeans or a cocktail dress?
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re buying your first pearl necklace, especially with so many brands selling different styles and types of pearls. In this article, I’m giving you an overview of everything you need to know about buying a real pearl necklace.
Types of Pearls: Cultured, Saltwater, and Freshwater
When you’re shopping for a pearl necklace, you’ll come across 3 main types of pearls: cultured, freshwater, and saltwater pearls. Saltwater pearls are the most expensive and come from marine oysters, known for their perfect roundness and high luster.
Freshwater pearls are a more affordable alternative and come in a variety of sizes and colors. You can usually spot these pearls as they look to be perfectly round in size, although they also often come in a baroque style, like our ‘Pearl Obsession’ necklace.
Cultured pearls are the best option for an everyday pearl necklace as they’re real pearls grown on pearl farms that are more affordable than other saltwater pearls. You won’t be compromising on quality, especially if you’re looking to add a few pearl necklaces to your collection.
Pro tip: You’re probably wondering, “How much is a pearl necklace worth?”. The cost of a pearl necklace will always depend on what type of pearls are used. A “perfect” pearl that is round and large in size will always cost more.
How to Care for Freshwater Pearls
A gold pearl necklace will last you for years with a little TLC. A pearl necklace is easy to care for, and even a cheaper pearl choker can become an heirloom piece if it’s made using high-quality, non-tarnishing materials. You can spot clean your pearl necklace with a wet cloth, but make sure to avoid using any chemical sprays.
I always have a cleaning cloth in my beach bag to wipe down my jewelry after being in the water to keep it looking fresh and new. At Cult of Sun, our pearl necklaces are 18k gold-plated with a sterling silver base, meaning they’ll never tarnish or lose their color.
Trending Pearl Shapes
One of the biggest trends for pearl necklaces right now is irregular pearl shapes, like baroque, keshi, and coin. These pearl shapes feel more authentic and have a ‘perfectly imperfect’ aesthetic that the fashion girlies and our favorite celebrities are jumping for, especially when styling a multi-layer pearl necklace. I love to style a real pearl necklace, like our ‘Pearl Carabiner Necklace’, with gold chains for more casual outfits to give them an unexpected twist.
What to Consider When Buying a Real Pearl Necklace
Saltwater, freshwater, and cultured pearls are all real pearls and not imitations. These pearls won’t discolor and will last for years. However, you want to pay attention to more than just the pearls themselves. I prefer to stay away from gold-plated brass when I’m looking for a gold pearl necklace, as they’ll eventually tarnish and lose their color, especially if they come into contact with water.
If you want to buy a real pearl necklace on a budget, always look for a gold-plated sterling silver style. Another design feature to avoid is cotton thread, as this is more likely to break in water than polyurethane wire.
Now you know exactly what to look for when shopping for a pearl necklace! Let me know which style you’re adding to your jewelry box in the comments below.
Want to learn more about the latest jewelry trends and styling? Check out these posts:
Gold necklaces for women: the ultimate 2026 investment piece
How to stack necklaces like a fashion girl
