Pearls are never not a reliable outfit go-to, but there’s something about recent iterations we’ve been seeing, both from the wardrobes of stylish people and also from brands, that feel really fresh.

Pearls are also getting a nod from the trendsphere, with Pinterest namechecking ‘pearlcore’ (that is, an aesthetic that embraces iridescent touches) as one of its biggest trends of 2022. According to the social media giant, searches for phrases such as ‘simple pearl ring’ have doubled year on year, while searches for pearl dresses have tripled within the same timeframe. 

The trend isn’t just for your wardrobe, either. Iridescent touches will flood our home lives and even our social lives – searches for pearl wedding decorations have spiked in the last twelve months.

Today’s best pearl brands keep things contemporary: see Sophie Bille Brahe, Alighieri and My Frkl (founded by Angela Scanlon) as a starting point.

Main image: Instagram @costumedk. 

14 karat gold pearl necklace, Sophie Bille Brahe, €2,000; www.net-a-porter.com. 

Faux pearl embellished organic cotton sweatshirt, Mother of Pearl, €262.65; www.net-a-porter.com. 

Pearl knit top, €85; www.musier-paris.com.

Hero freshwater pearls necklace, €118; www.myfrkl.com.