There are certain accessories that never truly go out of style—they just evolve, glow up, and reintroduce themselves with new energy. Pearls are the perfect example. This summer, they aren’t just back. They’re everywhere. On hoops, on drops, tucked behind tousled waves and peeked out from sleek buns. But let’s be clear: these aren’t your grandmother’s pearls.
Well… actually, some of mine are.
I have pearls from my grandmother, from my mother, and my own first pair. Real pearls are timeless like that—they get passed down, worn again, and each time they touch your skin, they carry a little more story. My first pair were tiny studs in a velvet box. I didn’t understand their magic at the time, but I do now. Pearls reflect light, but they also reflect presence. They carry grace, but they also carry power.
I still remember buying the most gorgeous pearl for a ring from a little pearl shop in Solana Beach—The Pearl Store. That shop isn’t there anymore, but that ring? Still perfect. Still glowing.
A reminder that sometimes we don’t just inherit beauty—we choose it for ourselves.
The Glow-Up of Pearls: What’s Trending in Summer 2025
Let’s break it down. Here are the top pearl earring styles we’re all obsessed with right now:
1. Baroque Pearl Drops
These are anything but ordinary. Irregular, sculptural, and full of character, baroque pearls make
each earring unique. They don’t match—and that’s what makes them magical.
Perfect for: soft blouses, breezy linen dresses, undone hair, and golden hour selfies.
2. Freshwater Pearl Huggies & Studs
These are your everyday glow-up essentials. Feminine, soft, and timeless. I wear mine on travel
days when I want to look put together without overthinking it.
Perfect for: airport outfits, café dates, or paired with an off-shoulder top.
3. Pearl + Gold Hybrids
This combo is warm, romantic, and elevated. Whether it’s a chunky hoop with a single pearl
drop or a delicate chain with tiny pearls, the contrast is chef’s kiss.
Perfect for: bronzy skin, natural makeup, slip dresses, and low buns.
Where to Shop for the Best Pearls
Here are my go-to places for curated, quality pearl earrings:
● Mejuri: Their baroque and freshwater pieces are clean, feminine, and endlessly wearable.
● Ana Luisa: Great for gold-pearl hybrids and eco-conscious glow-up girls.
● Etsy: Search “baroque pearl drops 14k gold filled” and find unique gems from artisan jewelers.
● Wolf Circus: Canadian and stunning—especially if you love that imperfect organic glam.
● The Pearl Source: If you want to compare pearl types and go deeper into luxe territory.
How to Tell if Your Pearls Are Real
One of the sweetest memories I have is my mom and grandma showing me and my sisters how
to test if a pearl was real. It wasn’t complicated or fancy—they just said, “Rub it gently against your teeth.”
The Tooth Test: Gently glide the pearl across your front teeth.
● Real pearls will feel slightly gritty or sandy (thanks to natural nacre layers).
● Fakes will feel smooth, like plastic or glass.
Other signs your pearls are the real deal:
● Look closely at the surface. Real pearls have tiny imperfections—dimples, ridges, or soft variations in glow.
● Check the weight and temperature. Real ones feel cool and solid at first. Fakes often feel light and warm.
● Examine the drill holes. Real pearls have nacre rings around the hole. If you see flaking paint or glue residue, it’s likely synthetic.
These are the little secrets that turn jewelry into connection—a quiet knowledge passed down through generations of women who know how to tell when something is real.
Personal Glow Tip: How I Style My Pearls
The last time I wore my baroque pearls, I was flying out for a solo trip. I didn’t wear makeup.
Just sunscreen, a linen romper, oversized sunnies—and those earrings. And someone stopped me at the gate and said, “You look so peaceful.”
That’s what pearls do. They add softness. They signal presence. You don’t need to try too hard when the glow is coming from within (and your ears).
The Magic of Pearl Diving: What Real Feminine Strength Looks Like One of the most mesmerizing things to watch online is videos of women diving for pearls.
Especially the Ama divers of Japan—many of whom are in their 70s and 80s. These women free-dive into the ocean without tanks, holding their breath for minutes at a time, emerging with glowing treasure in hand.
It’s the ultimate symbol of grace and grit. That deep, silent discipline. The surrender and the strength. It’s wild to think how long they hold their breath and how calm they stay. Watching them feels spiritual—like a ritual. It reminds me that beauty isn’t always effortless—sometimes, it’s earned with breath, patience, and trust.
If you ever need a reminder of what real feminine power looks like—watch a woman dive for pearls.
Final Thoughts
Pearls are more than a trend—they’re a return to softness. A little shimmer at your jawline. A whisper of elegance. And this summer, they’re the ultimate accessory for women who glow.If you’re building a capsule collection or packing for a dreamy trip, start with pearl earrings. One statement pair, one everyday pair, one romantic pair. That’s all you need. And maybe a linen wrap dress to go with it.
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