Pearls have long been cherished for their natural luster and sophisticated charm, making them a quintessential choice for brides. Whether adorning a necklace, bracelet, earrings, or even a delicate hairpiece, pearls bring a touch of classic grace and elegance to any bridal style.
How Are Pearls Formed?
These precious gems aren’t technically stones. Pearls are formed when a foreign substance enters a mollusk and gets stuck between the mantle and the shell, irritating the mantle. The irritant could be a grain of sand, a piece of shell, or a parasite. To protect itself from this irritant, the oyster secretes a substance called nacre (also called mother-of-pearl).
The oyster continues to make layers of nacre around the irritant, which creates a pearl. This process can take several months to several years to complete, but the longer the oyster can secrete nacre, the larger and more lustrous the pearl will become.
Symbolism of Pearls
Pearls have held significant symbolic meaning across various cultures and throughout history.
Common Pearl Symbolism
- Purity and innocence
- Wisdom and knowledge
- Elegance and sophistication
- Wealth and prosperity
- Femininity and beauty
- Love and romance
- Harmony and balance
Why Do Brides Wear Pearls on Their Wedding Day?
Pearl jewelry has become a symbol of everlasting love and beautiful new beginnings. Pearl wedding jewelry has historically been a popular choice for many brides. Iconic brides such as Queen Elizabeth II, Jackie Kennedy, Grace Kelly, and Princess Diana incorporated pearls into their wedding day look.
Additionally, pearls are an ideal choice as they are incredibly versatile and can complement modern and traditional wedding dresses. The soft, iridescent glow of the gemstone adds a subtle elegance to the bridal look.
Are Pearls Considered Bad Luck?
Ancient civilizations had mixed thoughts about the pearl. In Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt, the pearl was seen as a symbol of wealth, status, and happiness. However, other cultures worldwide felt the pearl was a sign of mourning or bad luck. Many said that when pearls were gifted, it could bring the recipient sadness and bad luck.
So, are pearls a bad idea for your wedding day? No! The negative connotations come from cultural beliefs from ancient myths. If you feel aligned with the positive symbolism behind pearls, you should absolutely add them into your wedding day attire. It’s all about feeling and looking the best on your big day!
How to Pair Pearl Wedding Jewelry with Your Bridal Look
The type of pearl wedding jewelry you choose on your wedding day should reflect your personal style. However, you’ll also want to consider the type of dress you are wearing, the neckline of the dress, and your hairstyle when determining the style of pearls you choose.
Match the Dress Style
If you have a traditional wedding dress, you may want to opt for a more classic pearl wedding jewelry look. Pearl wedding earrings, such as simple pearl studs, paired with a classic pearl strand are a perfect complement for this type of look. You could also wear a pearl wedding bracelet to add another touch of elegance.
For a more contemporary, sleek dress option, consider chic pearl wedding jewelry. Single pearl pendants, drop earrings, or delicate pearl rings can add a touch of sophistication and a modern twist to the classic pearl jewelry without overwhelming your look.
Consider the Dress Neckline
Strapless or sweetheart necklines allow you to wear bold statement jewelry pieces. A multi-strand pearl wedding necklace or a choker will draw attention to the neckline. If your dress has a plunging V neckline, a pendant pearl wedding necklace or Y-necklace with a single pearl drop will elongate your neck and show off the neckline.
For high necklines, skip the necklace and focus on pearl wedding earrings and bracelets. Matching a pair of pearl and diamond studs or drop earrings with a pearl wedding bracelet or cuff can add elegance without taking focus away from the main event: the dress!
Coordinate With the Hairstyle
Updos are the perfect opportunity to showcase statement pearl earrings or a pearl wedding necklace. Chandelier earrings offer a beautiful way to frame your face and bring your personal style to the look.
If you are wearing your hair down or in a half-up style, simple jewelry is the best choice. Stud earrings or delicate pearl wedding bracelets or necklaces are ideal options.
3 Creative Ways to Incorporate Pearls into Your Wedding Day
Aside from pearl wedding jewelry, there are a few creative ways to incorporate pearls into your wedding day. Here are three suggestions:
- Groom cufflinks: Choose pearl cufflinks for the groom and groomsmen. This will create a refined and synchronized appearance.
- Adorning flowers: For added texture and sparkle, wrap the stems of your bouquet with a pearl-studded ribbon or incorporate pearl pins within the floral arrangement.
- Gifting to wedding party: Gift your bridesmaids pearl wedding jewelry to wear on the wedding day, which will ensure a coordinated and elegant look for the entire wedding party
Alternative Pearl Colors for Your Wedding Look
The classic white pearl will always symbolize elegance and class, but if you want something a bit more unique, pearls actually come in a wide range of colors. While colored pearls are sometimes dyed, they can also occur naturally due to the hue of the nacre or inner lip of a mollusk shell. Along with the iridescent white, other pearl colors include:
- Pink
- Black
- Gold
- Cream
- Blue
- Brown
- Copper
- Yellow
- Green
- Purple
Different colored pearls each have a different meaning, so look into the intentions behind each pearl and choose one that aligns with your beliefs and feels authentic to you.
Pearl wedding jewelry offers an unparalleled blend of timeless elegance, sophistication, and meaningful symbolism, making it an ideal choice for brides looking to add a touch of classic beauty to their special day. As you plan your wedding day jewelry, consider the various ways pearls can be integrated into your look to create a cohesive and tasteful theme. The right pearl wedding jewelry not only complements your dress but also carries with it a rich history and deep symbolic significance that can add personal meaning to your special day.
