Breaking Stereotypes: Why Men Can Wear Pearl Necklaces

Gone are the days when certain accessories were strictly reserved for one gender. One that has long been associated with femininity but is now firmly part of menswear is the pearl necklace.

If you've dismissed the idea, it's worth a second look — men's pearl jewellery has become one of our fastest-growing categories.

Pearls: Timeless Elegance

Pearls have been prized for centuries. Traditionally they were seen as a symbol of grace, adorning the necks of women in classic portraits and high society events. In recent years that has shifted, and more men have embraced pearls as part of their personal style.

Worth knowing: pearls were historically a men's jewel too. Mughal emperors, European nobility and samurai all wore them as markers of status. The association with women is a relatively modern development, not an ancient one.

Celebrities Leading the Way

Public figures have accelerated the shift. Harry Styles, Pharrell Williams and A$AP Rocky have all worn pearl necklaces prominently, which moved the look from unusual to aspirational almost overnight.

What's followed is more interesting than the trend itself: the version that stuck isn't the theatrical one. Most men wearing pearls now do so subtly — a single strand, worn like any other chain.

Choosing Your First Pearl Piece

Three things decide whether a pearl necklace gets worn or ends up in a drawer: bead size, length, and whether you go all-pearl or mixed. We've covered each of them properly — along with the difference between shell, freshwater and Akoya pearls — in our guide to choosing a men's pearl necklace.

The short version: 8mm is the standard and the safest first choice, 6mm if you want it subtle, 10mm if you want it noticed.

Styling Tips

1. Keep it simple. A single classic strand can be dressed up or down and won't date.
2. Layer with intention. Pearls sit well under a longer, heavier chain — vary the lengths by at least two inches. Our guide to styling men's necklaces covers layering.
3. Casual cool. A plain white t-shirt and jeans is genuinely the easiest backdrop — the contrast does the work.
4. Mix textures. Pearls against leather or brushed metal look considered rather than formal.
5. Black tie. A single strand under an open collar photographs beautifully against black. See our guide to jewellery for formal events.

Looking After Them

Pearls are softer than metal and stone, so they need slightly more care. Put them on last, after aftershave and grooming products, and take them off first. Wipe with a soft dry cloth after wearing. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals entirely.

Our jewellery cleaning guide covers the rest of your collection.

Expressing Individuality

Fashion is self-expression, and everyone should feel able to wear what makes them feel confident. For some men a pearl necklace is a way to express a personal sense of style; for others it's a nod to cultural traditions where pearls carry particular significance.

Either way, the only real rule is wearing it like you meant to.

Browse our men's pearl necklaces and pearl bracelets — made in our London workshop and backed by a lifetime warranty.