Pearl Jewelry Is The Summer Trend For A Subtle Mermaidcore Vibe

Pearls are classic. Whether we associate them with the iconic Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" or with Princess Diana the day she rocked what's been called her "revenge dress" with that stunning pearl choker, pearls are equal parts quiet luxury aesthetic and fun. Pearls can be dressed up, dressed down, and if you're feeling like you need more mermaid core energy in your life, they can deliver that too.

While summer 2023 was all about mermaid core, some of that has spilled over into summer 2024 as we're seeing with the rise of pearl jewelry. This could be because pearls were all over the runways last year when designers showed their spring and summer 2024 collections or, to quote Jackie O., "pearls are always appropriate." Either way, their presence is undeniable. "There used to be a lot of rules regarding how and when pearls are worn, and they were mostly seen as a coming-of-age gift or a special occasion [accessory]," jewelry designer Maya Brenner told Real Simple. "But now it's really an anything-goes kind of approach. I would wear them with a t-shirt and jeans before a little black dress."

Ready to be part of this pearl-volution and give mermaid core a try? Of course you are. Now let us show you the way. 

When it comes to mermaid core, it's all about embracing elements of the sea. While pearl studs are always a classic (and classy) move, your inner mermaid wants something more whimsical. Because of this, a dangling earring that's made of both pearls and shells is an ideal combination. Add a necklace with a couple of pearls on it to bring the whole look together. 

As beautiful as pearls combined with other stones, gems, and/or shells can be, sometimes sticking to just pearls and not messing with a good thing is the way to go. It keeps things simple and elegant. Then, because you're embracing mermaid culture à la Ariel, pick up a shell and pose with it for a series of selfies. That way, no one will be mistaken as to what aesthetic you're serving. It also helps if you have mermaid hair, so let your hair get tossed around a bit in the wind. 

First of all, this necklace is everything and then some. It demands to be noticed and then of course complimented. It's not just dramatic, but a bold statement piece that speaks to one's love of pearls and commitment to mermaid core. Blues and aquas are an essential part of mermaid core, so this entire look really nails it — from the velvet blue top to the aqua pearl set among the traditional pearl colors.

Although the classic pearl is white and round with a bit of sheen, it's certainly not the only type of pearl out there. For example, black pearls are a great option for those who want to break away from the conventional. Wearing multiple pearl rings in various colors and designs isn't just very mermaid core, but it's also cool and unique.

Because no one ever said that pearls couldn't adorn your hair, this is a look to try for sure. Whether you have pearls placed throughout your hair, use pearl hair clips, or go so far as to rock a pearl tiara, in the name of mermaid core, you should have pearls somewhere on your head. You can let this pearly look speak for itself or add some more pearls to your ears and neckline, too. Just as much as pearls are always appropriate, you can never have too many of them either. Swap out the green shirt for something blue and maybe a bit sheer, and you've nailed it.