Pearls have been in high demand for the past few centuries already. With so many alternatives available, finding a real pearl necklace that suits your style and looks can be a hassle. We have compiled fourteen of the most beautiful and popular necklaces with authentic natural pearls for you to choose from.
Pearl necklaces are considered very beautiful and highly feminine pieces that effortlessly suit almost any woman. However, because they are so desired, there is a lot of variety in color, shape, origin, and, unfortunately, even authenticity. Therefore, you want to make sure you pick a necklace with authentic natural pearls, preferably one that looks stunning and lasts well in use.
There are a total of five natural pearl varieties that you can choose from; Tahitian, Akoya, Freshwater, Sea of Cortez, and South Sea pearls. Although shell pearls are made from nacre and are considered real pearls by material composition, they aren't found naturally in the wild. Out of these varieties, anyone new to pearls should focus mainly on beautiful, durable, and reasonably affordable pearls. Because genuine Saline water pearls aren't very stable in use and can only be found in very high price ranges, non-saline water pearls are the ideal choice for most women.
To save you hours of investigating and researching on the internet, we have compiled a list of 14 of the most popular real pearl necklaces, each offering fantastic value for the price. So, if you're looking to find a genuine pearl necklace others will undoubtedly love as well, our list of popular choices is the best place to be. Although the necklaces look great already on screen, genuine pearls are always breathtakingly beautiful when worn or held in hand in real life.
Without further ado, let's get to it!
1. Classic 8-9mm freshwater pearl necklace
DETAILS: 8-9MM SIZE • NEAR-ROUND OR NEAR OVAL PEARLS • SOME INHERENT IMPERFECTIONS
Starting off the list is this gorgeous pearl necklace. It's a classic piece that features genuine 8-9mm freshwater pearls side by side. Each pearl comes with a beautiful, radiant appearance and has a near-round shape that slightly varies between the pearls. All in all, due to its gorgeous looks, lasting pearl variety choice, and relatively affordable price, this necklace is ideal for any woman who's new to pearls and pearl necklaces. 8-9mm freshwater pearl necklace, €74.95 EUR. Also available in slightly large size with 9-10mm pearls.
2. Classic pearl pendant necklace
DETAILS: 12-13MM SIZE • NEAR-ROUND PEARL • NEARLY FLAWLESS
Another favorite choice is this classic sterling silver necklace with a single pearl pendant. This design features a natural 12-13mm freshwater pearl, while the chain and bail are made from polished sterling silver. The pearl has a stunning milky white surface and an iridescent glow typical to some of the most desired pearls in the world. Get the 12-13mm version instead of the slightly smaller 10-11mm alternative if your budget allows - you won't regret it. 12-13mm freshwater pearl pendant necklace, €82.95 EUR. The design is also available with a smaller 10-11mm pearl.
3. Layered freshwater pearl necklace
DETAILS: 4-5MM & 12-13MM SIZE • BAROQUE & NEAR-ROUND PEARLS • NEARLY FLAWLESS
A layered freshwater pearl necklace set offers depth and a personal look without sacrificing the timeless design. By combining a classic baroque pearl choker with a longer matinee pearl chain, this beautiful necklace provides a unique style that's easy to wear anywhere. It's the perfect blend of modern minimalism and traditional complexity. Layered freshwater pearl necklace, €64.95 EUR.
4. 6-7mm pearl choker
DETAILS: 6-7MM SIZE • NEAR-ROUND PEARLS • NEARLY FLAWLESS
One of the most beautiful chokers on this list is this beauty. It comes with a set of 6-7mm near-round freshwater pearls that look absolutely stunning on anyone. In addition, the necklace has a small extension chain that allows it to be adjusted according to your preference for the perfect fit. The nearly flawless condition of the pearls means some minor imperfections appear on the pearls, adding a nice natural feel to the necklace and cutting the price significantly. You are guaranteed to fall in love with this one. 6-7mm freshwater pearl choker necklace, €64.95 EUR.
5. 4mm satellite drop pearl necklace
DETAILS: 4-5MM SIZE • NEAR-ROUND PEARLS • NEARLY FLAWLESS
This satellite chain with pearls and a subtle drop chain has recently been one of the most loved picks. The dainty design of the necklace further emphasizes the feminine aspects of the pearls, making it easy to wear anywhere you go. The chain has a total of eleven small pearls that flow nicely around your neck, and its length can be adjusted by changing the size of the drop chain. Dainty satellite drop chain pearl necklace, €37.95 EUR.
6. Green agate freshwater pearl choker necklace
DETAILS: 3-4MM SIZE • OVAL & ROUND PEARLS • NEARLY FLAWLESS
Here's a great example of how well pearls can combine with other natural stones and elements. The necklace utilizes a beautiful green agate stone as its centerpiece. The agate is framed by a set of round pearls, while the chain itself consists of oval-shaped pearls. It forms a lovely necklace that mimics the appearance of a green and white flower. It's impossible to look bad wearing this masterpiece. Green agate & pearl flower choker necklace, €79.95 EUR. The same design is also available with red agate and a white pearl.
7. Rainbow freshwater pearl necklace
DETAILS: 7-8MM SIZE • IRREGULAR BAROQUE PEARLS • WITH MINOR FLAWS
Another sought-after style is a pearl necklace with colorful beads between the pearls. It's a design known as a rainbow pearl necklace. This one illustrates what they can look like at their best. Wearing a rainbow pearl necklace can add a pleasant, playful touch to any outfit, which is perhaps why the chains are so popular in the first place. A colorful pearl necklace goes best together with casual and semi-casual looks. 7-8mm rainbow freshwater pearl necklace, €42.95 EUR.
8. Satellite freshwater pearl necklace
DETAILS: 6-7MM SIZE • BAROQUE SHAPE • NEARLY FLAWLESS
One of the most loveable styles available is the satellite necklace featuring real pearls. This piece is made from 6-7mm baroque pearls, and it offers a beautiful, lightweight design. The chain is easy to wear with almost any outfit, and the aesthetic leaves room for other accessories, as well. In addition, the sterling silver chain that holds the pearls together shines almost as brightly as the pearls themselves. 6-7mm satellite freshwater pearl necklace, €46.95 EUR. The design is also available with a set of black pearls.
9. Sterling silver pearl row necklace
DETAILS: 2.5-3MM SIZE • NEAR ROUND SHAPE • NEARLY FLAWLESS
If you're looking for an elegant necklace with genuine pearls, here's one you are guaranteed to love. The sterling silver chain displays a row of 18 tiny freshwater pearls, forming a timeless look you can wear anytime, anywhere. Because the pearls are relatively small, the necklace combines well with casual and formal outfits. Sterling silver pearl row necklace, €37.95 EUR.
10. Floating freshwater pearl necklace
DETAILS: 3-4MM & 7-8MM SIZE • NEAR-ROUND & BAROQUE SHAPE • NEARLY FLAWLESS
One of the most loved pearl necklace designs is the floating pearls necklace. It's a set of three translucent strings that hold different-sized pearls distantly from each other. The look makes the pearls appear as if they were magically floating on your neck. The floating freshwater pearl necklace is best suited with semi-formal outfits and styles. Floating freshwater pearl necklace, €38.95 EUR.
11. Baroque freshwater pearl necklace
DETAILS: 6-7MM SIZE • IRREGULAR BAROQUE SHAPE • NEARLY FLAWLESS
There's nothing quite like a white baroque pearl chain necklace made from genuine pearls. The baroque shape of the pearls emphasizes the natural aspects of the necklace. This design is best suited for women who want to feel more in tune with nature. It can be especially helpful in relieving stress if you live in a modern, urbanized city. Either way, it's a great-looking pearl necklace that will surely attract some admiring gazes. 6-7mm baroque freshwater pearl necklace, €67.95 EUR.
12. Single freshwater pearl necklace
DETAILS: 4-5MM SIZE • ROUND PEARL • FLAWLESS OR NEARLY FLAWLESS
A cute silver necklace carrying a single, round freshwater pearl is ideal for anyone looking for something small and authentic. The pearl itself is a 4-5mm round white pearl with a smooth pearlescent surface, while the chain is a dainty, polished silver cable chain. It's a perfect fit for women who want a genuine pearl necklace without having to over-commit to buying a flashy piece that only suits specific outfits. Single freshwater pearl necklace, €34.95 EUR.
13. multicolor pearl necklace
DETAILS: 9-10MM SIZE • NEAR OVAL • SOME INHERENT IMPERFECTIONS
Here's a beautiful piece for women who want their pearls in color. Because freshwater pearls are commonly found in different colors, this piece is over ten times more affordable than its saline water alternatives. However, the stocks for unique necklaces like this are limited, so be quick if you want the multicolor pearl necklace for yourself. 9-10mm multicolor pearl necklace, €109.95 EUR.
14. Bonus: shell pearl necklace
DETAILS: 6MM SIZE • ROUND PEARLS • FLAWLESS
Completing the list is this classic pearl necklace, made from shell pearls. A shell pearl is made of nacre, the natural inner lining of oyster shells, also known as mother of pearl. This process makes it much more durable than any pearl found in nature. In addition, shell pearls are highly resistant to perfumes and erosion and don't turn yellow over time. If you are new to pearls and want an affordable pearl necklace that lasts, a shell pearl necklace is the best choice for you. 6mm Shell pearl necklace, €59.95 EUR. This piece is also available with 5mm pearls, 8mm pearls, and as a 5mm elastic choker necklace.
How to tell if your pearls are real?
The popularity of pearls, especially in jewelry, has given us plenty of different styles and options while steadily decreasing prices. With all these pearls available, it can be hard to identify real, authentic pearls from fake, plastic pearls.
There are a few main things to look out for when shopping for pearl necklaces online. The first thing you can see when shopping is the price. Natural pearls come with a cost, so any necklace that costs surprisingly little most likely utilizes fake pearls - for example, a $4 pearl necklace is guaranteed to use lookalike or plastic pearls. When identifying a real pearl, pay attention to:
- The shape of the pearl — real pearls aren't perfectly round in shape (with the exception of highly valued pearls costing anything upwards of hundreds of dollars)
- The weight of the pearl — real pearls are heavier than imitation pearls
- The texture of the pearl — real pearls have a gritty texture while engineered pearls come with a perfectly smooth surface
- The temperature of the pearl — real pearls will feel cold to touch in any weather or outside temperature
DIDN'T FIND WHAT YOU WERE LOOKING FOR? If you want to see more beautiful designs, you might benefit from our stunning selection of pearl chains. We also offer one of the largest necklace selections in the world. So, whether you are searching for a specific pearl necklace or just want to scroll through some gorgeous designs, you should take advantage of our full necklaces collection, where we feature a vast selection of different necklace styles for women!
Thank you for reading!
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