The Wide World of Pearls, Our 122nd Issue: What Are The Best Precious Gemstones and Metals to Pair With Pearls?
Eye Candy
COLORFUL RAINBOW FRESHWATER DROPS
We have an ongoing love affair with our Multi-Color Freshwater Pearls! These smooth drop-shaped strands were spotted at the Hong Kong Gem and Jewellery Show and Kevin just had to snatch them up!
You Asked ...
Every day we receive questions from customers all over the world about pearls. We decided to post our answers here for every one to read!
What Are The Best Precious Gemstones and Metals to Pair With Pearls?
We Answer:
When it comes to crafting exquisite jewelry, pearls stand out as a timeless classic. Their soft luster and versatile charm make them a favorite choice for many. However, to truly bring out their beauty, pairing pearls with the right gemstones and metals is essential.
Whether you’re designing a new piece or updating an old favorite, the right combinations can elevate your jewelry to new heights of elegance and sophistication.
Diamonds: A Match Made in Heaven
Diamonds and pearls together create an unparalleled sense of luxury. The brilliant sparkle of diamonds perfectly complements the gentle glow of pearls, making this duo a classic choice for bridal jewelry and formal events.
Whether set in a pair of earrings, a pendant, or a ring, the contrast between the diamond's sharp brilliance and the pearl's soft sheen creates a captivating visual harmony that’s hard to beat!
Emeralds: A Pop of Color
Emeralds add a vibrant touch of color that pairs beautifully with pearls. The deep green of the emerald provides a striking contrast to the pearl’s creamy tones, creating a look that is both sophisticated and eye-catching.
This combination works particularly well in statement pieces such as cocktail rings and bold necklaces like the example above auctioned at Christie's in 2013, where the green and white play off each other to stunning effect. Emeralds bring an element of freshness and vitality to pearl jewelry, making it perfect for spring and summer occasions.
Rubies: Passion and Elegance
For those who love rich, warm colors, pairing pearls with rubies is a fantastic choice. The deep red of rubies adds a touch of passion and elegance to pearl jewelry. For example, the White South Sea Pearl and Ruby earrings by Yoko London are a stunning homage to passion and whimsy.
This combination is perfect for creating pieces that are both romantic and regal. Rubies and pearls together exude a sense of timeless romance, making them an ideal choice for anniversary gifts and other special occasions. The contrast between the vibrant ruby and the gentle pearl ensures that each stone enhances the other’s beauty.
Sapphires: A Royal Affair
Sapphires, with their deep blue hues, bring a royal touch to pearl jewelry. The cool, calm color of sapphires pairs wonderfully with the soft, warm glow of pearls, creating a balanced and elegant look. This pairing is perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit, from casual to formal.
Sapphires and pearls together create a sense of understated luxury that is both timeless and contemporary, making it a versatile choice for various jewelry designs, like this Blue Sapphire, White South Sea Pearl and Diamond Ring by Annie Case.
Yellow Gold: Classic Warmth
When it comes to metals, yellow gold is a classic choice to pair with pearls. The warm tones of yellow gold complement the creamy hues of pearls beautifully, creating a look that is both timeless and luxurious.
Gold settings add a traditional touch to pearl jewelry, making it perfect for heirloom pieces and vintage-inspired designs. For a more modern twist, consider pairing pearls with rose gold. The subtle pinkish hue of rose gold brings out the natural blush tones in pearls, creating a soft and romantic look that is perfect for everyday wear.
White Gold & Platinum: Sleek Sophistication
For those who prefer cooler tones, white gold and platinum are excellent choices for pairing with pearls. The sleek, reflective surfaces of these metals enhance the luster of pearls, creating a sophisticated and contemporary look.
White gold and platinum settings are perfect for minimalist and modern jewelry designs, allowing the beauty of the pearls to take center stage. Additionally, these metals are durable and hypoallergenic, making them practical choices for everyday wear.
No matter which precious gemstone is your favorite, the right combination of gemstones and metals can significantly enhance the beauty of pearls in jewelry. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of diamonds, the vibrant contrast of emeralds, the passionate allure of rubies, the royal sophistication of sapphires, the timeless warmth of gold, or the sleek sophistication of white gold and platinum, there’s a perfect pairing for every style and occasion. By thoughtfully choosing the elements that complement pearls, you can create jewelry pieces that are not only beautiful but also uniquely personal.
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Featured Pearls
Golden South Sea Pearl & Diamond Adoration Ring
This exquisite ring features a 12mm Golden South Sea pearl, handpicked for its radiant luster.
The pearl is mounted on the finest 18K gold with dazzling SI clarity diamonds.
This item is packaged in a beautiful jewelry gift box.
Your new pearl ring arrives with Care Instructions and Certificate of Authenticity.