In the past six months, pearls have made a triumphant return to red carpets, fashion runways, and top-tier galas. Celebrities have embraced the “pearl-core” trend with a new enthusiasm, and they’re bringing this classic gem back into the realm of contemporary style. Here are six of the best pearl looks from this season.
1. Lupita Nyongo’s Chanel Ensemble
Lupita Nyong’o stunned observers at the Oscars 2025 with a breathtaking custom Chanel ensemble that celebrated pearls in truly luxurious detail. The bodice of the dress was intricately embroidered with 22,410 individual embellishments, including crystal beads and tiny cultured pearls. But it was the Chanel High Jewelry pieces that really stood out: Signature de Perles earrings and the exquisite Signature White Tie bracelet—both featuring luminous cultured pearls and glittering diamonds. The standout piece was Chanel's Colibri bracelet, which was worn not on the wrist, but as a shimmering hair accessory. The look was nothing short of royal!\
Photo by Jae C. Hong, of the Associated Press
2. Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Vivienne Westwood Design
Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph arrived at the 2025 SAG Awards with a menswear-inspired look that featured vintage pearls at the center. Instead of a bowtie, she chose to do up the neckline by layering necklaces of white pearls. The Vivienne Westwood design sat perfectly with the Sergio Hudson tux, and it brought a certain level of Audrey Hepburn femininity to the otherwise more masculine look. The high-contrast outfit was reportedly put together with help from her daughter, Ivy Coco.
3. Abby Elliot’s Golden Globes Look
Abby Elliot’s navy-blue Monique Lhuillier gown was the perfect canvas for its intricate pearl beadwork. She accessorized with Neuwirth’s Pearl Blossom jewelry, including intricate floral-inspired earrings featuring South Sea and Akoya pearls framed by diamonds. And one more pearl in her ring tied the whole ensemble together. Her hair was elegantly swept back into an updo, which drew attention to the sparkle of her jewelry and set off the sheen of the pearly dress.
4. Margaret Qualley’ Pereles Necklace
It’s no surprise that Margaret Qualley, as a Chanel ambassador, showed up to the 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards wearing the Chanel Tweed Pérelés necklace. It’s a high-jewelry statement piece woven intricately with platinum, diamonds, and cultured pearls, and it’s meant to represent Chanel’s iconic tweed fabric design. The masterpiece paired gracefully with her minimalist gown to create a top-heavy-yet-somehow-balanced look. And of course, the piece was also a huge nod to designer Coco Chanel’s legendary love for pearls!
5. Kim Kardashian Pearling Up Princess Diana’s Pendant
Kim Kardashian honored royal fashion heritage at the LACMA Art + Film Gala 2024 by wearing Princess Diana’s iconic Attallah Cross pendant layered alongside vintage-inspired pearl necklaces. The pearls included a pearl-and-diamond choker and a Bulgari necklace featuring clustered pearls and diamonds. The whole look brought out the most elegant notes of the 1980s, and the combination set against a white Gucci gown softened the dramatic amethyst pendant. It brought a classic, flowing element to the angular centerpiece.
6. Ellie Goulding’s Sculptural Pearl Jewelry
At the 2024 British Fashion Awards, singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding pushed fashion boundaries with her innovative Moncler Genius puffed coat dress and avant-garde pearl jewelry. The striking pearl earrings were made by Japanese brand TASAKI with sleek Akoya pearls balanced artistically on metal arcs or asymmetrical clusters. They set off her empty chest – she went with no necklace, only the bold pearl earrings, and the look was indeed memorable! The soft luminosity of the pearls matched the matte quilted fabric of the zippered gown and elevated the streetwear vibes to a much more elegant level.
Image by Samir Hussein via Getty Images
Main Takeaways
Celebs are setting new trends with pearl jewelry, and the wide variety of styles and revivals really showcase just how versatile pearls can be. Pearls have maintained their position as an essential accessory, no matter what they’re accessorizing!
