How Pearl Necklaces Became Fashion's Favorite Accessory Again

If you're familiar with the saying "clutching your pearls," you most likely associate pearl necklaces with an older generation of women that frequently looks at millennials and gen z with a side-eye—or, regardless of age, the type of woman who is easily offended and has no issue openly expressing moral outrage. If that's your perception, fair enough. But what if I told you that, thanks to some of favorite designers, the pearl necklace is being rebranded in 2026?

The pearl necklace was a status symbol, as well as a symbol of purity and divinity, from as far back as 420 BC—yes, it's an incredibly persistent trend originally popularized by kings, queens, and aristocrats. During the Elizabethan era, pearls were the most sought after gem, more highly coveted than diamonds or precious gemstones. Like all things originally popularized the by wealthy, pearl necklaces became sought after by people of varying classes. In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto created the world's first cultured pearls which led to widespread availability by the 1920s and Coco Chanel made a strong case the pearl necklace as an accessory to elevate even the most casual of outfits—the first and second pearl necklace rebrand, if you will.

Now, in 2026, the pearl necklace has received another major rebrand and reclaimed a spot in modern fashion—that's just the nature of the trend cycle. Now, pearl necklaces are popular in interesting shapes rather than the traditional orb that likely comes to mind, are often paired with other materials for a mixed-media look, are elevated by pendants, feature oversized pearls, and come in the style of the forever popular choker necklace.

Ahead, the pearl necklace trends that we think are worth shouting out.

On Chanel's Fall/Winter 2026 runway, chunky pearls of varying sizes were contrasted by black material on a loose, slightly longer choker necklace.

For her surprise Coachella appearance with Justin Bieber, Tems made a strong case for maximal pearls with layers on layers on layers contrasting with her black sequined corset, adding a sweet, delicate touch, and giving us all the styling inspiration that we need.

While Shushu/Tong's Spring/Summer 2026 runway featured a variation of pearls, including choker styles with gold pendants, the maximal pearls with maximal length are what really caught our eyes. John Richmond's Fall/Winter 2026 runway also had us considering pearl necklaces in different forms, long styles wrapped around and long styles that culminated in a cross pendant in particular.

Forever icon Parker Posey have caught on to the trend and accessorized her 2026 Golden Globes look with a choker style pearl necklace complete with a large jewel in the center.

Rihanna was arguably the first endorser of the pearl necklace comeback, styling a choker as far back as men's fashion week in Paris—and as the trendsetter that she is, we should've taken note of this revival long ago.

This is all to say that pearl necklace trend has expanded so much that there are so many options—and what was once demure and pure, and can still be interepreted and styled as so, is now also edgy.