Skip to Content Skip to Navigation

Bridal Pearl Jewelry Sets For Your Wedding Day

Why You Should Wear Pearls on Your Wedding Day

Pearls seem as though they were made for a bride. A classic for years, they have enjoyed a long tradition as the top choice for wedding day jewelry. As the birthstone for June, this beautiful gemstone is believed to symbolize beauty, friendship, and happiness — all things you want on your wedding day!

Although a pearl necklace is the classic, you can get creative and wear pearls in earrings or even a bracelet. Or you can fully commit to this luxe look with a coordinated pearl jewelry set for your wedding. Get to know more about the types of pearls that beautifully complement bridal looks, the meaning behind pearl jewelry, and find inspiration on how to style pearl bridal jewelry with any dress and style.

Tradition and Meaning of Pearl Jewelry

In addition to their bridal beauty, pearls possess certain meanings when it comes to a wedding day. Some of the traditional meaning associated with wedding pearls are:
Purity
Similar to the traditional meaning of a white dress, cultures throughout the ages have believed pearls symbolize purity.

Happiness
Folklore says that wearing pearls on your wedding day will bring a happy marriage. Some believe a pearl is a representation of a tear and by wearing pearls, you ensure a lifetime of joy with your future spouse. This superstition is practiced by many brides who hope not to shed any tears in matrimony.
A Traditional Wedding Gift
It is common for a groom to give his bride a piece of jewelry on their wedding day. Depending on her style, a gift could range from an elegant pearl ring to a classic strand of pearls. In some families, it is actually tradition for the future mother-in-law of the bride to hand down pearls that belong to her, or gift her daughter-in-law with a new set.

Types of Pearls

When you think of bridal pearls, a classic strand of white beads may be what you imagine. But creamy white pearls are by no means your only option, there are many other varieties and colors of pearls that make an equally stunning statement. The main types of pearls are:
Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater Pearls

Originally found in rivers, lakes and ponds, these pearls are cultivated in freshwater pearl farms and are naturally found in color shades of white, pink, and lavender. These pearls can be dyed darker colors like black, purple and red.
Akoya Pearls

Akoya Pearls

This saltwater pearl from the seas of Japan and China is one of the most sought after, known for its bright luster and classic white color with silver, cream, or pink overtones.
South Sea Pearls

South Sea Pearls

A saltwater pearl from Western Australia and Indonesia, these pearls are typically white with a golden-yellow overtone earning them the nickname “the golden pearl.”
Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian Pearls

Naturally found near the islands of French Polynesia, these saltwater pearls one of the largest and are known for their deep black or green color.
Coming in a variety of colors and sizes, you want to be sure you are choosing the right pearls for you or as a carefully coordinated bridal gift. For more tips on choosing the perfect pearl, take a look through our pearl jewelry guide.

Explore The Pearl Jewelry Guide

Types of Pearl Jewelry

For extra glamour on your wedding day, the beauty of pearl is unmatched. From delicate necklaces to statement earrings and elegant bracelets, pearl jewelry adds a touch of romance and tradition any bride will love. Here’s what to consider when choosing a pearl necklace, pearl earrings, or a pearl bracelet for a bridal look.
Shop Pearl Necklaces

Wedding Pearl Necklaces

Pearl necklaces are a classic choice for brides to wear and are even worn for generations of weddings in some families. Whether you are planning to wear a beloved heirloom strand of pearls or purchase something new, it is important to make sure your necklace complements your dress. When styling pearls, consider necklace length with your dress neckline:

  • For high necklines: Try a collar (14”) or choker (16”) pearl necklace.
  • For moderate necklines: Try a princess (18”) or matinee (20”) pearl necklace.
  • For lower necklines: Try a matinee (20”) or opera (24”) pearl necklace.
Along with getting the proportions right, remember to choose a necklace style that feels true to you. So go for that choker, double strand, delicate single pearl chain, or even colored pearls that represent you and your wedding style best.
Shop Pearl Earrings

Wedding Pearl Earrings

Earrings are also an elegant way to continue the tradition of pearls on your wedding day. It is all up to you whether you want to make a bold statement with drop earrings or go subtle and romantic with studs. If you want to wear pearl earrings think about:

  • Mixing gemstones: Make your pearl earrings a statement piece with a mix of diamonds or colored gemstones in the design.
  • Your hair: Our rule of thumb is, if your hair is being styled up, it’s a great time to go for a more dramatic drop-style pearl earring.
  • Infuse your style: Have fun incorporating your aesthetic. Whether you love a floral moment, full glam, or fun styles like hoops or crawlers, pearl earrings are a great way to enhance your overall wedding day look.
  • Watch the veil: Avoid tangling up your jewelry. Pearl studs are a great option if your wedding look includes a larger veil.
Shop Pearl Bracelets

Wedding Pearl Bracelets

We tend to think about earrings and necklaces first when it comes to wedding jewelry, but bracelets can also accent your wedding day look. If you want to wear a pearl bracelet, consider:

  • What’s the style of your dress? A long sleeve gown may make it difficult to pull off a pearl bracelet look. If you have a second outfit planned for the reception, this may be the time to swap accessories and wear your pearl bracelet.
  • Do you want color? Bracelets are a great place to add color. You can go romantic with blush pink or lavender pearls, or contrast with a black pearl bracelet that’s both bold and elegant.
  • What style of bracelet? There’s more than just strung pearl bracelets. Explore cuffs, delicate chains, and bolo-style bracelets that compliment your engagement ring and overall bridal style.

Wear Beautiful Pearls on Your Wedding Day

Embrace the romance and radiant beauty of pearl jewelry on your wedding day! Even with its long history as bridal jewelry, pearl jewelry remains in style for the traditional to contemporary aesthetics of today’s brides. We hope we’ve inspired you to choose the best pearl jewelry to make your wedding day more special.


Give the Gift of Wedding Day Pearls
Shop our selection of pearl jewelry for the big day.
Shop Pearl Wedding Day Jewelry

Related Topics
Learn more about gemstones, settings, and styles at Zales.

Jewelry Care and Cleaning

Jewelry Care and Cleaning

Follow our tips on how to care for your jewelry
Types of Earrings

Types of Earrings

Explore earring styles from studs to hoops
Jewelry 101

Jewelry 101

Brush up on the basics about the jewelry you love
Join Our Email List & Receive a Special Offer