12 Top Pearl Bracelets: Akoya, Freshwater, Tahitian & More
Of all the ways you can wear pearl jewelry, bracelets might be the most luxurious. There’s something so effortlessly chic about the glimmer of cream colored pearls peeking out from under the cuff of a sleeve, or catching the light as you nonchalantly reach up to brush your hair from your eyes.
Oh, this old thing? Yes it’s lovely, isn’t it? Just something I picked up…
And between the huge range of pearl varieties and the daring designs of up and coming jewelers, there’s a perfect pearl bracelet out there for everyone. We’ll show you what to look for when choosing your new Hepburn-inspired fashion statement, and share some of our favorite recommendations.
What to Look For in a Pearl Bracelet
Gone are the days when the only pearl bracelets on offer were simple, understated white akoya pearl strands – although those babies will never be out of style! You’ll see our favorite down below.
Now, pearl bracelets come in a range of sizes, colors, and designs with different metals, clasps, and settings. It’s exciting, but it can be a little overwhelming too.
But don’t worry, we’re going to break down the different styles available and what to look for so your pearl bracelet shopping experience isn’t a flop.
Pearl Bracelet Styles
The most popular style for a pearl bracelet is still the classic pearl strand. The standard length that fits well on most women is 7.5 inches, or about 19 centimeters, though many jewelers will make them in custom lengths for curvier or more petite women. Pearls are traditionally strung on matching silk thread (white for classic pearls, black or grey for Tahitians, etc.) and individually knotted in between each gem.
The knots are super important for two reasons:
- Knots keep each pearl isolated so they don’t rub against each other and wear down over time.
- If your pearl bracelet were ever to catch on something and break, the knots keep the pearls in place so they don’t cascade in a heartbreaking waterfall all over the sidewalk.
You can also find stretch pearl bracelets that are strung on elastic thread rather than knotted silk. These usually don’t have a clasp, but continue in one unending circle. Stretch bracelets are super easy to slip on and off, which makes them a great choice for people with mobility concerns in their fingers. However, they do tend to be a little less secure than silk knotted bracelets over the long term, so stretch style bracelets are usually reserved for pearls with a lower value.
A bangle bracelet is a solid band that features pearls set into a metal design. Bangles completely enclose the wrist and hang loose. The more traditional ones have no closure, so they need to be big enough to slip over the hand but tight enough that they won’t fall off easily. More modern bangles might feature a hinge or another sort of closure so that you can wear a more form fitting style. The choice is up to the individual.
Cuff bracelets are a variation of the bangle, but they have an open design that makes it easier to get on and off. They can be worn around the wrist or higher on the upper arm, á la Amazon warrior queen. Sometimes you’ll see these being sold as “open bangles”.
Our Favorite Pearl Bracelets
1. Akoya White Pearl Bracelet
What it is:
A classic saltwater pearl bracelet threaded on silvery silk.
Why we love it:
You can never go wrong with a timeless pearl bracelet, and this akoya strand shows us the best the classic can be. The pearl size is flattering on everybody and The Pearl Source lets you customize with your choice of clasp, length, and pearl overtone.
2. Freshwater Cultured Pearl Woven Bracelet
by Blue Nile
What it is:
Freshwater pearls wrapped in an unusual woven style.
Why we love it:
Very probably what princess Ariel would have worn on her wedding day, if she could have figured out the world of internet shopping. This bracelet gives the classic look a modern twist that’s still soft and elegant — a touch of drama without being too flashy.
3. Multi-Color Tahitian Cultured Pearl Bracelet
by Blue Nile
What it is:
A string of gunmetal-toned Tahitian pearls ranging from pewter to midnight blue.
Why we love it:
This multicolored pearl strand combines the best that Tahitian pearls have to offer: colors ranging from silvery blue to peacock green and storm cloud grey. A brushed metal ball clasp gives the piece a modern twist.
4. Japanese Akoya Double Pearl Bracelet
What it is:
Two strands of perfectly matched saltwater pearls joined by a single clasp.
Why we love it:
This bracelet layers two classic pearl strands for a luxe look that can be dressed up or down. The Pearl Source gives you a choice of double-strand clasps to choose from, including gorgeous holiday-ready diamond-studded jewels.
5. Double-Strand Multicolored Freshwater Cultured Pearl Bracelet
by Blue Nile
What it is:
Two matching strands of freshwater pearls in Instagrammable pastels.
Why we love it:
This perfectly balanced play of color combines white, pink, and lavender pearls for a statement piece that’s perfect for springtime. Even the cute floral clasp brings to mind sunny garden parties and tea on the terrace. Plus, the soft colors are flattering on all skin tones.
6. Triple White Freshwater Pearl Bracelet
What it is:
Three strands of top-quality pearls bound together by an elegant bar clasp.
Why we love it:
You can never have too many pearls! Even though this triple strand pearl bracelet looks like a luxury indulgence (hint: the choice of sterling silver clasp keeps the price super reasonable), its elegant simplicity keeps it from ever being too much. Perfect with your Friday night cocktail dress.
7. Golden South Sea Round Pearl Tincup Bracelet
What it is:
Five glowing golden South Seas joined by 14k gold chain.
Why we love it:
The gold of the 14k chain perfectly complements the warm gold tones of the pearls for an edgy update on a classic. Plus, spacing out the pearls this way gives you a gorgeous look for a much lower price than you would ever pay for a full gold south sea pearl bracelet.
8. South Sea Cultured Pearl And Diamond Trio Bangle
by James Allen
What it is:
An open bangle bracelet starring a perfect white South Sea pearl.
Why we love it:
This slim cuff-style bangle puts three sparkling diamonds beside a large center-stage South Sea pearl. Both timeless and contemporary, this bracelet immediately draws the eye to the pearl’s lustrous sheen. Plus, the open design means it is a comfortable fit for women of all sizes.
9. Freshwater Pearl & White Topaz Bangle
by Blue Nile
What it is:
A contemporary silver bangle studded with pearls and glittering topaz.
Why we love it:
This streamlined bangle pairs white topaz with freshwater pearls in a look that’s trendy and modern. The hidden clasp makes it easy to take the bangle on and off, while the topaz gives it a little extra sparkle without drawing attention away from the pearls.
10. Yellow Gold & Freshwater Pearl Cuff
by Chan Luu
What it is:
A gold cuff bracelet that pairs modern simplicity with lustrous pearls.
Why we love it:
This open gold and pearl cuff uses materials of excellent quality that don’t need any extra adornment. This adaptable beauty would look as at home with a velvet opera dress as it would with a cute work blazer on casual Friday.
11. Cultured Pearl Beaded Eye Charm Stretch Bracelet
by NEST Jewelry
What it is:
Freshwater pearls strung on easy-wear elastic and finished with an on-trend gold charm.
Why we love it:
This cute freshwater pearl bracelet is quick and easy to slide and and off, and the off-round ringed pearls give the piece a natural, beachy look. Plus, you can show a little love for the summer sun with the tribal-inspired gold-plated charm.
12. Artisan Sterling Silver and Cultured Pearl Bracelet
by Novica
What it is:
Bezel-set mabe pearls clustered across a length of silver chain.
Why we love it:
This bohemian festival-ready bracelet is inspired by the full moon, a motif which repeats itself across the length of the piece. The result is a bracelet which is brimming with perfectly-balanced nonchalant elegance. Plus, the bezel settings around the pearls help protect them from damage, so it’s not a bad choice for everyday wear.
Pearl Bracelet Metals
Pearls can be paired with just about any metal. Silver, yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold are the most popular choices.
When choosing the metal for your new pearl bracelet, think about:
- what would best compliment the color of the pearls
- what color metal you wear most often in your day to day life (including jewelry but also handbag hardware, shoe buckles, hair accessories, etc.)
- any metal sensitivities you’ve noticed in the past
People with very sensitive skin might find that they get irritated by exposure to certain metal alloys.
Pearl Bracelet Clasps
When you’re choosing your pearl bracelet, you’ll start to notice that there’s a huge range of clasps being used in pearl jewelry today. You’ll want to consider the a few different features, including the clasp’s:
- durability (how well it can hold up over time)
- security (how well it keeps your pearl bracelet in place)
- accessibility (how easy it is to do up and undo on your own)
- beauty and what it contributes to the piece as a whole
Fish hook clasps are the classic choice for pearl bracelets. They use a hook design that clips into the body of the clasp to hold it in place. They can also be beautifully stylized, though they can be a bit tricky for people with limited mobility in their fingers.
Ball clasps function on much the same basis, and they’re very popular in pearl bracelets because they blend seamlessly into the strand.
Magnetic clasps are a wonderful choice for people who want an easy-on-easy-off option, though you’ll have to be careful they don’t catch on other metal things, like your keys! These clasps are a little less secure.
Pearl Bracelet Accents
The sky’s the limit when it comes to the creativity of contemporary jewelers, and you’ll often find pearls being paired with diamonds or other gemstones, enamel, and beautiful motifs to create a truly unique work of art. When looking at pearl bracelets, think about what sort of color and styles you already have in your wardrobe and how your new jewelry piece could compliment them.
Pearl Bracelet FAQ
Pearls are a notoriously soft material (about a 2 on the Mohs scale of hardness), which means they get scratched and dented very easily. As an organic gemstone, they’re also highly susceptible to harsh chemicals such as those found in perfumes and cleaning products. For this reason, it’s recommended you keep your pearl jewelry away from your perfumes and body care.
After wearing, use a clean, soft cloth to wipe down any residue. If worn regularly, wash your pearls with a very mild soap about once a month. If your pearl bracelet is strung on knotted silk thread, it’s a good idea to get them restrung about once a year as the thread can stretch and wear down over time.
As we saw above, pearls are at a high risk of being knocked about and exposed to chemicals in many common products. This is particularly important if you’re wearing your pearl jewelry near your hands, which will come in contact with these obstacles the most. For this reason, it’s generally recommended you reserve pearl bracelets as a special occasion adornment.
That being said, there’s no reason you can’t wear your pearl bracelet every day if you understand that it’s going to show its battle scars over time. Many well-loved things become worn down as they go through their lives — favorite sweaters grow fuzzy and thin from frequent wear, cherished musical instruments accumulate dull spots and scratches from all the good memories of playing them.
The bottom line? Reserve your pearl bracelet for special nights out if you want to keep it looking new and pristine, or accept that your pearl bracelet will carry the marks of its experiences (just like you!) and proudly wear it all you like.
When shopping for a pearl bracelet, it’s entirely valid to worry that some of the pearls you see might be of poor quality, or worse – imitations. Fortunately, there’s a few quick and easy tests you can do to see if your pearl is real.
A Pearl Bracelet for Every Occasion
No longer limited to simple strings of white pearls on silk, pearl bracelets can now be found in any style under the sun. Whether your look is edgy, contemporary, boho, feminine, vintage luxe, or a combination of all of these, there is a perfect pearl bracelet out there for you!
Check out these curated favorites and start getting a sense of what style is right for your pearl wardrobe.
