The Goddess Earrings by Cold Gold

Once a symbol of classic elegance and old-world charm, pearls are shedding their vintage reputation and stepping into the spotlight as 2025’s most captivating jewelry trend. From oversized baroque pearls to sculptural pearl settings and unexpected styling, the pearl is back—and it’s bolder, more modern, and more versatile than ever. At Cold Gold, we’re thrilled to be part of this evolution with a selection of pearl jewelry designs that embody both edge and elegance.

The Origins of the Pearl Obsession

Queen Elizabeth 1

Pearls and pearl jewelry has captivated humans for thousands of years, with records of pearl trading dating back to ancient China, Egypt, and Rome. Natural pearls were once so rare that they were considered more valuable than diamonds. In ancient mythology, pearls were believed to be the tears of the gods or drops of moonlight fallen into the sea. Their natural beauty and scarcity made them prized possessions of royalty, nobility, and spiritual leaders across cultures.

In the Renaissance and Victorian eras, pearl jewelry became a status symbols, often worn as heirlooms and featured in regal portraiture. By the early 20th century, pearl accessories were synonymous with grace and sophistication—popularized by icons like Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn. When Mikimoto introduced cultured pearls in the early 1900s, these luminous gems became more accessible, but they never lost their aura of refinement.

In recent years, fashion has witnessed a nostalgic revival across the board—and pearl jewelry was primed for a comeback. But this time, they returned not as prim, proper accessories, but as power pieces with personality.

Pearls on the Runway

left to right: Vacquera, Ahluwalia, Chanel

Pearl accessories made a powerful return to the runway starting in 2023, and by 2025 they’re everywhere. Major fashion houses like Chanel, Simone Rocha, Vivienne Westwood, and Givenchy have reimagined pearls in sculptural, oversized, and avant-garde silhouettes. Think: oversized pearls cascading from ears, pearl strands layered over streetwear, and asymmetric designs that defy the traditional string-of-pearls mold.

These runway moments have paved the way for pearl jewelry to enter everyday wardrobes in more creative and expressive ways. No longer reserved for black-tie affairs, pearl earrings and pearl necklaces are now popping up in casual outfits, layered jewelry stacks, and even as accents on denim and sneakers.

Pearl Trends for 2025

The Aura Studs in Rainbow

The pearl accessory trend in 2025 is all about pushing boundaries. People are wearing pearls pretty much any way other than the expected, i.e. traditional round pearls. Here are some of the biggest directions it’s taking:

• Oversized Pearls: Big, bold, and eye-catching. Oversized pearls are being used as waist long necklaces, dramatic chokers, and chunky bracelet charms.
• Modern Pearl Settings: Geometric metals, sculptural designs, and asymmetry redefine how pearls are worn. These settings give pearls a contemporary edge.
• Baroque Pearls & Irregular Pearls: Organic and imperfect, baroque pearls embrace nature's asymmetry. Their unique shapes add a raw, artistic feel.
• Colorful Pearls: Pearls are available in more colors than the iridescent cream color you’ve come to know. Opt for shades of green, blue, or pink for an edgier look.
• Mixing Materials: Pearls combined with colorful gemstones, beads, and precious metals are blurring the line between fine jewelry and wearable art.
• Unexpected Places: Not just on your ears or around your neck. On SS25 runways we saw pearls as body chains, purses, and clothing.
• Gender-Inclusive Styling: Pearls are being embraced across gender identities, thanks to celebs like A$AP Rocky, Timothee Chalamet, and Harry Styles, styled with tailored suits, streetwear, and minimalist looks alike.

How to Style Pearls in 2025

paparazzi photo of Rihanna

You really can’t go wrong. Here are a few ways to make the most of the trend:

• Layering: Stack pearl necklaces with delicate gold chains, chokers, or beads for an edgy, dimensional look.

• Contrast: Rihanna did it best when she paired layers of mismatched pearl necklaces with a graphic tee, baggy jeans, and a long duster to play up the juxtaposition of soft femininity and rugged street style.

• Classic with a Twist: A simple strand of pearls with a crisp collared button up is a timeless look, but mix things up by wearing an irregular baroque pearl choker in a fun color. 

• Double up: Our Titan pearl drop earring paired with our Pearl Aura Studs in Crystal worn as a second piercing.

Cold Gold’s Pearl Offerings

The Titan Earring by Cold Gold

At Cold Gold, our pearl jewelry pieces reflect the playful and contemporary spirit of this revival. We love taking something timeless and giving it a fresh, unexpected twist. 

Aura Studs

If you’re into the avant-garde freshwater pearl jewelry trend, our baroque pearl Aura Studs are just what you need. The Aura Studs feature freshwater pearls with a unique oblong silhouette and encrusted with either crystal or colorful gemstones in varying sizes. 

The Titan

If you’re more of a minimalist, but still wanna get in on what’s trending, look no further than our drop pearl earrings: The Titan Earrings. These sculptural gold ear wires are adorned with a freshwater baroque pearls and a threaded gold ball. 

The Goddess

For those who love a good 2-for-1 deal: The Goddess Earrings. Our dangly earrings were designed to be worn as a hoop earring or a dangly, drop earring. It’s like half a string of pearls in gold. Every Cold Gold piece is thoughtfully designed to move with you—from day to night, casual to dressy, and everything in between.

Infinity Bolo

If you're looking for a fun alternative to pearls, look towards The Infinity Bolo. The long box chain necklace is equipped with a pearl-like slider, which allows you to wear our bolo tie a multitude of ways. It's a great statement piece on it's own or wear it layered with your favorite necklaces.

Why Pearls, Why Now?

The Aura Studs in Crystal by Cold Gold

In a fast-paced world of digital overload and fleeting trends, pearls offer something different: a connection to nature, history, and craftsmanship. Yet in their new form, they feel anything but old-fashioned. They invite us to reimagine luxury and express ourselves through contrast, texture, and individuality.

Pearls have always held symbolic meaning—representing purity, transformation, and wisdom—but in 2025, their emotional resonance feels especially relevant. As more people lean into intentional fashion and storytelling through their wardrobe, pearls offer a connection to nature, heritage, and artistry.

So whether you’re new to pearls or rekindling an old love, 2025 is the perfect time to explore this reinvention. From runways to real life, pearl jewelry is having a moment—and Cold Gold is here to help you wear it well.

If you're interested in about the difference between freshwater and saltwater pearls, check out our blog here.