27 Jazzed-Up Pieces of Pearl Jewelry That You'd Never See at a Luncheon

From DIY-inspired anklets to architectural earrings.

Pearls — much like their conservative-leaning knit sister, the cardigan — have enjoyed a lot of attention from the fashion world this year. But the glistening, circular objects making the rounds on Instagram are far more exciting than the ones you’d likely see at a charity luncheon or outside a sorority house during recruitment. That’s because, in 2019, a necklet of pearls doesn’t come with a side of Lilly Pulitzer; instead, designers are playing down its Park Avenue connotations by adding colorful glass beads, crystals, gold chains and shells.

Brands like Luiny, Svnr and Timeless Pearly have done a particularly impressive job of making the traditional stones seem less Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” and more Cool Girl in board shorts who has a knack for scoring vintage furniture finds on Etsy. Their baubles are summer camp-like, quirky and a little kitsch, but they’re also more modern and look like one-of-a-kind flea market finds or just killer DIY projects.

Ahead, shop 27 of our favorite jazzed-up pearl jewelry pieces — from anklets and rings to chokers and ear cuffs.