Is there anything more stylish than a classic strand of freshwater pearls? Maybe! At least, the baroque pearl necklace has been making a convincing case this summer.
There’s just something so deeply magnetic about baroque pearls. Perhaps it is the fact that each one is unique, or that their irregular shape confidently defies fashion’s constant strive for perfection. They’re not just gems—they’re small natural sculptures.
And today, they can be seen on the necks of women who want to stand out. Their return to the jewelry trend cycle proves that imperfection has aesthetic value. It’s no coincidence that among my favorite pieces of jewelry is a bold baroque pearl necklace, a gift from my aunt, and an Alighieri mono-earring, a birthday gift from my husband.
Personally, I’ve always had a special connection to pearls. In my house they represented a rite of passage, a symbol to be worn at important moments. I remember my grandmother’s necklaces—round, perfect pearls, passed down from generation to generation. Yet alongside those classic strands, she also liked to wear smaller, irregular pearl necklaces, almost shy in their beauty. In the 2000s, I, like fashion, fashion favored flawless pearls paired ironically with white T-shirts and denim in a game of contrasts à la Lagerfeld. But when my aunt gave me a necklace of scrappy baroque pearls, it was love at first sight. They weren’t perfect, but they had character. Each one told a different story, with their soft curves and asymmetrical sheens.
J.Crew Baroque Pearl Necklace
J.Crew
Mejuri Clara Pearl Necklace
Mejuri
Nordstrom Demi Baroque Pearl Pendant Necklace
Nordstrom
Generic Baroque Pearl Necklace
Amazon
That’s where my love for this kind of pearl was born. The first time I saw them on the runway, between 2018 and 2019, was at Alexander McQueen, Erdem, and Simone Rocha. These fashion houses interpreted the pearls as decorative elements with both ancient and ultramodern appeal. No longer just ornaments, but irregular points of light capable of enhancing the face and breaking the monotony of even the cleanest of looks. Most recently, at Bottega Veneta’s spring summer 2025 fashion show, baroque pearls were the main character and presented in green-dyed versions.
Baroque pearls are nothing new. As early as the Renaissance and the 1600s, they were used by jewelers to make incredible works: fauns, sea creatures, fantastic animals. These were small masterpieces embellished with gold and vivid enamels. Their irregularity, far from being a flaw, became creative inspiration.
Now this out-of-the-box aesthetic is coming back. The baroque pearl necklace has become something of a cult accessory, beloved by those who want to express their individuality. Emerging brands like Copine Jewelry and Pearl Octopuss.y have made it their hallmark, offering designs that oscillate between the artisanal and the bold, between classic elegance and a contemporary irony.
Perfect for summer, the heaviness of the pearl contrasts beautifully with light dresses. They’re equally striking when paired with structured blazers or oversized shirts, too. The baroque pearl necklace isn’t just a piece of jewelry: It’s a style statement, a declaration of aesthetic freedom. A classic, yes, but one with a rebellious soul.
A version of this article was previously published in Vogue Italy.
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