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Men Wearing Pearls: a Timeless Trend
Sep 09, 2024, Update: Sep 09, 2024, Janar Kirn / IceTreasure.com
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"For years, pearls have been closely associated with femininity. However, that perception has evolved, and men are now embracing pearls as part of their style, spurred on by cultural icons like A$AP Rocky and Harry Styles. Men wearing pearls today is no longer considered groundbreaking but a stylish continuation of a long, rich history.

This article will explore the historical significance of men wearing pearls, contemporary celebrity trends, and the variety of pearl jewelry men now favor. Before we look at the modern pearl movement, let’s delve into the history of men and pearls.
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1. A Historical Glimpse: Men Wearing Pearls

The idea that pearls are exclusively for women is a relatively modern concept. Historically, pearls were a symbol of wealth, status, and power for men across various cultures.

Ancient Rome

In ancient Rome, pearls were a sign of affluence among noblemen. The rich and powerful wore them as status symbols to distinguish themselves from the common populace.

India

Pearls were also a prominent part of Indian aristocracy. Both royal figures and wealthy businessmen proudly wore pearl necklaces alongside their lavish outfits.

China

In 2300 BC, Chinese emperors adopted pearls to signify their authority. Pearls were seen as symbols of wisdom and wealth and played an essential role in royal attire.

Polynesia

Pearls carried a different but equally powerful meaning in Polynesia, where warriors wore them as amulets, believing the gems to represent strength and ferocity.

England in the 16th Century

In England, pearls were a staple of upper-class male fashion during the 16th century. While the designs differed from those seen in other cultures, the message remained the same: pearls were a sign of elite status. These historical examples demonstrate that pearls were once widely regarded as masculine, a symbol of power and prestige for centuries.


2. What It Means When Men Wear Pearls
Pearls convey different meanings depending on the wearer and context. In the modern era, men wearing pearls often pay homage to these historical associations of status and aristocracy.

1. Wealth and Status



For centuries, pearls symbolized wealth and luxury. Today, many men wear them to reflect those same values, carrying the aura of sophistication that pearls have long embodied.

2. Purity and Innocence



Since pearls are often unadorned by other gems, their simplicity can signify purity. Some men choose pearls to express their personal virtues, such as innocence or sincerity.

3. Fashion Statement



While pearls have deep cultural significance, many men wear them purely as a fashion choice. Pearl jewelry, especially necklaces, offers an elegant touch that enhances their overall look, without necessarily attaching deeper meaning.


3. Types of Pearl Jewelry Men Wear

While pearls were once restricted mainly to necklaces, modern fashion has diversified the ways men can incorporate pearls into their outfits.

Necklaces



Pearl necklaces are by far the most popular form of pearl jewelry worn by men today. Famous figures like A$AP Rocky and Harry Styles frequently wear layered pearl necklaces at public events.

Bracelets



Pearl bracelets offer a subtler, yet equally stylish, way to wear pearls. Available in various designs and price points, these bracelets have become a fashionable accessory in both casual and formal settings. Stores like H&M and ASOS offer affordable versions, while luxury brands like IceTreasure provide high-end options.

Earrings



Although less common than necklaces and bracelets, pearl earrings are gaining popularity among stylish men. They offer a discreet yet bold touch that complements a variety of looks.


4. Celebrities Leading the Pearl Trend

The revival of pearls in men’s fashion owes much to male celebrities who boldly sport them in public. These trendsetters have normalized pearls as part of masculine style.

A$AP Rocky

A$AP Rocky, a style icon in the hip-hop community, is known for his love of pearl necklaces. Whether it’s his layered look or the unique black pearl necklace he wears, Rocky has made pearls an essential part of his image.

Harry Styles

The former One Direction singer is known for breaking fashion norms. He popularized pearl necklaces during the promotional tour for his album Fine Line, and since then, it’s become a signature part of his aesthetic.

Jungkook

BTS’s Jungkook has made pearls part of his signature look. His influence skyrocketed after the FIFA World Cup 2022, and many male fans have followed his lead by incorporating pearl necklaces into their wardrobes.

Pharrell Williams

Pharrell, a pioneer in men’s fashion, often wears pearls as a statement of individuality and elegance. His combination of pearls with other bold accessories shows how this classic gem can be part of a modern, edgy style.

Tyler, The Creator

Another rapper who’s embraced pearls is Tyler, The Creator. His colorful, often multi-layered pearl necklaces are a striking element of his unique and flamboyant wardrobe.

Machine Gun Kelly

Machine Gun Kelly combines pearls with his punk-rock aesthetic, frequently wearing them on stage and at high-profile events. His bold approach makes pearls a versatile addition to his edgy look.

Shawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes is rarely seen without a pearl necklace, whether he’s dressed casually or attending formal events. He seamlessly blends pearls with t-shirts, tank tops, and tuxedos.

Jaden Smith

Jaden Smith, always on the cutting edge of fashion, often wears pearls to distinguish himself from conventional male fashion norms. His unique fashion sense sets him apart, even from his famous father, Will Smith.

Gucci Mane

Known for his extravagant taste in jewelry, Gucci Mane occasionally wears pearls alongside his usual gold chains. His use of pearls adds a softer but still luxurious touch to his signature style.

Swae Lee

Swae Lee famously owns a pearl necklace worth $100K, making headlines for his extravagant jewelry collection. His investment in high-end pearls highlights the growing acceptance of pearls as part of men’s fashion.

Ezra Miller

Ezra Miller uses pearls to challenge traditional gender norms, integrating them into their gender-fluid fashion. Their daring style proves that pearls can work across a wide spectrum of looks.


5. Interesting Facts About Pearls and Men’s Fashion
 

  • Historical Popularity: Pearls were worn by men as early as 2300 BC in China and were a significant part of royal attire in ancient civilizations.

  • Cultural Symbolism: In Japan, pearls symbolize perfection and purity, while in the Pacific Islands, they are believed to bring good fortune and protection. These cultural associations add depth to why men may choose pearls as part of their fashion.

  • Breaking Stereotypes: In today’s fashion world, men wearing pearls are breaking down gender norms. It’s becoming more common to see pearls used to challenge the outdated idea that they’re exclusively feminine.

  • Modern Luxury: Designer brands such as IceTreasure have contributed to the pearl revival by offering high-quality, innovative designs catered to men who want to embrace this trend.



6. Frequently Asked Questions

Why are male celebrities wearing pearls?



Male celebrities use pearls to create unique, individualistic styles. By reintroducing pearls into their wardrobes, they are reestablishing this gem as a staple of male fashion.

Is men wearing pearls a new trend?



Not at all. Men have been wearing pearls for centuries, particularly in historical societies. Today’s trend is simply a revival of an age-old fashion statement.

How should men wear pearls?



There are no hard rules. It all comes down to personal style. Many men prefer layering pearl necklaces for a more dramatic effect, while others opt for simpler, subtler pieces.


7. Conclusion

The resurgence of pearls in men’s fashion is more than a passing trend. Celebrities and fashion-forward individuals are embracing pearls as a way to blend tradition with modernity, sophistication with boldness. As pearls reclaim their status as a powerful accessory for men, it’s clear that this time, they’re here to stay.

Janar Kirn

Janar Kirn, from Tallinn, Estonia, is a distinguished entrepreneur and a co-founder of Ice Treasure. With a career spanning since 2017, Janar has made significant strides in the jewelry industry, founding his first brand from the ground up.

Over the years, he has amassed extensive knowledge in the field, becoming a respected educator and jewelry specialist in Scandinavia. Known for his deep passion and expertise, Janar is dedicated to sharing his insights and experiences with others through this platform.

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