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Many people believe that pearls are exclusively for women. Recently, this phenomenon is being challenged, and not just by your next-door teenager. Celebrities like A$AP Rocky and Harry Styles have inspired many to adopt this modern-day jewelry trend. And yes, men wearing pearls can be as elegant as women wearing pearl jewelry.
In this article, we will discuss what it means when men wear pearls. On top of that, we’d also address some celebrities who consider pearls as an integral part of their style and personality. But before we get into that, let’s take a look at the history of pearls on men.
Why are Men Wearing Pearls?
Mainly, men wear jewelry to create a statement. Other reasons include exotic fashion, purity, confidence, defying gender boundaries, following celebrities, etc.
It’s not new that men are wearing pearls. Back in the past, pearl jewelry was used as a statement of wealth. Even now, people show off their class by wearing pearl necklaces or earrings.
Another reason might have to do with purity. Pearls are pure with foreign matter next to zero. So, the purity and peaceful white color can define your aura in a positive sense.
Nowadays, the most common reason is lots of global figures are wearing pearl jewelry, and it’s inspiring their followers to wear such jewelry more. Pearl ornaments are also good unisex items for people of any age.
History of Men Wearing Pearls
Even though modern-day celebrities are reviving the ‘pearl’ trend, this ‘trend’ dates back to the Roman Empire. You’ll be surprised to know that for a long period, pearls were considered masculine jewelry parts. Only in the 20th century, pearls became a symbol of feminity.
In ancient Rome, pearls were worn by noble and wealthy men. Pearls were very precious in ancient Rome, and the wealthy wore pearls to distinguish themselves from the common man. More accounts of the history of pearl-wearing men can be found in India. The monarchy and rich Indian businessmen used to wear pearl necklaces along with their lavish dresses.
If you go even further back, you’d be amazed to know that Chinese royals adopted pearls as their style symbol in 2300 BC. More interestingly, Polynesian warriors also wore pearls as amulets. They believed pearls to be a symbol of their ferociousness and power.
In the 16th century, pearl jewelry was highly valued among English gentlemen. The kind of pearl jewelry they wore was different from other civilizations mentioned here, but the objective was pretty much the same, which was to distinguish themselves from the working class.
Pearls resurfaced as a male fashion component in recent times. Especially in the hip-hop culture, pearl necklaces are very popular. Decorated rappers like A$AP Rocky, Post Malone, and Lil Wayne seem to have a certain liking for pearl necklaces.
What Does it Mean When Men Wear Pearls?
There are various meanings of men wearing pearls. In general, men wearing pearls in the modern age may pay tribute to its history. Wearing pearls can be a symbol of their status, wealth, and aristocracy.
At times, pearls are also associated with purity and innocence. More often than not, pearls are not mixed with any other gems or jewels. As the pearls themselves are pure, the person wearing them can also express their innocence and purity.
However, some men just wear pearl jewelry as a fashion statement. They don’t consider any intrinsic meaning of the jewelry, they simply want to look good.
What Kind of Pearl Jewelry Do Men Wear?
Necklaces
The most popular form of pearl jewelry worn by men has to be pearl necklaces. Even though pearl necklaces were considered very feminine a few years ago, now they have broken into the masculine fashion trend. Especially famous rappers really love their pearl necklaces.
Bracelets
Pearl bracelets are a trendy fashion statement in the modern era. Starting from basic fashion pieces to real pearls, pearl bracelets come in all shapes, styles, and prices. You can even find pearl bracelets in H&M, ASOS, River Islands, New Look, etc. If you are looking for designer pearl jewelry, then Icecartel can be a great choice for you.
Earrings
Another very popular form of pearl jewelry worn by men is earrings. Though not as common as necklaces or bracelets, pearl earrings are preferred by a group of stylish men. More often than not, pearl earrings are more subtle and smaller in size.
Male Celebrities Who Wear Pearl Jewelry
A$AP Rocky
One of the most popular rappers of our time, A$AP Rocky has a special liking for pearl necklaces. He can be seen wearing layered pearl necklaces at live events or concerts. He also has a very unique black pearl necklace celebrated by his fans.
Harry Styles
Former One Direction singer Harry Styles is renowned for breaking gender stereotypes. It is not surprising that he wears pearl necklaces. He was first seen wearing a pearl necklace during the press tour for his album Fine Line. The fans loved it, and he carried on that style for a while.
Jungkook
The BTS member is no longer considered an Asian heartthrob, rather he is celebrated as a global celebrity now. His popularity peaked across the globe after his performance at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Jungkook’s recent popularity spiked the global interest in his fashion choices, and he inspired his male fans to wear pearl necklaces like he does. Pearl necklaces have been a part of his signature style for a while, even though it has been recently noticed by his global fans.
Tyler, The Creator
Tyler is the second rapper on our list. The American rapper and song producer has made pearl necklaces a part of his personality. His signature flamboyant look is incomplete without his multi-colored pearl necklace.
Shawn Mendes
It looks like Shawn Mendes believes that pearl necklaces ‘treat-him-better’ than any other necklace. He wears pearl necklaces with literally anything. You can see him in public wearing pearl necklaces with t-shirts, suits, tuxedos, or even tank tops. The Canadian pop star really likes his pearls!
Jaden Smith
Jaden is trying hard to come out of his father Will’s shadow with his acting and music career. But one thing is for sure, his fashion statement pays no tribute to his father’s style. He is really fond of pearl jewelry, and we never saw Will wearing one!
Gucci Mane
Gucci Mane likes to make headlines, and he made headlines quite a few times with his layered pearl necklaces. Gucci Mane is fond of necklaces in general. Even though he is mostly seen in link chains, he does like to wear the occasional pearl necklace from time to time!
Swae Lee
Swae Lee’s fans know that he spends a lot on his jewelry. But do you know that the American Rapper has a $100K pearl necklace? In an online interview with King Ice, Lee was seen rocking a flashy necklace. He said the pearls on his necklace were straight out of the ocean and the necklace was worth $100K.
Conclusion
We are kind of glad that pearls are becoming a male fashion trend again. There was a time when men wearing pearls were seen as too feminine and frowned upon. Even though pearls have a rich history of being a preferred male jewelry choice, they were out of style for a while. It is expected that this time the trend is here to stay!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are male celebrities wearing pearls?
Male celebrities are wearing pearls to create their own signature style. Pearls were out of trend for a while, and wearing them made male celebrities unique. Even though now it’s not very distinct, some male celebrities love pearl jewelry.
Is boys wearing pearls a new trend?
Not really. Pearls were worn by men even in the middle ages. Pearls are simply making their way back into the male fashion sphere.
How men should wear pearls?
It totally depends on your style and personality, there is no rule, to be honest. However, we do prefer layering pearl necklaces.
