--- title: "When and How Are Pearls Worn Today?" description: "How pearls are worn today, from necklaces and earrings to rings and pendants, plus the June birthstone, the pearl anniversaries and wearing pearls safely." canonical_url: "https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/" last_updated: "2026-11-04" last_reviewed: "2026-10-26" reviewed_by: "Simon" publisher: "Unique Pearl" publisher_disclosure: "Learn About Pearls is published by Unique Pearl, a pearl jeweler." --- # When and How Are Pearls Worn Today? **Short answer:** Pearls are worn as necklaces and bracelets, and set alone, in pairs or in clusters in earrings, rings and pendants. Natural or cultured, pearl is a birthstone for June, together with alexandrite and moonstone, and the gem of the third and thirtieth anniversaries. Perfume, cosmetics, hair spray and heat can all damage pearls, so put pearls on after any perfume or makeup and wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing. Pearls are set in many kinds of jewelry, and they come with a long list of traditions. This section covers how pearls are worn and the occasions linked to them. ## How pearls are worn [Cultured pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/glossary/#cultured-pearl) are popular for bead necklaces and bracelets, and are mounted singly, in pairs or in clusters in earrings, rings and pendants. Larger pearls with unusual shapes are popular with designers. [1] Strands are usually made of pearls that match in size, shape, color and the other quality factors, though designers sometimes mix them on purpose. [2] The page [necklace lengths](https://learnaboutpearls.com/buying/necklace-lengths/) gives the standard lengths, from collar to rope, [styling pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/how-to-style-pearls/) covers ways to wear them, and [pearls for men](https://learnaboutpearls.com/buying/mens-pearls/) covers men’s pearls past and present. ## The June birthstone and pearl anniversaries Pearl, natural or cultured, is a birthstone for June, together with alexandrite and moonstone. [1] June is one of only three months with three birthstones; the others are August and December. [3] Pearl is also the gem of the third and thirtieth anniversaries. [4] The pages [June birthstone](https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/june-birthstone/), [pearls for weddings](https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/pearls-for-weddings-and-graduations/) and [the pearl anniversary](https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/30th-anniversary-pearls/) have more. ## What pearls have meant Many cultures have linked pearls with the moon because of their round shape. In ancient China pearls were believed to protect against fire and fire-breathing dragons, and in Europe they stood for modesty, chastity and purity. [5] The page [pearl symbolism](https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/pearl-symbolism-and-traditions/) goes further, and the [history](https://learnaboutpearls.com/history/) section tells the longer story. ## Wearing pearls safely Pearls can be damaged by heat and by hair spray, perfume, cosmetics and acid perspiration. GIA advises putting pearls on after applying perfume or cosmetics and wiping them with a soft cloth after wearing them. [6] CIBJO also advises taking pearls off for heavy work. [7] The page [what damages pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/care/what-damages-pearls/) lists the risks, and the [care](https://learnaboutpearls.com/care/) section has the full routine. ## Start here 1. [Styling pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/how-to-style-pearls/) 2. [June birthstone](https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/june-birthstone/) 3. [Pearl symbolism](https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/pearl-symbolism-and-traditions/) 4. [Weddings and graduations](https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/pearls-for-weddings-and-graduations/) 5. [30th anniversary pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/30th-anniversary-pearls/) ## Every page in this section - [June birthstone](https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/june-birthstone/) Pearl is a June birthstone, with alexandrite and moonstone; the list, the meaning and the care. - [Styling pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/how-to-style-pearls/) Necklace lengths, mixing colors and shapes, pearls beyond the strand, and pearls at funerals. - [Pearl symbolism](https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/pearl-symbolism-and-traditions/) Wealth, purity, the moon and tears; what pearls have meant across cultures and centuries. - [Weddings and graduations](https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/pearls-for-weddings-and-graduations/) Pearls as wedding jewelry and gifts, the "tears" superstition, and pearls for graduations. - [30th anniversary pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/30th-anniversary-pearls/) Pearl and the 30th anniversary, and how to choose pearls as a gift. ## References 1. Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Gem Encyclopedia. Pearl Description. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/pearl-description) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20261017085317/https://www.gia.edu/pearl-description) 2. Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Gem Encyclopedia. Pearl Quality Factors. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/pearl-quality-factor) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20261016075647/https://www.gia.edu/pearl-quality-factor) 3. Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Birthstones. June Birthstones. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/june-birthstones) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260614074112/https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/june-birthstones) 4. Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Gem Encyclopedia. Pearl. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/pearl) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260909031512/https://www.gia.edu/pearl) 5. Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Gem Encyclopedia. Pearl History and Lore. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/pearl-history-lore) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260612145202/https://www.gia.edu/pearl-history-lore) 6. Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Gem Encyclopedia. Pearl Buyer's Guide. [Source](https://www.gia.edu/pearl/buyers-guide) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20260613185853/https://www.gia.edu/pearl/buyers-guide) 7. CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation, Pearl Commission (2026). The CIBJO Pearl Book (Pearl Blue Book) 2026. [Source](https://cibjo.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Pearl-Blue-Book-2026-.pdf) · [Archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20261025235254/https://cibjo.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Pearl-Blue-Book-2026-.pdf) **Written by:** Learn About Pearls editors **Fact-checked:** Learn About Pearls editors, October 26, 2026 **Reviewed by:** Simon, October 26, 2026 **First published:** November 4, 2026 **Publisher:** [Unique Pearl](https://learnaboutpearls.com/about/), a pearl jeweler **Revision history** 1. November 4, 2026: First published. First published **How to cite this page** **APA:** Learn About Pearls editors. (2026). _When and How Are Pearls Worn Today?_ Learn About Pearls. https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/ **MLA:** “When and How Are Pearls Worn Today?” _Learn About Pearls_, Unique Pearl, November 4, 2026, learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/. **Chicago:** Learn About Pearls editors. “When and How Are Pearls Worn Today?” Learn About Pearls. Unique Pearl. Last modified November 4, 2026. https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/. **BibTeX:** `@misc{lap-wearing, title = {When and How Are Pearls Worn Today?}, author = {{Learn About Pearls editors}}, year = {2026}, howpublished = {\url{https://learnaboutpearls.com/wearing/}}, note = {Learn About Pearls, published by Unique Pearl}}` Quoting with attribution and a link is welcome. See [how to cite and reuse](https://learnaboutpearls.com/cite/). **Suggest a correction** ## Related pages - [Care](https://learnaboutpearls.com/care/): What damages pearls, how to clean and store them, and when to restring. - [What damages pearls](https://learnaboutpearls.com/care/what-damages-pearls/): What harms pearls, from chemicals, heat and light to everyday wear, and why some pearls change color. - [Buying](https://learnaboutpearls.com/buying/): How to compare pearl types and quality, what to ask a seller, and when to get a lab report.