Pearls are changing the face of high-end jewellery, from groundbreaking design ideas to sustainable sourcing initiatives and a resurgence of cultural relevance. But have you been curious about the continued fascination with pearls, which usually make headlines for high-end jewellery trends?
Pearls have been used as jewellery since then, and yet until now, they have never gone out of style. Discover how pearls enhance contemporary high-end jewellery standards.
Pearls have been a part of the Neolithic period since around 8,000 years ago. It has also been discovered on Abu Dhabi’s coast. Aside from that, historical documents dating back to 2300 BC show that pearls were highly valued treasures among Chinese royalty. Mother-of-pearl was used in ancient Egypt as early as 4000 BC, while the record of genuine pearls dates to roughly 5 BC. The ancient Greeks and Romans even saw pearls as a sign of riches and success.
According to a recent study, the global pearl jewellery market is poised to reach an estimated value of $41.99 billion by 2031, up from a $2.77 billion value in 2021. This remarkable forecast is supported by a strong Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.2% from 2022 to 2031. This rise in the industry is driven by three factors, which are:
rising demand for pearls in fashion jewellery
wide variety of pearl shapes and sizes
and the availability of cultured pearls
Pearls have been a big part of history, and the gems continue to pave the way to redefine high-end jewellery today. Here are 3 ways on how it manages to flourish in today’s diverse jewellery industry:
Pearls are now considered to be part of modern jewellery trends. With their different shapes and sizes, there are tonnes of jewellery designs that can be created. Even though perfect round pearls are rare, some jewellery connoisseurs still choose baroque pearls because of their uniqueness.
Some jewellery designers also use different approaches to creating their pearl masterpieces. As an example, London-based talent Melanie Georgacopoulous creates pearl designs that are different from the traditional concepts that the industry has known.
I must admit I don’t have direct architectural inspirations, but I am a big fan of the Bauhaus movement. I’m also inspired by any designer or jeweler who has challenged perceptions through his work.
Melanie Georgacopoulous, London-based designer
More artists in the jewellery industry are practicing diversity in their creations. Hence, letting pearls provide a perfect venue to acknowledge different spectrums of design approaches.
12–16 November 2025 | Halls 1–3, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
Pearls embody different things, depending on various cultures and heritages. As such, pearl necklaces have traditionally been associated with concepts of splendour and elegance. Pearl necklaces can also embody love and individuality.
In Japanese culture, pearls are mostly used as ornaments for hair. Aside from that, they also use pearls as charms to prevent jeopardy. It can also embody health and longevity. Not only that, but jewellery like pearl necklaces is deeply symbolic in Japan, representing love and familial relationships passed down through generations. They are valued presents that represent blessings and traditions.
In Western societies, white pearls are commonly associated with innocence and purity, making them popular choices for wedding gifts. Similarly, in Asian traditions, pearl necklaces are worn by brides to symbolize fertility and prosperity.
Pearls have an enduring presence throughout civilizations, effortlessly woven into the fabric of symbolism and legacy, making them a timeless emblem of beauty and significance.
Since then, pearls have been used as jewellery. It has a timeless elegance that doesn’t fade over time, and this is because pearls are appropriate anywhere.
From ancient sculptures incorporating pearls to classical paintings of women with pearl jewelry, pearls have demonstrated their versatility and unique allure in different social, religious, and artistic contexts.
Etti Kobo, Coconut Love
Pearls have an enduring appeal, and their ageless attractiveness stems from their capacity to convey a feeling of timeless elegance and sophistication, making them a sought-after option in the world of luxury.
As pearls continue to redefine luxury, their timeless charm and unrivalled elegance pervade the opulent environment. Their continued presence in high-end apparel and jewellery demonstrates a history of subtlety and refinement.
Not only do they embody cultural heritage and symbolism, embrace different artistic interpretations, and evoke timeless brilliance, but pearls can also define sustainability and a story of prestige and beauty.
Five days of dazzling jewellery designs and stylish timepieces await you in this new edition of JWS Abu Dhabi
12–16 November 2025 | Halls 1–3, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
