Susan Miller

·Master of Fine Arts in Jewelry Design, Pratt Institute, 2012

·Bachelor of Arts in Gemology, University of California, Los Angeles, May 2005

·Editor-in-Chief, White Victoria (2018 - present)

·Write and research feature articles and profiles for print and online publication

·Contributing Writer, Modern Jeweler and Ornament

·Write and publish freelance articles for IGS and WSJ Magazine

·Jewelry Appraiser (2012 - 2020)

pearlcore

Pearls were once worn mainly by older women, like your grandma. But that's changed. TikTok has brought pearls back in style – and they're now cooler than ever!

On the app, a new trend called "pearlcore" sees users jazzing up traditional pearls with fresh looks. These aren't your granny's outfits. It's vintage meets Generation Z.

In this article, we'll look at what Pearlcore means and how TikTok helped it become famous. Besides, we'll suggest ways to join the trend you might not have thought of.

Ready to see how something small has become huge online? Welcome to the world of Pearlcore!

What Is Pearlcore?

pearlcore

Pearlcore is a new trend that makes pearls popular again – but in a cool way. It's all about having fun with pearls and wearing them in ways you wouldn't expect.

Forget your grandmother's pearl necklace! Pearlcore can mean anything from pearl earrings and hair slides to clothes, shoes, and homeware that are decorated with pearls.

This style isn't just for people who love pearls. It's part of a wider trend towards dreamy fashion that is also seen in cottagecore (which evokes an idyllic rural life) and coquettecore (dainty vintage looks).

With their softness, femininity, and retro appeal, these aesthetics all go together. And so does Pearlcore.

What's really neat about Pearlcore is its mix of old and new. Consider timeless pearls combined with fresh fashion. Whether it's a handbag covered in pearls or nails painted with pearl varnish, this look is both classic and up-to-date at once.

Pearlcore is essentially devoted to celebrating pearls in fun and pretty ways. It's elegant, cool, and totally TikTok.

TikTok's Role in the Pearl Renaissance

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TikTok has had a significant impact on the resurgence of pearls in fashion. Videos of pearl earrings, necklaces, and other jewelry have gone viral on the platform. Particularly with Gen Z users and young millennials:

The Rise of the "TikTok Necklace"

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An outstanding example is the Vivienne Westwood "Bas Relief Choker." It is also referred to as the "TikTok Necklace." This choker features three hand-knotted pearl strands and an iconic Orb logo. It soon became extremely popular.

The New York Times reports that influencers and famous people brought back this design from the 1990s. They used it in GRWM (Get Ready With Me) videos, fashion hauls, and clips where they changed clothes.

They teamed the necklace with sharp street styles, gentle coquette-core outfits, and even Y2K clothes. They show that pearls can be rebellious as well as romantic.

The Power of Hashtags and Searches

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Maybe you have seen hashtags such as #pearlcore, #pearljewelry, and #viviennewestwoodchoker? These have generated millions of impressions on TikTok.

As a result, there has been a significant increase in people searching for "Vivienne Westwood" and "pearl necklace" on resale websites like Depop and Poshmark. These illustrate how quickly trends on the app can stimulate real-world demand.

Beyond Jewelry: Pearlcore in All Things Aesthetic

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Pearls are no longer just a fashion statement on TikTok. Creators on the app are incorporating them into home decor, beauty routines, and DIY projects.

They are decorating phone cases with them, making pearl-covered mirrors, trying out nail art – there's no end to the list. TikTokers have come to see these little white gems as both an emblem of refined indulgence and a symbol of playful creativity.

Pearlcore Style Guide: How to Rock the Look

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Want to express yourself with pearls. The pearlcore aesthetic blends sophistication and sassiness. It doesn't matter if your style is edgy or elegant. There are ways for every girl (or boy) to wear this gemstone and look fabulous from top to bottom:

Pearl Jewelry with a Twist

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Don't think of traditional pearl necklaces. Today's pearl jewelry is enjoyable, fresh, and surprising. Consider asymmetric earrings, chokers with multiple layers, and bracelets studded with pearls. All these can reflect light and get noticed.

On TikTok, some users are teaming large pearl items with massive blazers, loose jeans, and short tops. Pearls go with streetwear as well as they do with silk.

The important thing here is the difference between the clothes styles. Wear something edgy with classic pearls to give your look a modern twist that's cool-girl glamorous.

Pearlcore Fashion Essentials

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The world of pearlcore fashion comprises romantic shades and gentle fabrics. Seek out pastel hues, lace, satin, and ruffles. Or consider wearing a slip dress with vintage appeal to create the ultimate cottagecore look.

But don't be fooled into thinking it's all about frills. This trend also prizes equilibrium. Offset dainty pearl jewelry against leather skirts, denim jackets, or monochrome clothes. You'll get an aesthetic that is both chic and anchored.

Pearls have a knack for making any outfit look sophisticated – even jeans and a T-shirt – without seeming like you've tried too hard.

Hair and Makeup Trends

pearlcore

The dreamy allure of pearls extends to beauty trends. On TikTok, people can't get enough of pearl hair accessories – whether that's clips, bands, or pins. These little gems add a fanciful finishing touch to all kinds of looks.

Pair yours with makeup featuring dewy skin, soft glam eyes, and shiny lips for maximum prettiness. And if you're feeling adventurous? Watch some tutorials about creating eye-catching effects with pearls.

One idea we love is sticking small pearls under your eyes. The overall effect is both otherworldly and adorable, just like this trend itself.

Beyond Jewelry: Pearlcore in Home Decor and Accessories

pearlcore

On TikTok, there is a new trend of decorating with pearls. People are covering photo frames with them. They are buying white lamps that look pearly. 

And they are putting their stuff on decorative trays that shine like pearls. It adds a touch of old-fashioned style to minimalist or girly rooms.

In addition to interiors, pearlcore is big news for accessories. Ordinary things are covered in pearls, so they look cool.

Phone cases now have them. Tiny handbags have handles made from looped-together mini pearls. Even nail art is getting in on the action with 3D effects created using small balls of the stuff. Elegant with some edge? We're here for it.

If you're into crafts, there are loads of ways to get involved with the trend. You could stick pearls onto something cheap to give it an expensive look (mirrors, candle holders, etc.). Or create one-of-a-kind jewelry displays.

All you need is glue, pearls, and an idea. It's easy to make your belongings unique at home while sticking to a budget, too.

Why Pearls Resonate with Gen Z

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When it comes to pearls, members of Generation Z see them as more than just a nice piece of jewelry – they have meaning, too. 

Sentimental Value

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Lots of young folks adore pearls because they find them sentimental. There is something nostalgic about their smooth, round loveliness.

Whether we associate them with old-school movie stars like Audrey Hepburn, family heirlooms, or vintage glam our grandmothers might have worn. These gems can make an outfit feel finished as if history itself were woven through every strand.

Sustainability

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This fondness for pearls also jibes with Gen Z's interest in sustainable living and eco-friendly fashion choices. 

Many are happy to buy second-hand necklaces or bracelets made from these jewels. They prefer enduring style statements to garments that fall apart after 10 washes.

No Gender Rules

pearlcore

One more reason pearls are so popular right now? Gone are the days of strict gender rules when it comes to this classic gem. 

Pearlcore encourages an open approach to style, meaning people can wear pearls and feel great about it. No matter whether they're male, female, or any gender.

Today, stars like Harry Styles, as well as TikTokkers from across the spectrum, use them to make a statement that's all about being true to yourself. In other words, they're not just for women anymore.

How to Try the Pearlcore Trend Yourself

pearlcore

You may have come across attractive TikTok videos and photos of celebrities wearing Pearlcore on the street. But how can you make this style your own? The answer is that it's much easier (and cheaper) than you think:

  • Thrift it: Check out thrift stores and vintage shops for inexpensive pearl jewelry, purses, and other items.
  • DIY your look: Put pearls on sunglasses, jean jackets, sneakers—you name it—for one-of-a-kind flair.
  • Go sustainable: Look for freshwater pearls or those made by ethical brands for elegant options that are also eco-friendly.
  • Style it up: Wear small pearl necklaces with big blazers and T-shirts. Try wearing pearls when you're dressed down in dresses and tennis shoes. And don't forget: If Harry Styles can wear a necklace, so can you!
  • Shop smart: Shop online at places like Etsy, Amazon, and ASOS for good deals on this trend, or head to a craft fair near you.
  • Make it your own: Combine pearls with contemporary, streetwear, or minimalist items. You'll get an aesthetic that reflects your individual style.

Conclusion

pearlcore

Pearls are no longer just a classic piece of jewelry. They've become trendy thanks to TikTok. People are transforming pearls into stylish statement pieces. They demonstrate that although something may be considered timeless, it doesn't mean it can't also feel fresh and modern.

Maybe you want to stick some on your sunglasses? Create an arty display for them? Or put them on your clothing or nails? There are endless ways to get involved with this trend.

Don't worry about looking OTT. You can always have fun with it and do something quirky, like gluing random fake ones onto the corner of each eye.

In short, these gems have been rediscovered by a new generation. Anyone can wear pearl accessories on any day of the week now without feeling stuffy or out of place.