By Åse Anderson
From classic, vintage-style necklaces to contemporary pendants, a beautiful pearl necklace will set off your wedding dress to perfection.
Gone are the days when the choice of pearl necklaces was limited to one strand or two. Thanks in no small part to Kate Middleton and celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Sarah Jessica Parker, pearls have firmly shaken off their twin-set-wearing auntie connotations.
View our gallery of pearl jewellery here
The resurgence of pearl necklaces has seen creative designers such as London-based Melanie Georgacopoulos incorporating the smooth spherical gems into unique, fashion-forward pieces. Melanie's pearl necklace from the Glow fine jewellery collection, featuring a white freshwater pearl surrounded by sapphires, is a jewel that you will want to wear beyond your wedding day.
Keep it simple, but stylish, with this Winterson pearl necklace in yellow gold with a single diamond sitting above an Akoya pearl. Delicate and pretty, it will add a touch of sparkle to your bridal jewellery.
Read more about contemporary pearl jewellery for your wedding day here
YOKO London makes the most fabulous pearl creations and we particularly love this two-strand pearl necklace with diamond pavé bows on either side. Worn on its own or with matching earrings, it is an elegant choice that will complement any style of wedding dress.
If you want to add a contemporary twist to your bridal jewellery, it's worth remembering that pearls do not just come in white. Evocative of the glamorous Twenties, the Annoushka necklace from the British jewellery designer's limited-edition Golden Pearls collection contrasts the warm lustre of Viatnemese golden pearls fwith black rhodium.
Discover more coloured pearl jewellery here
Japanese pearl master Mikimoto has a wonderful selection of bridal jewellery but, for something completely different, head over to the dark side with this exquisite pearl necklace set with multi-coloured black South Sea pearls. If you're wearing traditional white, the natural pearls in shimmering shades of black, green, gold and purple will definitely make a statement on your wedding day.
