Key Takeaways
Pearl engagement rings offer a unique and eye-catching alternative to traditional diamond rings, symbolizing wisdom, integrity, and loyalty.
Care for your pearl ring by storing it safely and wiping it with a clean jewelry cloth to maintain its luster.
Consider different kinds of pearls like Akoya or South Sea to find a ring that suits your style and budget.
Pearls get a bad rap for being old-fashioned. Sure, the word itself is practically synonymous with a single strand worn by your grandmother, but celebrities like Ariana Grande and Emma Stone have recently made the case for pearl engagement rings. If you ask us, the timeless stone has never been chicer.
What Is a Pearl?
Pearls are a unique gemstone formed inside a shelled mollusk, such as an oyster or mussel. The gemstone is best known for its glistening iridescent outer covering.
"Pearls are among the more, if not the most, delicate choices for an engagement ring," says gemologist Lorraine Brantner. "Pearl rings are not very common, so it is an easy way to stand out and get people talking about your engagement."
Not only are pearl engagement rings an eye-catching look, but they also have a special meaning connected with them. It's been said that pearls symbolize wisdom, integrity, and loyalty, all of which are important in your relationship with your partner. "Their organic and lustrous beauty has symbolized the moon and its power, and their subtle sheen hints towards purity," adds Brantner.
Interested in learning more about this nontraditional engagement ring stone? We've laid out the pros, cons, and everything in between.
Pros and Cons of a Pearl Engagement Ring
Pearls are an attractive and elegant choice for your engagement ring. Due to the gemstone's nature and rarity, pearls haven't always been a popular choice for engagement rings until recently, so you can be sure that your ring will stand out from the rest. Additionally, the versatile color of the stone allows it to pair beautifully with any metal of your choosing.
There are some drawbacks to the gemstone. Pearls may also lose their luster as the years go on, and they are incredibly soft, ranking between 2.5 and 4.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Most unconventional engagement ring stones, such as sapphires and rubies, start at an 8, and traditional diamonds have the highest ranking with a 10. For this reason, you will have to take extra care of your pearl engagement ring to prevent any potential damage or scrapes.
What to Look for in a Pearl Engagement Ring
- Where should I shop for a pearl engagement ring? Despite their rarity, pearls can be found at a variety of jewelers. For more choices, try looking outside of traditional engagement rings and search for your ring where you may find heirloom pieces and fine jewelry.
- What is the typical cost of a pearl engagement ring? "Pearl rings can be rather affordable at just a few hundred [dollars] and go into the thousands," says Brantner. Natural pearls are extremely rare and incredibly costly. "There are different types of pearls, some rarer and more sought after than others, so the species and size can affect pricing."
- What stones best complement a pearl engagement ring? "Tapered baguettes or round diamonds on the sides is a very classy way to show off your pearl and add extra sparkle to your ring," says Brantner. "You can also mix and match shapes of diamonds and complementary gemstones, like multicolored sapphires, to create a ring as unique as you are!"
How to Care for a Pearl Engagement Ring
Since pearls are organic material, they are more susceptible to damage than diamond rings. "The fine coating on the surface of a pearl, called nacre, is very thin and, once worn away, cannot be replaced or repaired," says Brantner. "Pearls should always be 'last on, first off' and gently wiped with a clean jewelry cloth and safely stored away from other jewelry items that could cause scratches."
Types of Pearls
There are four types of cultured pearls commonly used in jewelry. Below is a description of each.
- Freshwater: Typically the most affordable option—and the most commonly produced—these pearls are formed in freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds, and they come in a range of shapes and sizes.
- Akoya: Slightly more expensive than freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls are also quite common in fine jewelry. "They have a white base color with a subtle iridescent rose glow," describes Brantner.
- South Sea: An even more luxurious option, South Sea pearls are mostly sourced from Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. "If you like the richness of an all-gold pearl, search for a South Sea," says Brantner.
- Tahitian: Tahitian pearls get their name from the French Polynesian island Tahiti, as they are primarily formed there. Sometimes referred to as "black pearls," they showcase "hypnotic and moody colors," according to Brantner.
01 of 20
Masterjewelryshop Natural Diamond Pearl Engagement Ring
Etsy
Consider this ring for the minimalist bride. Here, a large natural pearl is put on full display, although it is offset by a dainty bezel-set diamond.
Price at time of publish: $259 for size 6
02 of 20
Kataoka Winter Pearl Ring
Catbird
If this bauble looks familiar, it's because you've seen it on Emma Stone's finger. Her husband, Dave McCary, proposed to the actress with this gorgeous snowflake-like pearl ring in November 2019.
Price at time of publish: $5,780
03 of 20
Kay Jewelers Cultured Pearl Ring with Diamonds
Kay Jewelers
If you're interested in a three-stone engagement (a lá Meghan Markle) but not satisfied with diamonds, turn to this white gold ring from Kay Jewelers. The trio of cultured pearls is completely unexpected while small diamond accents add a touch of bling.
Price at time of publish: $450
04 of 20
Mikimoto M Collection Akoya Cultured Pearl Ring
Mikimoto
Inspired by the letter M, this Mikimoto ring boasts an 8.5mm Akoya cultured pearl and a polished 18K white gold band. But there is more than meets the eye when it comes to this masterpiece: If you look closely, you'll notice small diamonds atop the prongs.
Price at time of publish: $4,450
05 of 20
James Allen 14K White Gold Freshwater Cultured Pearl and Diamond Vine Ring
James Allen
Diamonds and pearls elegantly combine to form this enchanting ring. From the diamond-studded vine motif to the stunning freshwater, this bauble is contemporary and romantic.
Price at time of publish: $690
06 of 20
KatKim Pearl Crescendo Ring
KatKim
We can't decide what we like most: The 5mm Akoya pearl floating inside four diamond pavé prongs or the wrapping 18K gold band. Either way, this delicate KatKim ring is lovely to look at and undoubtedly unique.
Price at time of publish: $3,300
07 of 20
LoveRingsDesign Pearl Engagement Ring Set
Etsy
This ring set is proof you don't need to choose between pearls and diamonds. The timeless pearl engagement ring is accented by a diamond pavé band, and both are available in white, yellow, and rose gold.
Price at time of publish: $749
08 of 20
Wouters & Hendrix Gold 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Emerald Ring
Farfetch
Colored gemstones are having a major moment—why not pair one with a pearl? It's perfect for a bride searching for a timeless engagement ring with a fun twist.
Price at time of publish: $705
09 of 20
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Olive Leaf Pearl Ring
Tiffany & Co.
Inspired by an olive branch, this romantic Tiffany & Co. ring displays a freshwater pearl in a stunning sterling silver setting. Simple yet elegant.
Price at time of publish: $570
10 of 20
J. LUU Diamond and Pearl Open Ring Yellow Gold
J. LUU
Pearls are well-suited for open rings. But the bold style is given an upgrade through petite diamonds on the band.
Price at time of publish: $475
11 of 20
Mateo 14K Gold Pearl & Diamond Half Moon Ring
Mateo
This beautiful and geometric ring in 14k gold, cultured pearl, and diamonds, is inspired by Wassily Kandinsky's painting "Floating."
Price at time of publish: $700
12 of 20
Angara Princess Diana Inspired Freshwater Pearl Ring
Angara
Inspired by the grace and elegance of Princess Diana, this engagement ring is a showstopper. A floral-esque halo of prong-set diamonds surrounds the center freshwater cultured pearl.
Price at time of publish: $879
13 of 20
Zales Cultured Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Accent Tri-Sides Ring in 14K Gold
Zales
This sophisticated pearl is highlighted by trios of eye-catching diamond accents on either side. The ring is crafted in 14K gold.
Price at time of publish: $699
14 of 20
Catbird Birth of Venus Ring
Catbird
This pearl engagement ring bursts with beauty. The design is reminiscent of the infamous Sandro Botticelli painting "Birth of Venus," making it a one-of-a-kind stunning piece. The Akoya pearl is set in a 14K yellow gold band.
Price at time of publish: $1,180
15 of 20
Maui Divers Jewelry Hawaiian Heirloom Fresh Water Pearl Ring
Maui Divers Jewelry
This unique freshwater pearl has a peachy tint to it. It is held in an intricately crafted 14K rose gold band.
Price at time of publish: $795
16 of 20
Jared Cultured Akoya Pearl Engagement Ring
Jared
This cultured Akoya pearl is highlighted in a halo setting surrounded by diamonds. It is a dazzling way to style a pearl while still having some shine.
Price at time of publish: $1,500
17 of 20
SundayIslandJewelry Vintage Pearl Engagement Ring
Etsy
Inspired by romantic eras of the past, this vintage-style ring holds all of the timelessness of eternal love. This Akoya rose gold pearl is paired with a diamond band that comes in both yellow gold and platinum.
Price at time of publish: $1,133 for 14K rose gold
18 of 20
Capucinne Kamari Pear-Shaped Pearl Ring
Capucinne
A single pear-shaped pearl stands alone on this minimalist engagement ring, but if you love this ring and want a bit of shine, no worries. You can custom design it with a gemstone of your choosing.
Price at time of publish: $220
19 of 20
Angara Golden South Sea Pearl Bypass Engagement Ring
Angara
This Golden South Sea cultured pearl is truly a treasure. Two prong-set diamonds flank the golden pearl. The stones are set in a 14K rose gold band.
Price at time of publish: $979
20 of 20
CPFineJewelry Akoya Pearl Engagement Ring
Etsy
Art deco intersects with class in this handcrafted pearl ring with a woven designed band.
Price at time of publish: $515 for 14K rose gold
Meet the Expert
- Lorraine Brantner is a gemologist and sales manager at James Allen. Founded in 2006, James Allen is the world's largest privately held online diamond and bridal jewelry retailer.
