19 Pearl Engagement Rings We Love

Pearls can get a bad rep for being old-fashioned. Simply the mention of them and you’re likely imagining a single strand worn by your grandmother. But celebrities like Ariana Grande and Emma Stone have recently made the case for pearl engagement rings, and if we're being honest, the timeless stone has never been chicer.

"Pearls are among the more, if not the most, delicate choices for an engagement ring," James Allen gemologist Lorraine Brantner tells Brides. "Pearl rings are not very common, so it is an easy way to stand out and get people talking about your engagement."

What Do Pearl Engagement Rings Symbolize?

Pearl engagement rings symbolize beauty and purity, and many of them are incredibly rare. Brantner adds, "Their organic and lustrous beauty has symbolized the moon and its power and their subtle sheen hints towards purity." They are considered “the Queen of gems" and centuries ago were once only reserved for royalty. Pearl is also the birthstone for the month of June.

Types of Pearl Engagement Rings

Just like other gemstones, there are plenty of types of pearls to choose from for your engagement ring. For starters, there are natural and cultured pearls, with the latter requiring human intervention to form. Natural pearls are extremely rare and incredibly costly. Brantner offers, "There are different types of pearls, some rarer and more sought after than others, so the species and size can affect pricing. Pearl rings can be rather affordable at just a few hundred [dollars] and go into the thousands."

Here, the four main types of cultured pearls, which are most commonly used in jewelry.

• Freshwater Cultured Pearls: Per Brantner, freshwater pearls are typically the most affordable option—and the most commonly produced. These pearls are formed in freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds, and come in a range of shapes and sizes.
• Akoya Cultured Pearls: 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 Cultured Pearls: An even more luxurious option, South Sea pearls are mostly sourced from Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Branter says, "If you like the richness of an all-gold pearl search for a South Sea."
• Tahitian Cultured Pearls: 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."

What to Look for in a Pearl Engagement Ring

There are plenty of pearl engagement rings that feature standalone pearls—after all, this lustrous gem looks beautiful on its own!

But, if you're still hoping to sport some bling on your ring finger, there are ways a simple pearl can be jazzed up. "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 multi-colored 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 compared to diamond rings. Per Brantner, "The fine coating on the surface of a pearl, called nacre, is very thin and once worn away cannot be replaced or repaired. 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."

Ready to say "yes!" to a pearl engagement ring? Peruse our favorite 18 pearl engagement rings in every style and budget.