Where has our love and fascination for timeless pearl jewelry stemmed from? Is it from our earliest fashion role models like mothers, aunts, and grandmothers, or the first time we saw Princess Diana’s sapphire and pearl choker? Pearl jewelry has been around for millennia but continues to have appeal for new generations. My love of pearls comes from my grandmother. Growing up, I fondly remember sifting through her Korean jade jewelry box, styling her rings, necklaces, and a rainbow of brooches. The things that always caught my eye, however, were her pearl rings, bracelets, and necklaces. Seeing my soft-spoken grandmother quietly sit in the front row of the church pew on Sunday with her pearl jewelry set was captivating and would leave little me in awe. Now, as a 25-year-old, I’m on the quest to find memorable and heirloom jewelry that I can cherish and keep forever.  While my memories of pearls are of my stately grandmother and the Royal Family, that doesn’t mean I’ve set out to collect just traditional (and expensive) strands. Modern jewelry designers are keeping things fresh with chunky or super-fine pearls, mixed materials, and perfectly imperfect shapes. Although I might not be spending lavish money on thousand-dollar pearls from Bulgari, more affordable jewelry brands such as Mejuri, Kendra Scott, and Astrid & Miyu offer equally stunning and timeless genuine freshwater pearl options under $150. There are bold hoops from Mejuri for day-to-night wear and other silhouettes like bracelets crafted with baroque pearls for a more casual, no-fuss aesthetic. When searching for an investment piece to cherish, you want one that aligns with your style preference, not what you see in movies. Instead, search for jewelry that fits with your lifestyle that you can envision styling with a plethora of outfits. With reasonable care, your chosen piece can look as good as the first day you bought it and will last for a lifetime. (In fact, frequent wearing is good for pearls — they can dry out if left in your jewelry box too long!) My only tip for shopping for less pricey pearls is to be wary of glass or imitation pearls, which are more prone to peeling. Plus, they won’t always deliver the lustrous pearl shine without an iridescent coating. No matter what you decide to buy, you’ll never go wrong with pearl jewelry, and it’s never too late to try one. My 93-year-old Grandma is here to vouch for it. At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.For more can’t-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.Pearl Earrings For first-time shoppers, earrings are the best way to dip your toes into the world of pearls. They’re a friendly and fun upgrade from your regular gold hoops or diamond studs. Try silver-stainless hoops with dangly pearls handmade from Australia, or give a freshwater pearl stud from Madewell a spin — it has a delicate gold chain that drapes just below your earlobe for a bit of shimmer. Shop ShashiShashi Bianca Pearl Earring, $, available at ShashiShop Annika Inez At MATCHESFASHIONAnnika Inez Heart Small Pearl & Sterling-Silver Earrings, $, available at MatchesFashionShop MejuriMejuri Bold Pearl Earrings, $, available at MejuriShop Madewell At NordstromMadewell Freshwater Pearl Chain Stud Earrings, $, available at NordstromShop Jil Sander At LUISAVIAROMAJil Sander Blossom 4 Pearl Earrings, $, available at LUISAVIAROMAShop Numbering At SSENSENumbering White Freshwater Pearl #9100 Earrings, $, available at SSENSEShop Briwok Briwok Conner Earrings, $, available at BriwokPearl Rings Pearl rings are an investment like any other rare gemstone. It’s never too early to begin curating your priceless jewelry collection, and we’ve picked some of the most graceful heirloom styles. We’ve scoured the internet for jaw-dropping solitaires encrusted with diamonds designed for special occasions and everyday styles like a Missoma twisted band ring dotted with a quintet of little pearls. Shop Missoma At ShopbopMissoma Molten Pearl Ring, $, available at ShopbopShop AngaraAngara Classic Solitaire Freshwater Pearl Ring, $, available at AngaraShop Nialaya At Wolf & BadgerNialaya Beaded Pearl Ring, $, available at Wolf & BadgerShop PDPAOLAPDPAOLA Solitary Pearl Ring, $, available at PDPAOLAShop Honora at Macy’sHonora 14K Gold Cultured White Ming Pearl & Diamond Ring, $, available at Macy’sPearl Bracelets Bring the poise and elegance with modern pearl bracelets. Rather than perfect circles, feast your eyes on uniquely shaped baroque pearl bracelets from Monica Vinader and Astrid & Miyu. For the fashion-forward queens, treat yourself to striking designs like a 14K gold, pearl, and emerald green malachite bracelet that you can wrap around your wrist for a fashionable stacked appearance. Shop Astrid & MiyuAstrid & Miyu Serenity Pearl Beaded Bracelet In Gold, $, available at Astrid & MiyuShop Anissa Kermiche At Net-A-Porter Anissa Kermiche The Pearl Next Door Bracelet, $, available at Net-A-PorterShop Monica VinaderMonica Vinader Pearl Scatter Bracelet, $, available at Monica VinaderShop Alighieri At FarfetchAlighieri The Calliope Pearl Bracelet, $, available at FarfetchPearl Necklaces We saved the best for last with pearl necklaces. There are old-school Hollywood single-strand pearl necklaces from reader-favorite brands like J.Crew and Anthropologie, with a more modern Mother of Pearl pendant that you can personalize with your zodiac sign. The latter makes a memorable holiday gift. Shop Kendra ScottKendra Scott Ashton Gold Half Chain Necklace In White Pearl, $, available at Kendra ScottShop By Anthropologie At AnthropologieBy Anthropologie Triple-Strand Pearl Necklace, $, available at AnthropologieShop Chan Luu At Saks Fifth Avenue Chan Luu 18K-Gold-Plated & Freshwater Pearl Pendant Necklace, $, available at Saks Fifth AvenueShop J.CrewJ.Crew Long Freshwater Pearl And Gold Necklace, $, available at J.CrewShop Kate Spade New York Kate Spade New York Zodiac In The Stars Mother Of Pearl Pendant, $, available at Kate SpadeShop BONBONWHIMSBONBONWHIMS The Snow Drop x SFGE, $, available at BONBONWHIMSLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?Shine On With 2023’s Top Jewelry TrendsDecorate Your Wrists With Cuff Bangle BraceletsUncover A Luxe Treasure Trove Of Chic Gold Jewelry Read More Refinery29