Do Men wear pearls? A Look at Men’s Jewellery and Fashion
Pearls meet modern masculinity. Explore the story behind men's jewellery today.
When most people think about pearls, their minds jump straight to classy women’s jewellery - elegance, tradition and refinement. But if you look through history (and at the runaways today), you’ll quickly see that pearls have always had a place in men’s fashion and men’s jewellery, too.
In ancient civilisations, pearls were won by kings, warriors and rulers as a symbol of power and prestige. In Europe, they adorned the clothing of noblemen and royalty. Across cultures, pearls weren’t just decorations. They were a statement of strength, wealth, and connection to the natural world.
Fast forward to today, and pearls are making a comeback in men’s jewellery, but this time, it's more versatile, more personal and less about status. From Streetwear looks to tailored suits, Pearls are now a key accessory in men’s fashion, styled in ways that feel modern, relaxed and deeply individual.
Which brings us to the simple question: Do men wear pearls? The answer is yes, and they always have.
Pearls and the New Language of Masculinity in Fashion
Pearls aren’t about softness or strength; they are about both. Just like modern masculinity.
The Relationship between masculinity and fashion has always been complex. Historically, men’s fashion was rich with decoration, think of Renaissance kings in pearl-studded robes, or Indigenous Pacific leaders adorned with shell and bone jewellery. Yet somewhere between the industrialisation and rigid gender norms of the 19th and 20th Centuries, men’s jewellery was pared back, framed as something “unmasculine”.
Today, that outdated idea is shifting. British Sociologist Rosalind Gill (2003) argues that contemporary fashion masculinity is undergoing a process of “re-masculinization” where self-presentation, including fashion and jewellery, is no longer seen as undermining masculinity, but as an active part of how masculinity is performed and communicated. In other words, what men wear, including Paua pearls, has become a way to express identity without fear of being boxed into traditional norms.
Pearls sit perfectly at this intersection. They carry history, strength, and rarity, all qualities traditionally associated with prestige and status in men’s jewellery across cultures. Yet they also represent a softer, more open understanding of masculinity: one that values craftsmanship, individuality and authenticity over rigid expectations.
Cultural theorists like Susan Kaiser (2012) highlight that fashion has always been a site where gender is negotiated and reimagined. In modern men’s jewellery, pearls - especially when sourced as ethical jewellery - offer a way to do exactly that, to wear something deeply rooted in history but styled in a way that feels fresh, powerful and unapologetically individual.
Incorporating Pearls into Men's Fashion
Style them your way, Pearls were made to adapt.
For many men, wearing pearls might feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory, but it doesn't have to be. Pearls are surprisingly versatile and can be styled to suit a wide range of aesthetics, from rugged and understated to polished and refreshed.
Here are some ways men can incorporate pearls into everyday men’s fashion:
The Solo Pearl Pendant
A single cultured paua pearl on a leather or oxidised silver chain offers a minimal, masculine look that works with everything from a t-shirt to a tailor shirt. It's subtle, timeless, and pairs well with other natural materials like wood or bone.
Layered with other necklaces
Layering a blue pearl necklace with natural chains or woven cords adds dimension to your look without being overpowering. It's a modern twist that fits right into today’s evolving men’s fashion scene.
Statement Earrings or Cuffs
Pearl studs or drop earrings are becoming a statement piece for men willing to push boundaries. Match a small paua pearl earring with a clean haircut and neutral outfit for an elevated, edgy style. Pearl cufflinks or pins are a more traditional take on men’s jewellery while still aligning with today's trends.
Bracelets and Wristwear
Pearl Bracelets - especially those combined with leather, hemp or dark cord are a strong choice for men who want to keep things simple and earthy. They're easy to wear solo or stack with metal or beaded pieces.
Dressed up or dressed down
What's powerful about pearls is their adaptability. A cultured blue pearl necklace can soften the edges of a sharp suit or add texture to a linen shirt in summer. Pearls work just as well at a wedding as they do on a walk through town.
Pearls in Men's fashion aren't just about standing out, they're about standing in your truth. They speak to confidence, creativity and connection to nature and culture. And when the pearls you wear are ethically grown and uniquely local, like our abalone pearls from Arapawa, they carry even more weight.
Introducing the Arapawa Blue Pearls Men's Collection
At Arapawa Blue Pearls, we've created a men's jewellery collection reflecting strength, simplicity and ocean connection. Each piece is designed with the natural character of our cultured abalone pearls in mind, which are rugged, iridescent, and one of a kind.
Our Men's range features:
Pearl Tane Necklace
A Sleek design featuring a single blue pearl suspended from a sterling silver chain, embodying simplicity and sophistication.
Pearl Tangaroa Necklace
Named after the Māori god of the sea, this piece features a blue pearl with a robust silver setting, symbolising the ocean's power.
Pearl Koru Necklace
Inspired by the unfurling fern frond, the koru design represents new beginnings, making this necklace both meaningful and stylish.
Pearl Hook Necklace
Featuring a traditional fishhook design, this necklace signifies strength and prosperity, complemented by a luminous blue pearl.
Cufflinks
Pearl Eye Cufflinks
These cufflinks showcase blue pearls set in sterling silver, offering a refined touch to formal attire.
Pearl Mystery Cufflinks
A unique design that blends mystery and Elegance, featuring blue pearls encased in a sleek silver setting.
Each Piece of the men's collection is crafted with care, showcasing the natural beauty of cultured pearls. As Ethical Jewellery these accessories are designed to resonate with those who value authenticity and timeless style.
Explore the full range on our website to find the perfect piece that aligns with your personal style.
A Final Word: Pearls Identity and Choosing Your Own Story
So, do men wear pearls? YES! more than ever.
Fashion is shifting. Masculinity is evolving. Men’s Jewellery, including pearls is no longer about fitting someone else’s mould; its about defining your own.
Pearls have always belonged to men who carry strength, resilience, and individuality. In today’s world of men’s fashion - especially paua pearls - sit at the intersection of tradition and modern expression, offering a way to wear something real, something with a story.
At Arapawa Blue Pearls, we’re proud to create men’s jewellery that respects the ocean it comes from and honours the individuality of the person who wears it. Our paua pearls and designs aren’t about trends, they’re about connection, craftsmanship and carrying your own story with pride.
Our men's jewellery collection is for those who value ethical jewellery that feels like home, grounded, real, and uniquely theirs.
You can explore the men’s jewellery collection and find a piece that reflects your story.
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