Four Elements: Pearlcore Pearls

Jun 1

What's your birthstone? It's kind of like your birthday but in gorgeous gemstone form. It's something to celebrate. The ancient Greeks believed everything was made of four elements: earth, water, air, and fire. We believe every birthstone month deserves (at least) four jewelry wishes. Happy birthstone!

Purity. Innocence. And a little edge.

Lucky June babies have several birthstones to choose from. While alexandrite and moonstone both have their own allure, it’s the delicate luster of pearls—and their association with purity, humility, and innocence—that make them the most popular pick.

Natural or cultured, freshwater or baroque, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to these timeless gems. The good news? The latest way to wear them means you don’t have to choose—the “Pearlcore” craze is all about mixing it up, whether that means size, materials, or style. Our favorites balance classic with unconventional for thoroughly modern appeal.

**EARTH**

Designer Katherine Kim creates sustainable jewels with a sleek and often unexpected twist for her line KATKIM. These earrings are part of the “Crescendo'' collection, which she describes as “a harmony of tapering lines and floating diamonds.” The combo of classic pearls and edgy style is most definitely our jam.
KATKIM “Crescendo” earring in 18k yellow gold with pearls and diamond, $1,680 (sold singly) at KATKIM

**FIRE**

Zoë Chicco has been offering her signature delicately-versatile jewels since the launch of her eponymous line in 2000. Fans include a countless number of celebrities (including Charlize Theron and Penelope Cruz) who love to layer creations like this sliding bead and pearl piece.
Zoë Chicco necklace in 14k yellow gold with freshwater pearls, $850 at Zoë Chicco
*This item is sold out.

**AIR**

A key component of Pearlcore? Unconventional design. And it just so happens that’s what Georgia-based Worthmore Jewelers does best. This quadruple-threat ring blends sterling silver, yellow gold, pearls, and diamonds—an unusual mix whose result is unexpectedly beautiful.
Worthmore Jewelers ring in sterling silver and 24k yellow gold with pearls and diamonds, $1,989 at Worthmore Jewelers

**WATER**

David Farrugia is the designer behind unisex brand Uniform Object, where he creates juxtapositions of what he calls “timeless elegance and harsh form.” His pieces take the guesswork out of mixing and matching disparate design elements—like grey pearls paired with an industrial-inspired (but still diamond-studded) clasp.
Uniform Object “Heavy Metal Smoke” bracelet in 18k white gold with pearls and diamonds, $2,950 at Twist Online

Editor: Rebecca Daly
Market Editor: Johannah Masters

Every item featured is personally selected by our writers and editors (read: we're totally into it). Please know that when you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission (read: we get to keep doing what we love).