Not so long ago, the pearl necklace had an outdated image – it was something your granny wore, and it definitely wasn’t fashion-relevant. But in recent years, jewellery designers have been rediscovering the serene, feminine beauty of the gem of the sea, and pearl necklaces shine once again as a wardrobe essential.

This renaissance of pearls is due to a combination of factors. The developments of low-cost oyster and mussel farming techniques have made good, high-quality pearls more widely available.

In addition, new, intensely coloured freshwater pearls have been introduced such as the Ming with its mirror-like lustre and golden and bronze tones. These beautiful, organically grown pearls are enough to satisfy anyone’s desire for bling, yet they retain an air of indefinable mystery and understatement.

The classic single-strand pearl necklace comes in a variety of lengths ranging from the smallest, the choker (14-16 inches), to the rope (anything above 36 inches), with the princess (17-19 inches) being the happy middle one.

Increasingly, however, designers are departing from tradition by pairing pearls with metals and other gems to create stunning statement pieces. This in turn has had a liberating effect on the way pearls are worn, freeing them from weddings and high teas and making them a must-have for all occasions.

If you’re all about a clean, modern look, then a single oversized pearl set into a sleek gold necklace is hard to be beat when it comes to sophistication and purity. Alternatively, a string of black pearls, with their silvery highlights and metallic sheen can look strikingly cool and contemporary, perfect for a power lunch. Wear them with your favourite little black dress or a sharp pant suit for an elegant ensemble.

Necklaces of different lengths can be worn together to create a romantic, vintage-inspired look. Pearls in shades of apricot, peach and champagne complement a woman’s own natural beauty and bring a soft glow to any outfit. Throw in some beads, crystals and pendants for a style that’s lushly baroque and a tad whimsical.

And remember, you don’t have to reserve pearl necklaces for formal occasions; dress them down with a jacket and T-shirt for an edgy and casual daytime style. Pearls, outdated? Pearl-ease!