Nacreous nuptials

A pearl as a center stone is by no means an obvious engagement ring choice, but more shoppers are seeking out this look as an alternative to diamond solitaires, according to jewelers.

The trend has been playing out in the celebrity world as well, with singer Ariana Grande and actress Emma Stone both opting for pearl engagement rings. Grande’s pearl — which some fans believe was originally part of her late grandfather’s tie pin — is a toi-et-moi-style accent to a large oval diamond that’s set at a tilted angle. Stone’s ring came straight off the rack at New York-based Japanese brand Kataoka. The beige-gold Pearl Snowflake Ring-Supreme, which has a retail price of less than $5,000, features a pearl center stone and diamond accents in decorative handmade settings.

As both styles show, diamonds are a desirable accompaniment to pearls. Pearl brand W.Rosado has created a hybrid engagement ring by setting a half-carat diamond into a South Sea pearl — the jeweler’s answer to “the new demand for pearl engagement rings,” according to its website.

Of course, whether these rings are robust enough for everyday wear depends on the bride’s lifestyle. “One has to take special care when wearing a pearl, as they may be scratched or absorb oils easily,” says Janice Winter, president of jewelry brand Judith Ripka.

For brides convinced that pearl engagement rings are right for them, jewelry designer Anne Baker — who herself wears a pearl ring every day — has some short and simple advice: “Last on, first off.”