Pearls have always been more than just jewelry – they are a symbol of Style, beauty, class and elegance. From the classic days of Bollywood to even today’s red-carpet looks, pearls have always added a special touch to our favorite stars’ fashion. Over the years, they have set trends and inspired generations. Let’s go back in time and see how Bollywood’s love for pearl jewelry has grown, decade by decade. But why do these timeless gems never go out of fashion? Let’s find out.
Pearls are not just gems in India—they stand for beauty, grace and class. From old Bollywood movies to today’s red-carpet looks, pearls have always been a favorite of our stars. They shaped fashion trends in every era.
Why Do Celebrities Wear Pearls?
Celebrities wear pearls because they represent grace, luxury, and timeless style. Whether it’s a simple pearl stud or a statement pearl necklace, these gems instantly add charm and sophistication. Pearls are also versatile – they can be styled with modern outfits as easily as with traditional looks, which makes them a favorite for stars across generations.
Let’s take a decade-by-decade look at Bollywood’s timeless love for pearl jewelry, from the 1960s to today.
1960s – The Era of Grace and Sophistication
The 1960s were all about grace and simplicity. Actresses like Waheeda Rehman, Sadhana and Nargis often wore pearl necklaces and pearl stud earrings in movies and photoshoots. Pearls matched their elegant sarees and gave them a soft, timeless beauty.
Pearls became a favorite because they looked classy without being too heavy. Bollywood heroines in this era showed how pearls could be both stylish and graceful, making them a symbol of pure beauty.
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Sadhana’s iconic fringe look paired with delicate pearl studs became a fashion inspiration.
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Saira Banu was frequently seen in multi-strand pearl chokers that enhanced her youthful charm.
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Sharmila Tagore brought in a Parisian touch to pearls, styling them with both Indian and Western outfits.
1970s – Glamour Meets Pearls
The 1970s brought bold styles, but pearls still had their place. Actresses like Hema Malini, Mumtaz, and Rekha wore pearls in films and real life, especially with sarees. Pearls added balance to the colorful fashion of this time.
Even when disco and shiny fashion became popular, actresses chose pearls for their natural charm. They showed that pearls could fit both traditional and modern styles.
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Rekha often teamed her Kanjivaram sarees with long pearl necklaces, a style that later became her signature.
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Zeenat Aman, the style goddess, gave pearls a modern spin—mixing them with bold Western-inspired outfits.
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Mumtaz paired delicate pearl studs with her iconic saree drapes, balancing simplicity with glamour.
1980s – Bold, Bright, and Elegant
In the 1980s, Bollywood saw glamour rising with actresses like Sridevi, Jaya Prada and Poonam Dhillon. Pearls often appeared in their looks, especially long pearl chains and layered pearl necklaces.
Pearls gave them a soft feminine touch even with bold makeup and trendy hairstyles. They remained a favorite accessory for photoshoots, magazine covers and classic roles.
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Sridevi, the ultimate superstar, wore pearls in films like Chandni, pairing her flowy white outfits with pearl chokers and earrings—making them iconic forever.
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Dimple Kapadia loved pearls for their classy vibe and often flaunted them off-screen.
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Madhuri Dixit, who entered towards the late ’80s, paired delicate pearls with her vibrant sarees, setting new trends.
1990s – A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
The 1990s were the era of Madhuri Dixit, Juhi Chawla, and Karisma Kapoor. Pearls returned as simple yet stylish jewelry for romantic roles and family dramas. Actresses wore pearl studs and short necklaces to match sarees, lehengas, and western outfits.
Madhuri’s charm with pearls in traditional roles and Juhi’s bubbly looks with pearls kept them in fashion. Pearls became a symbol of beauty that never goes out of style.
The ’90s were all about experimenting with fashion and pearls found new ways to shine.
Kajol, in films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, often wore simple pearl studs, keeping her girl-next-door charm intact.
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Manisha Koirala was known for wearing elegant pearl strings with sarees, giving a royal vibe.
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Raveena Tandon and Tabu experimented with heavier pearl jewelry in films and public appearances, proving pearls could be glamorous as well as graceful.
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Aishwarya Rai, crowned Miss World in 1994, stunned audiences with her pearl looks at pageants and later in Bollywood.
2000s – Red Carpet Pearl Glam
In the 2000s, modern glamour grew with stars like Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukerji and Preity Zinta. Pearls were often paired with designer sarees and gowns at award shows and films.
Aishwarya especially made pearls look royal, wearing them in movies and on global stages. Pearls in this decade showed both tradition and luxury together.
With globalization influencing Bollywood, the 2000s brought an international touch to pearl fashion.
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Kareena Kapoor Khan was spotted in chic pearl chokers and earrings, both in films and fashion events.
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Preity Zinta loved the girl-next-door look with single-strand pearls.
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Priyanka Chopra turned pearls into bold statement pieces, flaunting them at award nights and in films like Fashion.
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Sushmita Sen, known for her regal aura, styled pearls with both power suits and sarees.
2010s – Fusion and Experimentation
This decade was all about mixing tradition with global red-carpet trends.
The 2010s brought a mix of tradition and modern style. Actresses like Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, and Anushka Sharma often wore pearls at red carpets and weddings in films. Pearls were styled with gowns, sarees and even western outfits.
This decade proved pearls were not just old-fashioned—they could look modern and trendy too. Bollywood heroines showed pearls were perfect for both casual and grand occasions.
Deepika Padukone revived the pearl saree-and-choker combination, looking timeless at weddings and award nights.
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Sonam Kapoor, the fashion icon, turned pearls into experimental accessories—layered, oversized, and sometimes even on headpieces.
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Anushka Sharma often paired pearls with minimal makeup, showing their understated power.
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Alia Bhatt brought pearls into youthful, modern styling, often wearing pearl studs with gowns and Indo-Western outfits.
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Kangana Ranaut has often used pearls as a fashion statement—whether on the red carpet or at big film events. Now, even in politics, she continues to carry pearls with the same elegance, making them a part of her signature style.
2020s – Pearls in the Modern Age
Today, pearls have redefined luxury—no longer just classic, but also edgy.
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Katrina Kaif flaunts pearl chokers at brand campaigns and wedding looks.
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Kareena Kapoor Khan continues to embrace pearls with her sarees and couture gowns.
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Kiara Advani has popularized pearl-studded hair accessories and statement earrings for millennial brides.
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Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan add a youthful twist, showing pearls are just as trendy for Gen Z.
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On global stages, Priyanka Chopra Jonas wears dramatic pearl creations, keeping Bollywood’s pearl legacy alive internationally.
Why Do Bollywood Icons Love Pearls?
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Versatile, for ages to come, pearls go with traditional sarees as easily as they do with a modern gown.
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Impactful yet gentle Riviera pearls: reflecting beautifully under all cinematic lights, your screen presence is both luxurious and soft.
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Pearls tell a story: whether understated or bold, pearls contribute to the narration of each celebrity’s character, from gracious to glamorous.
Pearls: Bollywood’s Eternal Love Story
From the elegance of Waheeda Rehman in the 1960s to the experimental fashion of Kangana Ranaut whether at big film events or even in politics or the bridal glam of Kiara Advani today, pearls have transcended generations. They’ve moved from being a symbol of grace to a statement of power, beauty and individuality.
One thing is clear: Bollywood’s love for pearls is here to stay. Whether draped over a silk saree, paired with a gown, or styled in contemporary accessories—pearls will always remain timeless.
Conclusion
Pearls have always been a timeless part of Bollywood fashion. From the graceful styles of the 1960s actresses to today’s modern divas, pearls continue to shine in every era. Each decade brought new trends, but pearls stayed special because they add elegance, charm and beauty that never goes out of style.
Even now, Bollywood actresses love to wear pearls for both traditional and modern looks. This shows that pearls are not just jewelry – they are a symbol of grace and glamour that connects the golden past of Bollywood with today’s fashion world.
At Beyond Pearls by Mangatrai, we carry forward this same legacy. Our brand has been trusted for generations, with many celebrities and iconic personalities visiting us at Mangatrai to explore our exclusive pearl jewellery collections. Inspired by the beauty of Bollywood, we design jewellery that blends tradition with modern trends, so you too can feel the same elegance that stars have cherished for decades.
If you loved exploring Bollywood-inspired designs, don’t miss our earlier blog on 10 Pearl Jewellery Inspired by Bollywood for more timeless pieces.
