Diamonds, you’ve been warned. It certainly seems as though many women are reconsidering what gemstone is their real best friend. Fashion is embracing a new gemstone with open arms. The good news? You might even already have some in your repertoire. If you don’t, you might consider raiding your mother or grandmother’s jewelry box.

The elegant pearl is once again in the midst of an epic fashion comeback. Fashion magazine’s like Vogue, Elle, Allure and Vanity Fair have even gone as far as saying that pearls are in the middle of a renaissance. It’s not hard to see why, either. From Rihanna and Taylor Swift to Kim Kardashian and Ivanka Trump, you don’t have to look far to find pearls in the spotlight.

Looking to get in on the trend? We don’t blame you. But just how do you go about buying pearls, and how can you really get started with a collection of your own? We’ve got you covered.

Study Up

Rule number one: Not all pearls are created equal. From Golden South Sea to Tahitian Black pearls, do your research. Pearls come in dozens of varieties, and each carries its own price tag. Plus, there are dozens colors, shapes, and shades (best you didn’t know that, did you?) so find something that works well with your skin tone and suits your style. About 30 minutes worth of research should do the trick before you head to the store or your favorite website to pick up a pair of studs or a necklace. If you’re heading line, make sure the retailer is reputable by reading online reviews and checking their Better Business Bureau rating.

Keep it Simple

But really. Please. Keep. It. Simple. There’s no need to dive in with an investment of hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Pearl experts recommend you start with freshwater studs or pearl necklaces. Today’s freshwater selection is typically high quality and just as beautiful as anything else you’ll find, but at a fraction of the price.

Hatin’ on Fakes

We love costume jewelry just as much as the next girl, but when it comes to pearls do yourself a favour and buy the real thing. Fake pearls look and feel cheap. Worse, you can typically tell they’re fake, even from a distance. They don’t glow or shine like the real thing, and you’re not going to pull off the look successfully if you skimp.

That said, there’s nothing wrong with cultured or freshwater pearls. In fact, the cultured pearl industry is buzzing, and you can get high-quality pearls for a fraction of the price of their natural counterparts. The Pearl Source is a good option for all sorts of pearls, but their freshwater pearls selection is pretty legit.

Less is More

Thick, chunky jewelry is out of style. What’s even more out of style? Layering those same thick, chunky pieces. It looks clunky and unsophisticated. Instead, pick long strands of pearls of smaller size for a chic yet edgy look. For bracelets, you can layer pearls just about however you wish. One thing most people don’t consider, though, is how their pearl bracelets are strung.

Dress ‘em Down

Pearls have shaken their conservative, formal reputation. Try pairing different colors with dressed down styles. Tahitian black gemstones go well with denim – and for that matter so do traditional shades of white. Blues and greens work well for the spring, especially when paired with floral patterns. Don’t be afraid to shop for pearls strung on leather and even twine. It’s a great way to dress down pearls.