While watches often take center stage in my collection, I have a real passion for accessories: bracelets, rings, hats, and sunglasses are part of my everyday style. Today I am spotlighting Neije, a brand that specializes in beaded bracelets and necklaces for men and women.

First Impressions of Neije

What struck me right away is Neije’s commitment to pearls. Unlike most brands, which almost exclusively reserve pearls for women, Neije offers pearl bracelets and necklaces for men too. They explore different styles, colors, and materials, mixing white and black pearls with onyx or lava stone, and sometimes elements plated in white gold. The result: unique, asymmetrical designs that feel a bit off the beaten path.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fair value for money given the number of pearls used
  
• Creative combinations of onyx, white pearls, and other stones
  
• Asymmetrical, standout designs that do not look generic
  

Cons:

• The men’s necklaces could be longer for a more relaxed, fluid look
  
• The current shorter lengths feel a bit tight, especially if you prefer a looser, more bohemian drape
  
  
  
  

Design

I chose to review a men’s bracelet with pink pearls, adorned with a white gold detail set with lab-grown diamonds. I admit it leans feminine, but I think it pairs well with my other darker, more masculine bracelets.

The bracelet is classic: uniform pearls interrupted by a single metal accent, which keeps the design from becoming monotonous. The contrast works well.

The necklaces are particularly striking: one of them offers a yin-yang mix of onyx and white pearls that is bold yet very wearable.

Quality

The bracelet I tested is good quality. Inspecting the pearls, they are mostly the same size, with a few minor exceptions. For a price around €90, I do not expect perfectly round pearls with zero imperfections; that would cost much more.

The white gold detail with the tiny lab-grown diamonds is well executed and adds a refined touch for this price level.

Everything is strung on a clear elastic cord with a double knot. The bracelet feels sturdy; I stretched it quite a bit and it did not snap. Over time the elastic can wear, but a jeweler can re-string it if needed.

Pricing & What Really Matters for Pearls

To gauge whether Neije’s price (~ €90) is fair, here is what I found about the value criteria for pearls, plus a few typical prices in France.

Quality Criteria

According to several French specialist guides:

• Lustre: the ability of the pearl to reflect light sharply and brightly; a high-lustre pearl is more valuable. (France Perles)
  
• Nacre quality / nacre thickness: the thicker and better formed the nacre, the more durable and brilliant the pearl. (SSEF)
  
• Surface: imperfections, spots, surface irregularities; a cleaner surface equals higher value. (netperles.com)
  
• Shape: round or near-round pearls cost more, while baroque or irregular pearls are more accessible. (France Perles)
  
• Size: diameter in millimeters matters a lot; each extra millimeter can make a notable difference in price. (netbijoux.fr)
  
• Color / overtone / orient: base color, secondary hues, perceived brilliance depending on the viewing angle. Some tones are rarer or more sought after. (SSEF)
  
• Uniformity / matching: for bracelets or necklaces, consistency of size, shape, color, and lustre increases value. (SSEF)
  

Typical Prices in France

A few benchmarks by variety and use:

• Freshwater pearls are the most accessible: simple necklaces often start around €50. (Info Bijoux)
  
• Akoya pearls of mid to good quality often range between €500 and €2,000 for a full necklace depending on size, lustre, and more. (Info Bijoux)
  
• Tahitian or South Sea pearls: higher-end pieces with strong lustre, large size, and exceptional shapes can reach several thousand euros. (Inspirations)
  

Where Neije Sits

• With pearls that are mostly uniform but not perfect, Neije seems to offer a product in the lower-mid segment: you get what you would expect for about €90.
  
• The white gold detail (layered, not solid) and the lab-grown diamonds boost the perceived value.
  
• Neije offers strong aesthetic value for those who want accessories that stand out without moving into high luxury.
  
  
  
  

Sizing

My wrist measures 17 cm in circumference, and Neije offers sizes S, M, L, and XL. I chose Medium (15–17 cm), which gives a snug fit.

I prefer a slightly looser bracelet, so if that is your style too, I recommend going up one size. For reference: on a 15 cm wrist, Medium would be slightly loose; on 17 cm it is fairly close fitting.

Conclusion

Neije is a small brand with a clear identity: modern beaded accessories for men and women. Their pieces offer a good entry point into the world of pearls, and once you understand the factors that determine value (size, lustre, surface, matching, and so on), you realize they deliver honest quality for the price. Their asymmetrical, creative designs stand out compared with the more standard bracelets or necklaces you often find online.

If you are looking for jewelry that blends the traditional elements of pearls with a contemporary, unconventional twist, Neije is well worth a look.