Are Pearls In or Out of Fashion?

Are pearls a style of jewelry associated with the past, like June Cleaver and worn only by old ladies?  Or are they making a comeback?  I bought my wife a set of nice pearls a number of years ago and she hardly wears them.  Perhaps only when she wears a black top.  Seems designers are trying hard to come up with new and exciting designs to pump up the pearl industry.  There are some terrific designs coming into the market and are worth looking at. Sterling Canyon has a nice collection being offered now and 25% off. Adding a set of nice pearl earrings or a necklace looks great with the contemporary outfit.  What do you think?