12 stunning pairs of pearl earrings to add to your jewelry collection
Stay classy this holiday season with pearls.
Credit:
Reviewed / Blue Nile / Moon & Meadow / James Allen / Mejuri
Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your personal style, why not add a few pieces of pearl jewelry to your wardrobe? Pearls have something of a reputation for being an old-timey jewelry style, but today’s modern pearl earrings are anything but boring. Many brands have started incorporating these classic gemstones into trendier designs, and you may find that pearl earrings are a stylish contemporary option for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for elegant pearl studs for a formal event or fun earrings for daily wear, here are 12 beautiful pairs of pearl earrings that surely deserve a place in your jewelry rotation.
1. Classic studs that belong in every wardrobe
A pair of simple pearl earrings are a must-have for every jewelry box, and these freshwater studs from Blue Nile would be perfect for virtually anyone.
These Freshwater Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings are a lovely finishing touch on formal outfits, but you can also dress them down for everyday wear. The simple earrings feature beautiful white freshwater cultured pearls, and you can choose from three pearl sizes—six, seven, or nine millimeters—depending on whether you want a more demure or bold look.
2. Double-pearl studs for more contemporary style
A fresh(water) take on an old style, the Double Freshwater Cultured Pearl studs are surprisingly affordable and classically stylish.
If classic studs are too plain for your tastes, the Double Freshwater Cultured Pearl Stud Earring offers a fresh take on the iconic design. Each earring has a cluster of two lustrous pearls stacked on top of each other, mounted on sterling silver posts. The design is more contemporary but still elegant, and they’re sure to earn you plenty of compliments, no matter where you wear them.
3. Dressy earrings with a halo of diamonds
Invest in new occasion-wear with a pair of diamond-studded, freshwater cultured pearl earrings from Brilliant Earth.
The Freshwater Cultured Pearl Halo Diamond Earrings will bring the “wow” factor to any formal outfit. These dressy earrings feature freshwater cultured pearls that are surrounded by a delicate halo of pavé-set diamonds. You can choose between classic white or rose-colored pearls, and the earrings are available in both white and yellow gold finishes to match your style.
4. Sculptural drop earrings for everyday wear
Keep it classy with these simple pearl earrings from Mejuri, which feature 18k gold vermeil and eight millimeter pearls.
If you’re looking for pearl earrings that you can wear on a daily basis, the Pearl Sculptural Drop Earrings are dainty and fun. The earrings have eight millimeter freshwater cultured pearls with a thumbprint droplet hanging underneath them. The handcrafted design is also available in plain sterling silver. The earrings are perfect for the office or even a brunch date, and in our testing, we’ve found Mejuri jewelry to be high-quality and well-priced.
5. Splurge-worthy studs with diamond accents
An iconic pair of earrings from a more iconic brand, the Tiffany Signature Peals are a perfectly luxurious starter set of pearls for someone special.
You can treat yourself to a little luxury with the Tiffany Signature Pearls Stud Earrings. These designer studs feature Akoya cultured pearls, and each earring is also adorned with a brilliant round diamond. You can choose from three different pearl sizes to suit your style, and the splurge-worthy set is crafted from 18k white gold, so they’ll last for a long time when cared for properly.
6. Elegant drop earrings for special events
Blue Nile's Pearl and Topaz earrings are affordable compared to many other sets of pearl earrings, making them a must-have, especially if you're gifting pearls this season.
The Freshwater Cultured Pearl and White Topaz Drop Earrings are an elegant choice for your wedding day or another special occasion. They have white drop pearls that hang down from sterling silver posts, and they’re accented with small white topaz gemstones. The end result is a classy design that will complement any formal outfit.
7. These fun wrap-cuff earrings with a pearl tip
Contemporary and fun, Bloomingdale's is home to a pair of Moon & Meadow cuff earrings with 14k gold and beautiful freshwater pearl accents.
These contemporary earrings are a fun and unexpected way to wear pearls. The Moon & Meadow Gold Cuff Earrings have a wrap-cuff design that twists through your ear lobes. The 14k yellow gold fixture is then accented with a lustrous pearl end tip, made from a cultured freshwater pearl between six and six and half millimeters in size. The unique design can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion, and people are sure to comment on the stylish accessory.
8. Stylish studs that can be worn two ways
The Bold Pearl Ear Jacket studs from Mejuri are another great pearl option, with a clever removable back.
You’ll get two looks for the price of one with the Bold Pearl Ear Jacket Studs. These handcrafted gold vermeil earrings have a pearl stud on top, along with a removable back that wraps behind your ear to hang a second pearl underneath your earlobe. The dual-pearl look is contemporary and fun, but you can also use regular earring backs on the studs for a more classic option with just one pearl.
9. Bold pearl studs with a whirling diamond halo
Go big with a pricey pair of earrings from James Allen this year, which include South Sea pearls and a gorgeous diamond halo.
If your mentality is “go big or go home,” these are the perfect earrings for you. The South Sea Cultured Pearl and Whirling Diamond Earrings are truly a statement piece, boasting large 13-14 millimeter pearls from the South Sea. If the pearls weren’t eye-catching enough, they’re surrounded by a whirling diamond halo that features 156 beautiful gemstones. While they’re definitely a splurge, these earrings are the perfect finishing touch on any formal outfit.
10. Fun pearl-adorned hoops
Some statement pieces are perfect for everyday wear, like these Blue Nile freshwater pearl-studded hoop earrings.
Every jewelry box needs a pair of pretty hoop earrings, and these ones are sure to stand out from the crowd. The White Freshwater Pearl Hoop Earrings feature a 14k yellow gold hoop that’s adorned with a row of small white pearls. The hoops are just under an inch in diameter, and they’re versatile enough to be worn anywhere, whether it’s work, a dressy event, or just out to dinner with your beau.
11. Elegant drop earrings with an olive leaf motif
You better be-leaf these pearl earrings will become a staple in your daily accessorizing with the Paloma Picasso Olive Leaf earrings.
The Paloma Picasso Olive Leaf Drop Earrings offer a more modern take on classic pearl drop earrings. They were created by fashion designer Paloma Picasso, who’s the daughter of the famous artist Pablo Picasso, and the earrings feature large freshwater cultured pearls hanging from sterling silver hooks. For a little added flair, the hooks are accented with delicate olive leafs, which are a sign of peace and abundance.
12. Ear-hugging hoops with a pearl accent
Incorporate pearls into your daily look with these subtle earrings from Mejuri, with wide hoops and gold vermeil.
These trendy hoops may very well become your go-to daily earrings. The Bold Pearl Huggies have a wide hoop that wraps around your earlobe, and there’s a cute freshwater cultured pearl that hangs off the bottom. The hoops are made from gold vermeil.
feature
