Perfect pearl earrings: From simple studs to investment-worthy showstoppers
No longer reserved for grandmothers, pearls are having quite the renaissance – and these are the contemporary styles to buy now
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Pearl earrings add timeless class to any outfit but that doesn’t mean they have to be stuffy or old-fashioned. It’s all about balancing traditional elegance with modern shapes and silhouettes, from clustered hoops to simple diamond accents.
Stellar jeweller Sophie Bille Brahe knows how to craft a pearl, and her designs are the gifts that keep on giving (should you be so lucky). From boucle-style encrusted hoops to her Botticelli drops and oversized rosettes to dangling floral chandeliers, if you invest in just one designer this season, you’ll be spoiled for choice with her treasure trove of unique creations.
Elsewhere, timeless, everyday studs and drops with added flourish come courtesy of Valentino Garavani and Annoushka, while vintage-style Chanel danglers will always bring a certain je ne sais quoi to the party. Mizuki adds contemporary shapes and silhouettes to the mix, while Mateo’s extensive range of pearl masterpieces is another collection to add to the wish list.
Not sure where to begin? Here are the best pearl earrings to buy now.
Annoushka pearl and diamond earrings
Kicking off with a classic, you can’t go wrong with timeless pearl drops: whatever your age, whatever the occasion, they’ll always feel right. Crafted in 18 karat gold, and set with detachable freshwater pearls, pair with Annoushka’s pearl ear jacket for a funkier, modern lift.
1996 vintage Chanel logo pearl drop earrings
These vintage Chanel lovelies look like something out of a glamorous old-Hollywood wardrobe. Clip-on luminous faux pearl drops with a brilliant gold-plated CC logo: instant fashion credentials.
Mateo Wave gold and pearl and diamond hoop earrings
Made from 14 karat gold, these pearl and diamond hoop earrings are modern and elegant yet classic and fun, thanks to their unique, wave-like silhouette. Team with a simple dress or jeans and blazer for a look you’ll turn to time and time again.
Jil Sander freshwater and baroque pearl earrings
Handcrafted in Italy from gold-tone brass, these lustrous baubles are set with cascading drops of freshwater and baroque pearls. Add the matching necklace for full Wilma Flintstone vibes – we promise they’ll make your outfit rock.
Mizuki gold and pearl hoops
These darlings are exclusive to Net-A-Porter and demonstrate how the pearl can be both modern and every day. Set to hang from an oval hoop, they can be matched with a range of orb-adorned rings in various shapes and sizes.
Sophie Bill Brahe Grand Rosette pearl earrings
Pearl-purveyor of dreams Sophie Bille Brahe makes your little girl jewellery box fantasies a reality. These big pearl bows are so wrong they’re right and are available in two sizes – alongside a whole collection of complementary pearl pieces.
Mateo Crescent Moon diamond and pearl earrings
A second nod to the pearl-loving designer (and it was still hard to narrow it down), these gold and white pearl crescent moon drop earrings are designed to resemble modern mobiles. Crafted from 14 karat yellow gold and cultivated freshwater pearls, we’d be over the moon with a pair of these on our lobes.
Valentino Garavani faux pearl logo stud
These simple Valentino-stamped studs are a great entry-level investment, and tick all the boxes for everyday wear, but won’t disappoint when you need a bit of evening sparkle, either. Need these in your life? Tell us about it, stud.
Atelier VM Single Sara Perla drop earring
Crafted from solid 18 karat gold, this single earring epitomises the Italian brand’s appreciation for light, refined styling with an elongated, fine box chain strung with a single lustrous white pearl. Style it as part of an asymmetric pair or add to a mismatched but carefully curated earscape.
Shaun Leane cherry blossom pearl and diamond flower drop earrings
These unique beauties are inspired by the soft blooms and sculptural branches of cherry blossoms. The enchantingly sculpted drop earrings with diamond-encrusted enamel flowers and three freshwater pearls give is all the spring feels.
Read more: The best ethical and sustainable British jewellery brands
