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
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
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 Yoko London 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 diamond ear cuff 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.
Zimmerman Bloom drop earrings
Handcrafted from 12-karat gold, this sculpted floral design features drops of baroque pearls. Feminine and romantic, add a matching pearl necklace for a graceful and coordinated look.
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 Rosette de Perles pearl earrings
Pearl-purveyor of dreams Sophie Bille Brahe makes your little girl jewellery box fantasies a reality. These playful bows are so wrong they’re right, featuring 58 freshwater pearls with a polished finish.
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.
Yoko London freshwater pearl earrings
These simple Yoko London studs are a great entry-level to pearls. Understated but classic white freshwater pearls, they tick all the boxes for everyday wear, but won’t disappoint when you need a bit of evening sophistication, either. Need these in your life? Tell us about it, stud.
Melissa Joy Manning pearl chain drop Earrings
New York-based jewellery designer Melissa Joy Manning masters sophistication with fun. Handcrafted from 14-karat gold, these earrings feature beautiful bezel-wrapped pearls on a chain drop for an elegant yet playful style, perfect for every occasion.
Stephanie Schneider mixed metal pearl earrings
There’s a lot going on in these beauties. Showcasing the designer’s distinctive chainwork, a cluster of gold-plated silver and solid sterling silver chains drop from the ear, with pearls and silk thread woven in throughout. Edgy and completely unique, wear to make a bold statement.
Read more: The best ethical and sustainable British jewellery brands
