Pretty pearl heirlooms to invest in, from contemporary drop styles to simple studs
legant, timeless and surprisingly versatile, pearl earrings are always a good investment. Whether you’re looking for traditional jewellery that will stand the test of time, something more modern, or a dramatic look for party season, this semi-precious stone is the perfect choice.
Everyone from royal family members to red-carpet regulars have been spotted in pearl earrings. The Princess of Wales is a particular fan of the iridescent stone; she wore a flower-shaped pair by Cassandra Goad to Trooping the Colour last year and has opted for a wire Annoushka pair at dozens of public engagements over the years. When accessorising ball gowns and off-duty wardrobes, Sarah Jessica Parker, Zendaya and Angelina Jolie have all made a case for the timeless pearl stud – proof that this simple design is the quiet luxury item of the jewellery world.
The best pearl earrings, at a glance
It’s no surprise, really. Pearls are officially the oldest gemstones in the book (and historically even rarer than diamonds), so they’ve been reincarnated countless times since they were first worn by Chinese royalty as early as 2300 BC. But the recent renaissance feels most significant; this stone has successfully shaken off its twee connotations. In fact, in 2025, pearl earrings have never felt cooler, and we largely have the introduction of cultured alternatives to thank for this. In fact, the acceptance of unique, organic pearl forms has slowed the unsustainable quest for perfectly round pieces.
Brands like Loveness Lee and Alighieri nail this organic look with baroque settings and asymmetric pairings – their jewellery adds some much-needed edge to traditional outfits. If you’d rather something less bohemian, Mateo NY and Sophie Buhai's sculptural pearl earrings make a more polished, but directional, statement. If in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a classic pearl stud – and you can always add a contemporary twist by layering up with cuffs or Astrid & Miyu's dainty huggies.
Below, we round up 20 of the most beautiful pairs of pearl earrings that are available to shop right now.
Trends come and go, but the pearl stud will never date – it's elegant and understated, with just a hint of glamour. Whether you're gifting to a loved one, investing for yourself or shopping for bridal earrings, Tiffany is a go-to for timeless jewellery just like this.
Loveness Lee's asymmetric earrings are about as cool as this classic gets. Handmade from 18-karat gold-vermeil sterling silver, they're laced with tiny rice pearls. They look even better layered with the matching studs.
We're not yet over coquettish bows and Jennifer Behr tackles the trend gracefully with these earrings. The white grosgrain ribbons fasten around traditional pear-drop earrings made from glossy faux pearls.
Fine jewellery brand Annoushka has put a whimsical spin on a classic. Two golden pearls are suspended from a lattice gold chain net laced with sparkling diamonds. The bar base is studded with bezel diamonds, too – in total, these earrings feature 1.07 carats of the precious stones.
We probably have Alighieri to thank for the baroque pearl trend that's taken the jewellery industry by storm. These earrings feature two of them – in all of their oversized, iridescent glory – suspended from organically-cast gold-vermeil studs.
Kiki McDonough's jewellery is firm favourite of the royal family – the Princess of Wales has been seen in an impressive 21 different pieces from the British jewellers. Cast from 18-karat white gold, this pair is defined by oversized pearl pendants suspended from diamond-encrusted studs. Show yours off with a low-sweeping bun or off-the-shoulder necklines.
The Princess of Wales has been spotted wearing Annoushka's pearl earrings countless times since she first invested in a pair back in 2012. Proving that pearls are the definition of versatile, Kate has worn them with everything from tailoring and T-shirts, to lace dresses and pillbox hats, and even used them to elevate a navy fleece at the America's Cup Regatta. This season, the brand has updated its best-selling 18-karat gold and freshwater pearl style with 26 sparkling brown diamonds.
Sea-themed jewellery is big right now, and shells just so happen to give pearls the boho edge they so need. Trust Rixo to do an excellent job of making these earrings look like a one-of-a-kind vintage find.
From the coveted Alhambra jewellery collection first created in 1968, these four-leaf clover earrings are a much-loved signature for Van Cleef & Arpels. We love how the Mother of Pearl catches the light beautifully with every turn of the head.
Nobody knows pearls quite like Sophie Billie Brahe. The jewellery designer is one of the few to experiment with the stone’s lesser-known colours; these earrings feature both creamy, iridescent and rose-pink pearls. The double-drop cluster design is inspired by the early renaissance artist Botticelli, whose Birth of Venus painting is one of fashion’s favourite inspirations (Dolce & Gabbana made an entire print based on it back in the 1990s).
If you want to make a jewellery statement, Mateo's wearable works of art will do nicely. These eye-catching crescent moon earrings are studded with 0.92 carats of diamonds and feature three rows of cascading pearls.
Mejuri's sculptural earrings are mini works of art. Two knotted strands are threaded through a hoop before dropping to asymmetric spherical pearls. Choose from 18-karat gold vermeil or sterling silver.
These double-drop earrings by Carousel Jewels combine so many trends in one: Deco influences, sea shell motifs and organic pearls. They could skew as boho or even bridal depending on how you wear them
Proving once again how much she loves a pearl piece, the Princess of Wales stepped out in the necklace version of these Nura earrings not long ago. The simple pearl drop design is beautifully understated.
Japanese-born designer Mizuki Goltz is a master of contemporary pearl placement: her designs are untraditional, but always elegant. Take these earrings, defined by their cascade of five pearls that climb rather than drop from the lobe
We all know that shopping for pre-owned pieces is one of the best ways to stay sustainable when it comes to your fashion choices, so why should pearls be any different? A vintage 2005 find (once 20 years have passed, it's official), these clip-on Chanel drop earrings feature the brand’s signature interlocking CC logo and an oversized faux-pearl. Shop other second-hand items here.
From Missoma's new bridal collection, these earrings mix baroque and deco references for a totally fresh perspective. Set on a square recycled gold-vermeil stud centred with a neat button pearl, they drop to oversized organic square pearls.
For a subtle nod this trend, or to punk up your existing pearl jewellery, look to a simple pavé huggie. Astrid & Miyu's style is made from gold vermeil and encircled with faux pearls.
V is the affordable diffusion line from British jewellery brand Laura Vann. Defined by the designer's signature decorative touch, these gold-vermeil earrings drop from a pretty fan stud into an organic pearl.
Astley Clarke's demi-fine jewellery will last – these earrings are made from gold-vermeil with a Sterling silver base. Each bar is studded with sparkling white sapphires and finishes with two neat pearl droplets.
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