Pearl Earrings

For a first pair of pearl earrings, start with plain studs: they go with a suit, a sweater, and a wedding guest dress, and they'll be the pair you reach for most. The Classic Akoya Pearl Stud Earrings are the traditional answer, round and bright. Once the studs are covered, a drop or a huggie is the natural second pair, because it moves and catches light in a way a stud can't.

Akoya pearls are cultured in saltwater oysters and are known for very round shapes and a sharp, mirror-like luster. Freshwater pearls are cultured in mussels in lakes and rivers; they show a softer, satiny glow and cost less at a similar look, which makes them the sensible choice for everyday earrings. Most of this collection is freshwater, with Akoya in the classic studs, the two Akoya and diamond studs, and the Akoya Pearl Bow Earrings.

No, and we'd rather say so up front. The Black Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings and the Gray Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings are freshwater pearls, as their titles state. Dark freshwater pearls usually owe their color to an enhancement process, and any treatment is disclosed on the product page. They give you the drama of a dark pearl for considerably less than Tahitian pearls cost.

It depends on how much movement you want. Studs sit still and read quiet. Drops, such as the Freshwater Pearl Bar Drop, the Beaded Freshwater Pearl Drop, and the Vintage-Inspired Freshwater Pearl Drop, swing with the head and draw attention to the neck. Hoops and huggies, including the Freshwater Pearl Huggie Hoop and the Statement Huggie, hold the pearl close and feel more modern. For something less expected, the Threader Earrings pull a fine chain through the piercing, and the Ear Climber traces a line of pearls up the ear.

Eight designs pair pearls with diamonds. The two Freshwater Pearl & Diamond Drop Earrings come in 1/8 ct and 1/5 ct versions, and the Freshwater Pearl & 1/2 ct Diamond Earrings and the Akoya Pearl & 1/2 ct Diamond Stud Earrings carry the most diamond weight. Lighter touches appear on the Freshwater Pearl & Diamond Circle Earrings, the Freshwater Pearl & Diamond Hoop, and two studs: the Freshwater Pearl & Diamond Stud Earrings and the Akoya Pearl & Diamond Stud Earrings. A small diamond above a pearl adds a point of sparkle that makes the pearl's glow look deeper by contrast.

They're the traditional choice for brides and bridesmaids alike, and for good reason: pearls flatter skin in photographs without throwing harsh glare. The Vintage-Inspired Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings and the Akoya Pearl Bow Earrings have the most ceremony about them. For bridesmaids, matching freshwater studs are an easy, wearable thank-you gift that won't sit in a drawer afterward.

Pearls are the softest gems in fine jewelry, at 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, and they react to acids and chemicals. The house rule is "last on, first off": put pearl earrings on after makeup, perfume, and hairspray, and take them out before swimming, showering, or exercise. Treated that way, a pair lasts for decades.

Posts, hoops, and drops are made in 14K yellow, white, or rose gold, and a few designs are available in platinum. White gold and platinum suit white Akoya pearls and gray or black freshwater pearls, keeping the look crisp and cool. Yellow gold warms creamy freshwater pearls and is the more relaxed, everyday pairing. Rose gold flatters pearls with a faint pink overtone.

Wipe each pearl with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing, then let them dry flat before putting them away. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners, jewelry dips, or brushes. Store pearls apart from other jewelry, which can scratch them, and don't seal them in an airtight bag for long periods, since pearls can dry out without some air and humidity.

Every US delivery is free and insured by UPS Ground, and once an order reaches $500 it travels by UPS Express instead, at no cost, with a signature at the door. Many pairs are made to order, so check the ship time shown on the product page. You can return earrings within 30 days of delivery with return shipping on us, and every piece carries a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.