Pearls have had a perennial place in the history of jewellery.
The adornment of choice for royals that include Princess Diana (and now the Duchess of Cambridge), pearls have long stood for love, purity and wisdom as a gift from the gods.
While it does not get much more traditional than pearl jewellery, pieces featuring the long sought-after gems are shedding its old fashion reputation in favour of high-fashion iterations that are giving us serious lobe envy.
From statement barrettes or hair slides, and string or pendant necklaces, to our personal favourite, pearl earrings, our obsession with pearls shows no signs of wavering. At the AW19 shows, it was pearls – and particularly pearl earrings – that dominated the jewellery at the likes of Christian Dior, Burberry, Givenchy, Prabal Gurung, Chanel and Simone Rocha.
Lustrous pearl earrings are also dominating our social feeds and street style roundups – but these are not your traditional earrings that you will find in your grandma’s jewellery box.
Taking a contemporary approach to the classic style, you will find unconventional and boundary-breaking designs alongside classic studs.
Mismatched earrings are also still a major trend, so mix up your pearls and wear a drop earring with a stud or pair with the aforementioned matching necklace and hair accessories for a maximalist take on a traditional parure.
Pearl earrings will make a sustainable addition to your jewellery collection as the timeless pieces surpass the notion of trend for ear candy that you will wear them for a very long time.
See our favourites.
Soru Electra 18kt gold-plated drop earring
London-based label Soru takes inspiration from Sicilian jewellery with pieces that prove the bigger, the better. For a modern take on classic pearl-drop earrings, a baroque-style gem is paired with 18ct gold plated sterling silver stars that are also embellished with pearls.
£180 | Harvey Nichols | Buy it now
18ct White Gold Pearl Diamond Earrings
This elegant hoop and drop pearl combination set from Annoushka will make the ideal finishing touch to your black tie look with an ornate design. The earrings feature freshwater pearls and two rows of 0.34ct graduated diamonds set on 18ct white gold.
£1,825 | Annoushka | Buy it now
Stilla Pearl Chain Earrings
With a contemporary take on a traditional string of pearls, Astley Clarke has reformed the classic style as earrings. The drop set is made up of an 18 karat yellow gold vermeil chain with the embellishment of white cultured freshwater pearls.
£110 | Astley Clarke | Buy it now
Loren Stewart Triton 14kt gold ear cuff with pearls
This delicate piece from US label Loren Stewart can be worn even if you do not have your ears pierced. The cuff sits just above your lobe with three freshwater pearl adornments set on 14kt yellow gold. The single ear piece can be worn alone or stacked with a combination of delicate studs and huggies.
£217 | My Theresa | Buy it now
Links of London Orbs Small Pearl Embellished Silver Hoop Earrings
The Links of London Orbs collection marks a reimagining of classic pearl designs. It is made up of necklaces, chokers, rings and earrings that are all adorned with freshwater pearls. These hoops are one of our favourite pieces in the collection. They feature a juxtaposition of different sized pearls on sterling silver plating.
£150 | Links of London | Buy from April
Girl With A Pearl Earring
A favourite with the style set, these Salome earrings are minimalistic ear candy. The brand’s designs take inspiration from architectural and natural references where each piece is handmade with natural semiprecious or precious stones.
£45 | Salome | Buy it now
Bodee Textured Disc & Pearl Gold Plated Earrings
Tapping in to the pearl earring trend does not need to cost an arm and a leg. Oliver Bonas offer these textural designs that mark a versatile piece that you can wear for both the office as well as your weekend plans.
£34 | Oliver Bonas | Buy it now
Pearl Ear Studs
A pair of stud earrings is a staple piece in any jewellery collection. These earrings from Thomas Sabo have reimagined the classic piece with a sparkling embellished claw that is the setting for the freshwater pearl detail.
£98 | Thomas Sabo | Buy it now
Swallow Pearl Drop Earrings
These drop earrings from Becca Jewellery combine the designer’s love for trinkets and coins with a baroque-style pearl. The piece features a swallow embossed design composed of 22ct yellow gold plated silver and is available either as a single or a pair.
£145 | Becca Jewellery | Buy it now
The Infernal Storm Earrings
London label Alighieri is already worn by some of the most stylish women. Provoking ultimate lobe envy, the earrings are handmade to order and are created through the process of wax casting that creates a rippled medallion-like effect.
£350 | Alighieri | Buy it now
Apples & Figs Celestial pearl & star earrings
These elegant earrings will have you dreaming of your next cocktail party. The celestial-inspired design brings an old school glamour to your jewellery collection. A sterling silver setting is adorned with white cubic zirconia, 24k vermeil detailing and baroque pearls to create a twinkling, ornate pair.
£376 | Harvey Nichols | Buy it now
Pearl-Detailed Shell Drop Earrings
Combining two of this season’s biggest trends, these earrings are in line to be the ultimate summer set. The gold drop earrings are both playful and sophisticated in equal parts and will make a stylish addition to your holiday look.
£30 | Anthropologie | Buy it now
