Pearl earrings

Dangles, studs and drops

In the dangle styles the pearl hangs below the earlobe, the studs sit right on the lobe, and the drop designs complete the classic lineup. A few pairs combine the pearl with a flower or a geometric shape. Style-wise, the range splits between classic and evening pieces. For ideas on dressing up a formal look, see our article on jewelry for an evening dress.

Gold tone, silver tone and plating

Most pairs are gold-tone with 14K, 18K or 24K gold plating. There are also silver-tone pieces and pairs with platinum plating. Nearly every pair is built on medical gold.

Three types of backs

A push back has a straight post that goes through the piercing and is held in place behind the lobe by a stopper. A latch back has a hinged post at the top of the earring that passes through the piercing and clicks into the earring itself, so the piece sits close to the lobe. A leverback uses a curved hook: once it's through the piercing, a hinged loop or shaped plate snaps over its end at the back, and the earring hangs below the lobe without slipping out on its own. More on choosing a fastening in our earring guide.

Pearls with cubic zirconia

In some designs, small cubic zirconia stones sparkle next to the pearl. Find out how they compare with diamonds in our cubic zirconia article.

Looking for more than earrings? Browse all pearl jewelry.