icon

Free 2-Day FedEx On US Orders

*most orders ship in 24hrs

How To Buy Pearl Earrings Guide

How to Buy Pearl Earrings: Everything You Need to Know

If you're looking to buy pearl earrings but aren't sure where to start, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about choosing the perfect pair, from different styles like pearl studs, dangle earrings, and pearl hoops to understanding pearl earring sizes and selecting the best fit for you.

Whether you're searching for elegant Akoya pearl earrings, colorful Freshwater earrings, exotic Tahitians, or luxurious South Sea pearls, this guide is geared towards helping you find the perfect pearl earrings. Let's dive in and discover the perfect pearl earrings for you!


Pearl Earring Styles: Choosing the Right Look for You


Classic Pearl Stud Earrings

Pearl stud earrings are a timeless and versatile choice, perfect for everyday wear or formal occasions. You can choose from every major cultured pearl type from Japanese Akoya, to Freshwater, Tahitian, or South Sea pearls.

Akoya pearl studs are known for their perfectly round shape and mirror-like, high shine luster, and are ideal for those looking to add elegance to any outfit or occasion. Cultured saltwater Akoya pearls from Japan are typically measured in 1/2mm increments, e.g. 7.0-7.5mm, 7.5-8.0mm and so on.

Freshwater pearl studs offer a budget-friendly yet sophisticated alternative, while black Tahitian and South Sea pearl stud earrings provide a bolder, more luxurious look due to their larger sizes and gorgeous natural colors. Each of these pearl types are measured in whole-millimeter increments: 8.0-9.0mm, 9.0-10.0mm and so on.


Dangle and Drop Pearl Earrings

Dangle or drop pearl earrings add a touch of movement and sophistication to any outfit. These styles are perfect for evening wear, weddings, or special occasions, as they add a touch of drama and romance with their graceful oval and tear drop shapes.

South Sea and Tahitian pearls make stunning choices for a dangle earring style due to their larger size and striking colors. Freshwater and Akoya pearl dangle earrings offer a more delicate, refined appearance, ideal for both formal and semi-formal settings.


Pearl Hoop Earrings

Pearl hoop earrings blend chic style with classic elegance, making them a fashionable choice for pearl lovers who want to stand out.

Available in various sizes and designs, they can feature small, delicate pearls or larger, more dramatic baroque shapes.

A gold or silver hoop adorned with Akoya or Freshwater pearls creates a contemporary look, perfect for casual and business attire.


Style Matters When Buying Pearl Earrings

Choosing the right style of pearl earrings depends on your personal style, occasion, and face shape. While pearl studs are ideal for a timeless, elegant look, dangle earrings add sophistication and drama. Hoops provide a modern twist, making pearls more accessible for trendy, everyday wear. Consider the versatility of your earrings and how they fit into your wardrobe before making a purchase.

How to Buy Pearl Earrings: Style Matter

Shop Our Most Popular Pearl Earrings

Sold out

Sold out

Sold out


How to Choose the Right Pearl Earring Size

Selecting the best pearl earring size depends on factors like personal preference, occasion, and facial proportions. Smaller pearl earrings (6-7mm) are great for subtle elegance, while medium-sized pearls (7-8mm and 8-9mm) offer a balanced look suitable for both casual and formal wear. Larger pearls (10mm+) create a statement and exude luxury.

How To Choose The Right Pearl Earring Size

Size Guide for Pearl Stud Earrings

When shopping for pearl earrings, size plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect look—but it can be difficult to visualize how each size will appear when worn. This visual showcase provides a side-by-side comparison of pearl earring sizes, from delicate 6-7mm pearls to bold and luxurious 12-13mm pearls, helping you see how each size complements the wearer. Whether you're looking for an everyday classic or a statement piece, this guide will make it easier to choose the ideal pearl size with confidence, ensuring a flawless fit for any occasion.


6-7mm Pearls: Elegant and Subtle

The 6-7mm size range is perfect for first-time pearl earring buyers or those who prefer a delicate, understated look. Akoya and Freshwater pearls in this size make excellent choices for young women and professionals seeking to add a quiet sense of elegance to their look.

The 6-7mm pearl earring size also works well as a “First Pearls” gift for young ladies or petite women who would be overwhelmed wearing a larger pearl size.


7-8mm Pearls: The Most Popular Choice

7-8mm pearl earrings are among the most popular sizes, offering a perfect balance between subtle elegance and noticeable presence.

This size is ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions, making it a versatile choice for women of all ages. Akoya pearl earrings in this size range exude sophistication with their glossy luster and round shape, while Freshwater pearls provide a softer glow and an organic appeal.

If you're looking for a pair of earrings that can seamlessly transition from office attire to evening wear, 7-8mm pearl studs or pearl dangle earrings are an excellent choice.


8-9mm Pearls: Leveling Up

The 8-9mm pearl earring size pairs beautifully with both casual and formal attire, adding a refined touch to every outfit. Additionally, this size is widely available in various pearl types, including Akoya, Freshwater, and even exotic Tahitian pearls, offering a range of color and luster options to suit individual preferences.

Women who appreciate a refined and elegant style but want a slightly larger pearl than the traditional 7-8mm range will find this size to be perfect. It provides just enough impact to be eye-catching without overwhelming smaller facial features, making it a universally flattering choice.


9-10mm Pearls: Bold and Elegant

For those seeking a bolder, more elegant look, 9-10mm pearl earrings are an excellent choice. This size stands out without being overwhelming, making it a perfect option for women who want to make a statement while maintaining timeless sophistication.

South Sea and Tahitian pearl earrings in this size range are particularly striking, offering exceptional luster and a unique range of colors to choose from.

These pearls complement formal attire beautifully and are often chosen for special occasions, like weddings, anniversaries, or other milestone celebrations. If you're looking for pearl earrings that exude confidence and luxury, 9-10mm pearls are a fantastic option.


10-12mm Pearls: A Style Statement

For those who love statement jewelry, 10-12mm pearl studs are a luxurious and striking choice. Tahitian and South Sea pearls are usually the best options when it comes to these sizes, offering a dramatic and luxurious look suitable for special occasions. These pearls create an instant focal point that exudes confidence and sophistication.

Women who prefer bolder accessories or are more mature will find this size to be both flattering and proportionate. The 10-12mm size is perfect for evening wear, gala events, and occasions where making an impression is key.


Over 12mm Pearls: Luxurious and Rare

Pearl earrings larger than 12mm are a rare and extravagant choice, typically only seen in South Sea and Tahitian pearl types. Their larger, rarer sizes makes them a striking addition to any jewelry collection, showcasing a regal and sophisticated presence.

Women who enjoy making bold fashion statements or want a unique, heirloom-quality piece will appreciate these pearl earrings. Due to their rarity, over-12mm pearls are often highly valued, making them a worthwhile investment for those seeking luxurious and distinguished jewelry.


Under 6mm Pearls: For Younger Wearers or a Delicate Look

Smaller pearl earrings under 6mm are often chosen for young girls' first pair of pearls. They also work well for those who prefer a minimalistic, delicate aesthetic. Women with petite builds, or who have a smaller earlobe will also appreciate the daintier, smaller pearl stud earring size for everyday wear.

Akoya pearls will be the best option here, as the pearl oyster that produces this pearl type is the smallest pearl-bearing oyster, producing pearls as small as 1-2mm! Petite or “Baby” Akoya pearls are regularly seen in stores and are easy to choose from for your perfect look.


📢 Read More: Learn About Pearl Sizes


Shop Our Most Popular Pearl Stud Earrings

Sold out

Sold out

Sold out

Matching Pearl Earrings to a Necklace: Tips and Tricks

Pearl Earring to Necklace Sizes

 

DO: Choose pearl earrings that complement your pearl necklace in size and color.

DON'T:  Mix dramatically different pearl types unless intentionally creating a unique style.

For a polished and cohesive look, stick to pearls with similar overtones, such as white with rose hues or golden pearls with warm overtones. Avoid pairing Freshwater pearls with high-luster Akoya pearls unless their differences are subtle enough to blend harmoniously, unless you are going for a deliberate design choice, such as pairing dyed black Freshwater pearls with white Akoya pearls for a high-contrast, artistic look.

Ensure that the luster and overtone of your pearls are similar to maintain a cohesive style. If your necklace features high-luster pearls, your earrings should match in shine to create an elegant, put-together appearance. Additionally, avoid mixing warm-toned pearls like Golden South Sea with cool-toned Akoya unless you're aiming for a deliberate contrast.

 

Complementing Necklace and Earring Sizes

 

For a cohesive look, match the size of your pearl earrings to the size of your necklace. You really want to try and match pearl earring sizes to a necklace within 1 to 1.5mm size range to maintain a matched look.

With dangle pearl earrings, you’ll have a bit more leeway in size matching, because the dangle gives anywhere from ¾” to 1-2” of space away from the earlobe. This spacing creates a visual separation between the pearls, making it easier to pair slightly larger earrings with a smaller pearl necklace without looking mismatched. Additionally, pearl dangle earrings often feature accent diamonds or gold elements, which can bridge the gap between different pearl sizes, making the overall look more harmonious and elegant

 


Pearl Earring Sizes by Age

Choosing the perfect pearl earring size depends not only on personal style but also on age, as different sizes complement different stages of life. For young girls, delicate and petite pearl studs offer a charming and age-appropriate touch. Women often prefer mid-sized pearls that strike a balance between elegance and versatility, suitable for both casual and formal wear. Older women tend to gravitate toward larger pearls that exude sophistication and make a refined statement. Understanding which pearl size best suits each age range ensures a timeless and flattering look for every stage of life.

What Size Pearl Earrings Are Best for Young Girls?

Young girls typically wear pearl studs between 5-6mm and 6-7mm, offering a delicate, age-appropriate look. These smaller sizes are lightweight and comfortable, making them ideal for young ears and everyday wear. They provide a subtle yet elegant touch, ensuring the jewelry remains tasteful and not overwhelming.

Additionally, these pearl sizes make for wonderful first earrings, whether given as a birthday gift or to commemorate a special occasion like a graduation or religious ceremony. Freshwater pearls are a popular choice for young girls due to their affordability and soft, feminine luster.


Pearl Earring Size Suggestions for Women Ages 30-45

Women in this age range often opt for 7-9mm pearls, as they balance elegance with everyday practicality. This size is perfect for both professional and social settings, providing enough presence to be noticeable without being too ostentatious. The versatility of 7-9mm pearls allows them to transition seamlessly from day to night, making them an excellent choice for working professionals or busy moms who want an easy-to-style accessory.

Akoya and high-quality Freshwater pearls are particularly sought after in this range due to their brilliant luster and classic appeal. These pearl earrings complement a variety of outfits, from business attire to evening wear, making them a staple in many women's jewelry collections.


Ideal Pearl Earring Sizes for Women 50 and Older

Larger pearls (9mm+) offer a sophisticated, refined appearance suitable for older women who want a classic and mature look. As women age, they often gravitate toward larger, more prominent jewelry pieces that exude confidence and elegance. Pearl earrings in the 9-12mm range are particularly flattering, as they add a luxurious touch without feeling excessive.

South Sea and Tahitian pearls are highly desirable for their unique colors, deep luster, and high-end appeal, making them a great investment for those who appreciate fine jewelry. These larger pearls enhance facial features beautifully and pair well with classic wardrobe choices, adding a touch of timeless sophistication to any look.


Shop Our Most Loved Pearl Earrings

Sold out

Sold out

Sold out

What Are the Best Pearl Earrings?

No matter what, the best pearl earrings will feature the highest luster you can get, balanced against an appropriate size, presenting a clean front-facing surface quality and an ideal shape – whether that’s perfectly round, or a romantic tear drop. As with any major jewelry purchase, you want to balance the major Value Factors used to determine the quality of cultured pearls against the design of the earring and your budget.

Most pearl shoppers are looking to maximize the size of their pearls while maintaining exceptional luster and surface quality. Investing in high-grade pearls ensures long-term durability and beauty. Choosing the right pearl type, such as Akoya for classic white pearls or Tahitian for exotic dark tones, also plays a significant role in selecting the perfect pair of pearl earrings to buy.

 

Akoya Pearl Earrings

Akoya pearl earrings are prized for their mirror-like luster and are by far the most popular choice for pearl stud earrings.

Saltwater Akoya pearls are primarily from Japan, and are what most people think of when they close their eyes and imagine a pair of classic pearls.

Ranging in size from 3-4mm “Baby” Akoya to 9.5-10mm and very rarely, the coveted and elusive 10-10.5mm size which fetches premium prices for Akoya pearl lovers around the world, and are usually reserved exclusively for full length necklaces.

Overall, the Akoya pearl provides a range of moderate yet versatile and elegant sizes to suit nearly every taste and budget. The 7.0-7.5mm pearl earring size is easily our most popular pearl size to purchase.



Freshwater Pearl Earrings

     Freshwater pearl earrings offer affordability, durability and a lovely pastel range of colors to choose from. Cultured Freshwater pearls from China are famous for their naturally occurring white, pink, peach and lavender hues, shining with eye-catching overtones like gold, aquamarine, rose and silver.

    Dyed black Freshwater pearls provide a budget-friendly alternative to naturally colored black Tahitian pearls from French Polynesia. With a similar range of sizes to that of the Akoya, Freshwater pearls provide an affordable yet beautiful alternative to shoppers interested in purchasing a beautiful pair of pearl earrings without breaking the bank. 


Tahitian Pearl Earrings

Tahitian Pearl Earrings

     Tahitian pearl earrings are a stunning choice for pearl shoppers who have already covered the "basics" and want to branch out to something a bit more unique.

    These gorgeous pearls provide exotic, naturally black body colors, shimmering with a rainbow of colorful overtones like Peacock, Blue-Green, Green, Rose, Silver and more. The Peacock overtone is the most famous and coveted, swirling with a combination of Green, Rose and Golden colors, creating an iridescent coloration that is simply gorgeous!

    The Tahitian pearls' large sizes, ranging from 8-9mm up to 15-16mm and higher, make them a perfect choice for pearl lovers looking for a dramatic and unique pearl earring to add to their jewelry boxes.


South Sea Pearl Earrings

      White and Golden South Sea pearls are among the most luxurious due to their rarity and size. Ranging from 8-9mm up through 16-17mm and even larger,South Sea pearls are prized for their regal sizes and natural colors.

 

    White South Sea pearls shimmer with bright white, silvery overtones, while Golden South Sea pearls are famous for their gorgeous Golden hues, tinted with overtones ranging from Neutral Gold to Silver, Rose and Bronze.


📢 Read More: Learn About Pearl Types


Finding the Perfect Pearl Earrings for Your Face Shape

Selecting the right pearl earring design isn’t just about style—it’s also about complementing your unique face shape. Just as certain hairstyles and necklines enhance different features, pearl earrings can balance and accentuate your natural contours. Heart-shaped faces benefit from designs that add width to the jawline, while oval faces can effortlessly wear almost any style. Round faces appear more elongated with drop or dangle earrings, and square faces are softened by rounded pearl settings. Understanding which pearl earring designs flatter each face shape ensures a harmonious, polished look that enhances your natural beauty.

Pearl Stud Earrings: Elegance For Every Face Shape

The Best Pearl Earrings For Your Face Shape

Pearl studs are universally flattering, making them a perfect choice for all face shapes, from square to round, oval to heart. Their classic design adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, effortlessly complementing any style. Whether worn casually or for a formal occasion, they provide a refined and polished look.

With their timeless appeal, pearl studs enhance natural beauty without overpowering facial features. Their subtle luster draws attention to the face in a soft, flattering way, making them a versatile and enduring accessory.

 


Dangle Pearl Earrings for Round, Heart and Square Face Shapes

Dangle pearl earrings are particularly beneficial for individuals with round or square face shapes. Their elongated design creates a vertical line that helps balance and lengthen the face, offering a more refined appearance.

Women with heart-shaped faces can also find dangle earrings flattering, as they help soften a broader forehead and draw attention down toward the jawline.

Best Pearl Earrings For Face Shapes Dangle Earrings

Pearl Hoop Earrings: Chic Beauty for Ovals and Square Face Shapes

Best Pearl Earrings for Face Shape: Pearl Hoops

Pearl hoop earrings offer a unique ability to balance angular or square jawlines. The rounded shape of hoops provides a softening effect, making sharp facial features appear more delicate and symmetrical.

Oval-faced individuals can also wear hoops effortlessly, as their balanced features can accommodate a variety of earring styles.

Whether you choose studs, dangles, or hoops, selecting the right pearl earring style can enhance your natural features and create a beautifully polished look.

 



How Much Do Pearl Earrings Cost?

Pearl earring prices vary significantly based on the type of pearl, size, quality, and setting. Freshwater pearl earrings are the most budget-friendly, typically ranging from $50 to $300 depending on pearl size and metal choice. Akoya pearl earrings, known for their high luster and perfect roundness, start around $150 for smaller sizes (6-7mm) and can exceed $1,000 for larger, gem-quality pairs. Exotic pearls like Tahitian and South Sea pearls, which are rarer and naturally larger, generally start at $300 to $500 for simple studs and can reach $5,000 or more for high-end, large-sized pearls with premium settings.

Beyond pearl type, the design and setting style also affects pricing. Classic pearl stud earrings with simple gold or silver posts tend to be the most affordable, while dangle and hoop styles featuring additional diamonds or gemstones can drive costs higher. A pair of diamond-accented South Sea pearl drop earrings, for example, could cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on pearl size, metal choice, and gemstone quality.

Custom or designer pearl earrings also tend to command premium pricing due to craftsmanship and exclusivity. Regardless of budget, there are pearl earrings available at every price point, making them an accessible yet luxurious jewelry option.

What Are The Most Affordable Pearl Earrings?

 

The most affordable pearl earrings are typically Freshwater pearl studs, as Freshwater pearls are more abundant and widely cultivated compared to other pearl types like Akoya, Tahitian, or South Sea. Freshwater pearls offer excellent value, providing beautiful luster and a variety of natural colors, such as white, pink, and lavender, at a fraction of the cost of saltwater pearls. Smaller sizes, such as 5-6mm or 6-7mm, are especially budget-friendly while still delivering a classic and elegant look. Their affordability makes them an ideal choice for first-time pearl buyers, young girls, or anyone looking for a timeless accessory without breaking the bank.

While Freshwater pearl studs are the most affordable option, the most desirable pearl earrings will depend on personal preference and budget. Many pearl enthusiasts consider Akoya pearl studs to be the gold standard for elegance, thanks to their exceptional luster, perfectly round shape, and timeless appeal. Though Akoya pearls are more expensive than Freshwater pearls, they are still considered an attainable luxury, especially in sizes between 6-7mm or 7-8mm. For those looking for a balance between affordability and prestige, smaller-sized Akoya pearl studs offer an elegant, high-quality alternative at a reasonable price.

 

Shop Our Most Affordable Pearls

Sold out

Sold out

Sold out

What Are The Most Expensive Pearl Earrings?

The most expensive pearl earrings to buy

 

The most expensive pearl earrings are typically those featuring rare, high-quality pearls combined with precious metals and gemstones. South Sea and Tahitian pearls in larger sizes (over 12mm) are among the priciest due to their rarity and natural beauty. A pair of top-grade South Sea pearl earrings can range from $2,000 to over $10,000, depending on the pearl size, luster, and surface quality.

Hanadama Akoya pearls are the highest quality Akoya pearls you can buy, and are renowned for their exceptional luster, perfectly round shape, and mirror-like shine. Certified by pearl grading experts at the Pearl Science Laboratory of Tokyo, Japan, Hanadama pearls exhibit a thicker nacre and more intense iridescence than standard Akoya pearls, giving them a luminous, almost glowing appearance. This superior quality makes Hanadama Akoya pearl earrings an exquisite choice for those seeking the finest in pearl jewelry, offering unparalleled brilliance and elegance compared to regular Akoya pearls.

Beyond pearl type, luxurious settings elevate the cost of pearl earrings significantly. Earrings featuring diamonds, platinum, and intricate designs can easily cost $20,000 or more. Designer and high-jewelry brands, such as Mikimoto Pearls and Tiffany & Co., offer extravagant pearl earrings with flawless pearls set in elaborate diamond and gold designs, sometimes fetching prices upwards of $100,000. Auction houses have even seen historical or one-of-a-kind pearl earrings sell for millions, proving that the allure of rare and luxurious pearls remains timeless.

 

Shop Our Most Luxurious Pearl Earrings

Sold out

Sold out

Sold out

📢 Read More: How Much Do Pearls Cost?


Where is the Best Place to Buy Pearl Earrings?

When it comes to buying pearl earrings,Pearls of Joy stands out as the premier online destination for quality, value, and exceptional customer service. Our direct-from-the-source approach allows us to offer luxury pearls at up to 75% below traditional retail prices, ensuring you get the highest quality without the inflated costs.

We eliminate middlemen by sourcing our pearls directly from renowned pearl farms and exclusive overseas auctions, passing those savings directly to you. This means you can shop with confidence, knowing you're receiving genuine, high-quality pearls at unbeatable prices.

Beyond pricing, our personalized customer service sets us apart. Every piece of pearl jewelry is made to order, allowing for customization and ensuring that your earrings meet your exact specifications. Plus, with our 100-Day Return and Exchange Policy, you can shop worry-free, knowing your satisfaction is always guaranteed.

Our collections cater to every pearl lover—from Certified Hanadama Akoya pearls with world-class luster to colorful and affordable Freshwater pearls and exotic black Tahitian pearls. Whether you're looking for classic pearl studs, elegant dangles, sparkling pearl and diamond designs or modern pearl hoops, Pearls of Joy offers the perfect earrings at a fraction of the cost of big-box and specialty retailers.

 

Shop Our Best Selling Pearl Earrings

Sold out

Sold out

Sold out

Ready To Learn More? Visit:

Sign Up for Instant Savings!

Get it Quick

Free 2-Day FedEx on all orders within the USA. Overnight delivery options start at $35.

Orders Ship Fast

Most orders ship within 1-2 business days, sometimes same day.

We Ship Worldwide

International shipping is affordable and fast. Most international packages arrive in 2-4 business days.

Worry Free Delivery

Your package is fully insured. If your order is lost or stolen before delivery, we got you covered.

Pearls of Joy markup is typically 1.4x

Traditional retail markup is 8-10x