Pearl Earring Styles: From Classic to Cool

Pearl earrings have had a proper glow-up. They used to live in your grandmother's jewellery box alongside brooches and clip-ons. Now they're the earring that cool girls wear to brunch, to the beach, and basically everywhere in between.

We've been working with freshwater pearls at The Littl for years, and the way people wear them has completely changed. Here's every pearl earring style and how to make it work for you.

Freshwater pearls vs everything else

Quick primer, because not all pearls are the same.

Freshwater pearls (what we use) are real pearls grown in freshwater mussels. Each one is slightly unique. They have a beautiful, organic lustre that catches the light without being overly shiny. More affordable than saltwater pearls but just as real.

Akoya and South Sea pearls are saltwater pearls. More uniform, higher lustre, significantly more expensive.

Faux or plastic pearls are not real. They look it from a distance but feel different and don't have the same depth of colour.

Freshwater pearls hit the sweet spot between real, affordable, and beautiful enough to wear every day.

The styles

Pearl hoop earrings

This is the style that changed everything. A pearl on a gold hoop combines two of the most classic jewellery elements into something that feels completely modern. Our Freshwater Pearl Thick Hoop Earrings are our bestseller for a reason (honestly, they've been our number one for years). They're the earring you put on and don't take off for months.

The Teardrop Freshwater Pearl Thick Hoop Earrings are the same concept with a teardrop-shaped pearl that adds a touch more elegance. Beautiful for a dinner or event, but honestly just as wearable day-to-day.

Pearl drop earrings

A single pearl hanging from a chain or wire. More movement than a hoop, slightly more dressed-up feel. These are the ones you reach for when you want to look put together without trying too hard.

Pearl stud earrings

The original. A single pearl sitting directly on the lobe. Classic, minimal, works with everything. If you're building a pearl earring collection, start here. They're also perfect for second and third piercings if you want to build a curated ear.

Pearl threader earrings

A chain that threads through the piercing with a pearl on one end. These have a cool, slightly undone look. Our Azalia Freshwater Pearl U-Threader Earrings are a customer favourite for this style.

How to style pearl earrings

• With a white t-shirt and jeans. Pearl hoops with a casual outfit is the whole "effortless" look that people spend way too long trying to achieve. It works because the pearl adds just enough polish without looking overdressed
• With a blazer. Pearl studs or small hoops with a structured blazer is clean, professional, and interesting without being distracting
• At the beach. Pearl hoops with a swimsuit and salt-dried hair is genuinely one of the best jewellery looks. The freshwater pearls grew in water. They belong there
• For a night out. Teardrop pearl hoops or pearl drops with a little black dress. Classic for a reason

Caring for pearl earrings

Pearls are natural and slightly more sensitive than gold. A few things to keep in mind:

• Wipe with a damp soft cloth after wearing, especially if you've been wearing sunscreen or perfume
• Put pearl earrings on last, after hairspray and perfume
• The gold-filled components of our pearl earrings are fully waterproof, but avoid submerging pearls in soapy water for extended periods
• Store flat rather than dangling to prevent the pearl from knocking against hard surfaces

"Beautiful quality and I adore the fresh look of the pearls with the gold detailing. Will be back for more!" Yianna, on Freshwater Pearl Jewellery

Browse our full Freshwater Pearl Collection.

Written by Alice, founder of The Littl. Making waterproof, everyday jewellery in Sydney since 2016.