According to Greek mythology, pearls are the tears of joy shed by the goddess of love, Aphrodite. She was famously born from sea foam, so it certainly makes sense that she would be associated with the lustrous sea-born jewel.
As romantic as the notion of collecting Aphrodite’s pearlescent happy tears may be, the precious jewel is actually created in a far different manner. Pearls come from oysters and mussels, forming when an irritant is introduced to the mollusc. When this irritant enters a mollusc shell, the organism begins to release layers of aragonite and conchiolin (the same materials found in the outer shell itself) which eventually form a pearl.
This irritant might be anything from coral and grit when naturally introduced, to beads and mother-of-pearl in a cultured environment. However, natural pearls which form without any human intervention are extremely rare and difficult to come by.
Freshwater pearls derive from mussels, while marine pearls come from oysters. Both are commonly used for culturing. The former tend to have a softer, dewy finish while the latter form an incredibly lustrous mirror-like shine, according to Coleman Douglas Pearls.
When it comes to cultured pearls, there are a variety of different types which vary in preciousness and rarity for a myriad of reasons. It is incredibly rare, for instance, to find pale blue and pink pearls in both cultured and natural environments. Black and golden pearls are by far the most expensive and can be formed through culturing, but it is extremely difficult to come across these variations in a natural environment.
A true embodiment of vintage glamour, pearls never go out of style. Whether you’re looking to complete your pearl collection with a pair of lustrous earrings or starting fresh, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling for a stunning selection of pearl earrings that even Aphrodite would approve of.
Larissa Recycled Silver Earrings
Minatare freshwater pearls drape delicately from recycled silver, gold-plated crescents in these beautiful earrings by Loveness Lee. Handmade and complete with silver butterfly backs, the Larissa earrings are crafted from freshwater rice pearls and strung with white marine-grade nylon. We love the fact that the pearls differ slightly in size, creating delightful texture and depth.
Buy now £161.50, Loveness Lee
Tiffany Signature Pearl Earrings 6.5-7mm
You’ll struggle to come across someone who would say no to a pair of signature pearl earrings from none other than Tiffany & Co. Offering supreme elegance and class, the classic pearls are available in four different diameters, depending on how big of a statement you’d like to make.
Buy now £540.00, Tiffany & Co
French Amor Double-Drop Earrings
It’s safe to say that The Metropolitan Museum of Art knows what it's doing when it comes to costume jewellery. As such, you can’t go wrong with a gorgeous pair of pearl drop earrings inspired by antiquity. Designed to resemble a mid-15th century French cluster jewel in The Met collection, we think even Anna Wintour would approve.
Buy now £74.98, The Met
Annoushka 18ct Gold Lapis Lazuli and Pearl Tulip Earring Drops
For those looking to make a slightly more subtle pearlescent statement, these earrings by Annoushka feature a small freshwater pearl at the base of each lapis lazuli tulip. Crafted by hand and attached to an 18k gold setting, simply attach them to your favourite pair of gold or diamond-encrusted hoops.
Buy now £476.00, Liberty
9ct Solid Gold Pearl Hoop Earrings
Made with cultured freshwater pearls, these lustrous hoops sit close to the lobe in a classic huggie style. The snap-closure earring hoops are made from solid 9ct gold, though the five 3.5mm pearls per earring are certainly the stars of the show.
Buy now £124.00, Seol + Gold
Bold Pearl Hoop Earrings
It’s pearls galore thanks to these bold and beautiful hoops from Mejuri. Handcrafted with 18ct gold vermeil, these uniquely shaped freshwater pearls will add esoteric, elegant charm to any outfit. 26 cultured pearls are used for each set, ensuring luscious lustre with every turn of your head.
Buy now £98.00, Mejuri
Gold Diamond Style Large Pearl Drop Hoop Earrings
We simply adore these elegant, egg-shaped pearls which descend from bejewelled golden hoops. The pearls are removable, which makes dressing up and dressing down your jewellery look an absolute breeze. They’re available in solid sterling silver, 18ct gold plated sterling silver, solid 9ct gold or solid 9ct white gold with genuine diamonds.
Buy now £96.00, Lily & Roo
Aphrodite Statement Earring
Aphrodite-inspired, these statement earrings are a necessary companion for the jet-setters among us. They’re made from certified AAAA+ grade, ethically sourced mother-of-pearl and recycled silver, offering refined and eco-conscious elegance. No summer holiday Is complete without a pair of beautiful outfit-completing jewels, and these are just the ticket.
Buy now £220.00, Olivia & Pearl
Pearl Charm Crystal Hoops In Silver
For those who prefer natural, textural variations in their pearl jewellery, Astrid & Miyu has got you covered. These perfectly imperfect freshwater pearls hang from a wavy string of wonderfully arranged crystals.
Buy now £80.00, Astrid & Miyu
Mateo 14ct Gold Rose Quartz and Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings
Fit for a Greek goddess of love, these baroque-style pearl drop earrings by Mateo are finished with a rose quartz top. Complete with 14ct gold, we adore the dewy pink lustre which bounces off these one-of-a-kind pearls.
Buy now £700.00, Liberty
Completedworks Float pearl drop earrings
Each string of undulating, textural pearls on these droplet earrings looks as though it’s been plucked straight from the hair of a mermaid. Featuring pink, white, freshwater pearl and baroque pearl, you’ll quickly tick-off some of the most coveted varieties of the jewel in just one purchase.
Buy now £255.00, Farfetch
