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Photo by Rachel Havel
When it comes time to select your wedding day jewelry, the abundance of options out there can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re always big fans of classic pearl bridal earrings. They're timeless, romantic pieces that look stunning with every kind of wedding day look. Not to mention, they're incredibly versatile and easy to wear long after the big day.
Whether you want something simple like a pair of studs or small drops, or you fancy a statement piece like a multi-pearl dangle or vintage motif, there are plenty of designs to choose from. To narrow down your choices, it helps to focus on your budget and the shape, size, and color of the pearl earrings. For example, perfectly round pearls and saltwater pearls are always more expensive than their irregular-shaped and freshwater counterparts. You'll also want to consider your dress style and wedding day hairdo. Elegant up-dos pair beautifully with dangling bold earrings, while studs balance out the glam of a modern ballgown.
To help you find the best pearl accessories for your special day, we've researched various options from trusted jewelers with these features in mind. Some of our favorite pearl pieces are the Tiffany & Co. Signature Pearl Stud Earrings, Mateo Duality Pearl Drop Earrings, and BHLDN Pearl Blooms Earrings.
To find a pair of budget pearl earrings, opt for freshwater pearls, faux pearls, or pearls with irregular shapes, otherwise known as baroque pearls. These options are more readily available and can create a beautifully unique look.
Read on to discover the best pearl bridal earrings available.
Best for the Minimalist
Tiffany & Co. Signature Pearls Stud Earrings
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Tiffany
Material: Akoya cultured pearls, diamonds, and 18K white gold | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines
Crafted from 18K white gold, these beauties are a minimalist's dream. The Akoya cultured pearls are paired with rounded diamonds for an effortlessly classic and versatile style that you can wear on your wedding day and beyond. They come in three different sizes, 6.5-7 millimeters, 7-7.5 millimeters, and 7.5-8 millimeters, and have a round shape—making them a stellar investment piece that you can pass down for generations.
Price at time of publish: $1,600
Best for the Contemporary Bride
Mateo Duality Pearl Drop Earrings
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Mateonewyork
Material: 6.6-millimeter cultured freshwater baroque pearls and 14K yellow gold | Shipping: Free domestic shipping | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within seven days of delivery
These hybrid pearl-drop earrings from Mateo NY are sleek and statement-making, making them ideal for the contemporary bride. The baroque pearls dangling from freshwater pearl studs add a lovely twist to the classic accessory and make them more cost-effective. They're crafted from 14K gold and measure 1.25 inches from top to bottom with a post back. We imagine these earrings paired with a minimalist dress to really make them pop.
Price at time of publish: $600
Best Nature-Inspired Piece
BHLDN Pearl Blooms Earrings
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Material: Freshwater cultured pearls, crystals, and brass | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within 60 days of purchase
Hailing from a special BHLDN collection, these dainty gold leaves and freshwater pearls will make any nature-lover rejoice. They're crafted from nickel-free metal and measure 2 inches in length. Sporting an oval shape, these earrings ring up for just over $100, making them an especially beautiful budget choice. We recommend pairing them with a lace dress for a dreamy, nature-inspired look.
Price at time of publish: $105
Best Ear Jacket
Blue Nile Freshwater Cultured Pearl Earrings
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Bluenile
Material: Freshwater cultured pearls, white topaz gemstones, and sterling silver | Shipping: Free shipping | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of shipment
Ear jackets are having their moment, and we love the way Blue Nile mixed the on-trend look with the vintage beauty of pearls. The freshwater cultured pearl studs can be worn with or without the pearl ear jacket, which means you get two looks in one. Measuring 0.68 inches in length, the pearls have a round shape and are set in sterling silver and plated with rhodium to prevent them from tarnishing.
Price at time of publish: $190
Best for the Feminine Bride
Olive + Piper Pearl Pave Studs
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Oliveandpiper
Material: Faux pearls and 14K gold plated steel | Shipping: Free shipping within the U.S. and Canada for orders exceeding $49 | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within 60 days of purchase
Designed with pavé pearls against shimmering gold plating, this pair from Olive + Piper is feminine and elegant. The earrings are nickel-free and crafted with surgical steel posts, making them ideal for those who have sensitivities to certain metals in jewelry. Measuring 0.5 inches wide, these round studs are versatile enough to be worn on your wedding day and many times after. Even better, they only cost $36, so they're great for brides on a budget.
Price at time of publish: $36
Best Classic Studs
Mikimoto Akoya Stud Earrings
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Nordstrom
Material: Akoya pearls and 18K white gold | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines
Round and lustrous, these classic Akoya pearls are ideal for special occasion accessories. We love that the pearls have a grade A rating, meaning they have a high-quality luster. This does increase the price, but they are crafted from durable 18K white gold, so they should last for years. Even better, they are available in four sizes, so you can choose a pair that works best with your ear lobe size and shape.
Price at time of publish: $390 for 6-6.5mm
Best for Something Blue
James Allen 14K White Gold Cultured Akoya Pearl And Sapphire Drop Earrings
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James-allen
Material: Cultured Akoya pearls, blue sapphire, and 14K white gold | Shipping: Free shipping | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of purchase
If you're looking for "something blue," then you can't go wrong with this stunning pair from James Allen. Crafted from 18K white gold, these drop earrings were designed with Akoya pearls, sapphires, and diamonds. The pearls have a nice round shape and are 9.5 millimeters in size with little to no blemishes. They also come with a limited lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured that they can be passed down for generations.
Price at time of publish: $3,380
Traditional Meets Modern
Carrie Elizabeth Jewelry Pearl Simple Earrings
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Localeclectic
Material: Natural pearls, 14K yellow gold vermeil, and sterling silver | Shipping: Free standard shipping on U.S. orders exceeding $150 | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines
Timeless with a hint of modern flair, these organically shaped, pearl cabochons shimmer in a gold vermeil bezel setting. It has a sterling silver base, and the pearls measure 7 by 9 millimeters. These studs would look stunning paired with a statement wedding dress and will work well with any outfit you'll wear after your wedding, too.
Price at time of publish: $86
Best Floral-Inspired Pair
Hazen & Co. Poppy Pearl Earring
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Material: Mother of pearls, pearl cluster, and metal | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines
If you’re leaning into the romantic vibes of the day, a pair of Hazen & Co.’s bestselling Poppy flower earrings fit the bill. The luminous mother of pearl petals with a pearl cluster center is the definition of flirty and fun. They measure 1.25 inches in length and are offered with post-backs or clip-on backs. Pair these with a simple and minimalist dress to make them the star of the show.
Price at time of publish: $125
Best for the Princess Bride
Olive + Piper Bordeaux Studs
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Olive---piper-bordeaux-studs
Material: Glass crystals, faux pearls, and 14K gold plated, rose gold, or silver-tone plated steel | Shipping: Free shipping within the U.S. or Canada on orders exceeding $49 | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within 60 days of purchase
Calling all glamorous brides—Oliver + Piper’s Bordeaux studs are here to up the “wow” factor on your wedding day look. With crystals and round faux pearls, these must-haves will shimmer and shine all through the night—perfect for a princess bride look. We love that you can get them with gold, rose gold, or silver finishes to suit your jewelry preferences. Even better, they are nickel-free and crafted with surgical steel posts to help avoid any allergic reactions on the big day.
Price at time of publish: $42
Best for the Elegant Bride
Elsa Peretti Pearls by the Yard Chain Earrings
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Tiffany
Material: Freshwater cultured pearls and sterling silver | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of purchase
These delicate, dangling earrings are best suited for the elegant bride. Each earring is made with three oval-shaped pearls strung through a sterling silver chain. They come in one size, 5-7.5 millimeters, and would pair beautifully with a strapless or off-the-shoulder silhouette to emphasize your bare shoulders.
Price at time of publish: $600
Best for Hoop Lovers
Mateo 14kt Small Pearl Dot Hoops
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Material: 3-millimeter cultured freshwater pearls and 14K yellow gold | Shipping: Free domestic shipping | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within seven days of delivery
Get ready to fall in love with Mateo’s pearl elevated hoops. These handmade 14K yellow gold beauties are dotted with 3-millimeter round freshwater pearls for a dainty, delicate, and elegant look. The hoop itself measures 16 millimeters, and each pair is crafted in New York City. We also love that they have a snap latch closure for comfort and durability. Pair these with a sleek, no-frills wedding dress to emphasize their uniqueness.
Price at time of publish: $750
Best Splurge
Mateo 14K Gold Half Moon Floating Pearl Hoop
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Mateonewyork
Material: 6-millimeter cultured pearls, 0.48-carat diamonds, and 14K yellow gold | Shipping: Free domestic shipping | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within seven days of delivery
Gold, diamonds, an ear jacket, and a floating pearl—Mateo pulled out all the stops for these exquisite, splurge-worthy earrings. We love that you can get two looks in one by wearing the diamond-laden hoops alone or adding the pearl ear jacket for another astonishing look. You can further its versatility by pairing the pearl ear jacket with another post-back earring if you desire. Each earring is made with a round cultured pearl that measures 6 millimeters. Pair these with a slip wedding dress to make them stand out.
Price at time of publish: $3,500
Best for the Sophisticated Bride
James Allen 14K Yellow Gold Bellflower Cultured Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings
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James-allen
Material: 6.5-millimeter cultured freshwater pearls and 14K yellow gold | Shipping: Free shipping | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of purchase
Glimmering freshwater pearls are suspended by 14K yellow gold bellflowers, creating a timeless and sophisticated look. The sleek style evokes visions of vintage romance while still staying true to modern trends, making them a longtime favorite for weddings and special occasions post “I dos.” The round pearls measure 6.5 millimeters and are said to have minimal blemishes. Like other James Allen earrings, these are covered by a free limited lifetime warranty.
Price at time of publish: $570
Best Drop Earring
Tiffany Victoria Pearl and Diamond Earrings
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Tiffany
Material: South Sea cultured pearls, 0.47-carat diamonds, and platinum | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return Policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines
These diamond-adorned pearl drop earrings are utterly striking. Set in a durable platinum setting, the South Sea pearls have a round shape and measure 11 to 12 millimeters. Meanwhile, the diamonds have a 0.47-carat weight and are set in a unique wing-shaped cut just above the pearl. We love that they're timeless enough to last well beyond your wedding day and could even be passed down through generations if desired.
Price at time of publish: $9,300
What to Look for in Pearl Bridal Earrings
Now that you've gained all of the wedding-worthy pearl earring inspiration, here comes the best part: choosing the perfect pair just for you! When it comes to selecting a beautiful set of pearls, it's important to be educated on all the specs. First things first, set your expectations about your budget and preferred quality.
For a highly valuable investment piece, take note of the size, color, and luster. Larger pearls are rarer, and therefore more valuable than smaller pearls of the same type. Similarly, round pearls are the most difficult to culture and tend to be more expensive than other irregular shapes. Plus, you'll pay more for saltwater pearls as opposed to freshwater ones because of their thinner nacre and overall scarcity. On a budget? Opt for freshwater or faux pearls. Baroque pearls are another great option. They are pearls with irregular, non-spherical shapes featuring minor to major imperfections. Although they are the most common and, therefore, least expensive, their flaws add stunning texture and dimension that create a beautifully unique look.
No matter how much you're willing to invest, there are an array of options for all bridal styles. Classic and minimalist? Opt for timeless studs or a simple drop earring. Chic and fashion-forward? Go for pearl-studded hoops. Looking to amp up the glam factor? We love a crystal- or diamond-adorned cluster paired with statement pearls.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Rachel Varina is a professional freelance writer, content manager, and social media manager. With a degree in communications from the University of Central Florida and over seven years of professional writing experience, her work has appeared on sites like Betches and Elite Daily in addition to Brides.