Pearl Earrings
Every pearl earring we make, across all four pearl types, in studs, dangles, hoops and clip-ons for unpierced ears. Every pair is matched from loose pearls at our bench in Los Angeles rather than bought already made up. Filter by type, color and style below.
Which pearl should you buy?
Four types, four different jobs. Nothing here is better than anything else.
Freshwater
The most size for the money, and the only pearl that comes in natural pink, peach and lavender. A 9 mm freshwater stud costs a fraction of the same size in akoya. Start here for a first pair or a gift with a budget.
Akoya
The classic white stud, and the sharpest luster of any pearl. Usually 6 to 9 mm. Sitting still against the ear is exactly where akoya luster shows best, which is why it remains the default for formal and bridal.
Tahitian
Dark pearls in peacock, green and silver, all natural. Large and unmistakable. Matching a pair of Tahitians is harder than any other pearl, because overtone has to agree as well as size and shape.
South Sea
The largest pearls anyone cultures, in white or natural gold. At 11 mm and up a South Sea earring is a serious piece of jewelry and priced as one.
Before you buy
How closely are the two pearls matched?
We match to within a tenth of a millimeter on size, and a pair also has to agree on shape, luster, surface and color. Finding two pearls that do can mean going through a great many, which is the whole reason we match at our own bench instead of buying pairs already made up. You should not be able to tell them apart at arm's length.
Do you have clip-ons for unpierced ears?
We do, across several pearl types and sizes, and they use exactly the same pearls as the pierced pairs. Filter by Clip On above. If you want a design that is only shown with posts, ask us, because we can usually fit a clip back instead.
What are the posts and backs made of?
Solid gold, the same as the setting, and included in the price. 14K is our standard because it is strong and it is the right choice for pearl earrings. A few special styles come in 18K. Never gold-plated and never base metal, and any diamonds are natural. If you need a screw back or a larger comfort back, ask and we will fit one.
Are all these colors natural?
Almost all of them. Freshwater comes naturally in white, pink, peach and lavender. Tahitian grows dark on its own. South Sea comes in white and natural gold. The one exception is black freshwater, which does not occur in nature and is always dyed, and we say so on those product pages.
Can you match these to a necklace I am buying?
We already do. If you order earrings at the same time as a necklace, bracelet or pendant, we match the pearls to that piece before anything is set. You do not have to ask and there is no charge for it. It matters most on colored freshwater and on Tahitian, where matching across two orders months apart is close to impossible.
Still deciding?
Our specialists will show you pearls on camera and talk you through what you are looking at. Most appointments run about twenty minutes.
