Pearl Earrings

Quite often, pearls are not perfectly spherical. In many cases they can wind up in a tear drop shape. One of the best jewelry solutions for tear drop pearls is pearl earrings. Although, more spherical pearls, can, of course, be used in earrings, particularly stud and leverback earrings.

Pearl earrings are often the form in which highly valuable pearls are worn. While a ring can be used to exhibit an extraordinary pearl, it tends to be a less safe location for the pear. The natural swing of a person's arm increases the likelihood of bumping the ring up against something. The ears are a naturally safer place for pearl jewelry. Consequently, many famous pearls wound up in earrings, especially if a second, similar pearl could be found.

Pearl earrings come in a variety of configurations.

Pearl Stud Earrings

The simplest and most common form of pearl earring is the stud. This is simply a single pearl drilled and attached to a pin that is inserted directly into the piercing. The pearl will rest against the earlobe. This works well for round pearls.

An example of pearl hook earrings
These earrings are available at Mermaid Pearls

Pearl Hook Earrings

In this configuration, the pearl is attached to a metal hook that is hooked through the piercing. The pearl will appear to hang from the earlobe. Hook earrings work well for round pearls, but are also great for irregularly shaped, tear drop pearls.

Leverback Pearl Earrings

Leverbacks are similar to hook earrings in that the pearl appears to hang from the earlobe and works for both round and teardrop pearls. The difference is that the there is a hinged lock that closes off the metal hook to give a more secure hold to the ear.

An example of a pearl hoop errings
This necklace is available at Mermaid Pearls

Pearl Hoop Earrings

In hoop earrings the pearl is drilled and attached to a short chain that dangles from a hoop shaped metal ring that circles through the piercing. In this form, the pearl is accented by their metal ring which is usually made of platinum, gold, or silver. Rather than being the sole focus, the pearl acts as only one of the elements in the larger piece. Often the metal part of the earring will be inlayed with other precious stones.

An example of a pearl drop errings
This necklace is available at Mermaid Pearls

Pearl Drop Earrings

In drop earrings, the pearl dangles from a metal stud. Quite often the front part of the stud will be made of gold, platinum, or silver, and may incorporate some form of decorative design. Like hook and leverback earrings, the drop earring can be used to show off teardrop shaped pearls. Drop earrings are generally considered to be more formal than other forms of pearl earrings, and are usually reserved for special occasions and to present more expensive pearls.

An example of a pearl chandelier errings
This necklace is available at Mermaid Pearls

Pearl Chandelier Earrings

When numerous pearls appear on the same earring, it is known as a chandelier earring. Such earrings can become quite ornate and incorporate other jewels as well.