One of the most timeless of all types of jewelry, pearl studs are a staple of most women’s jewelry collections. They’re simple, classy and elegant, and they transition easily from day to night, suiting any outfit.
But you might be wondering:
Aren’t pearl studs old-fashioned? Will they make me look outdated?
The short answer is no. Pearl studs will always have their place in the fashion world.
Here’s how to wear pearl studs for a modern look.
Why Pearl Studs?
There are some pieces of jewelry that are timeless and versatile, like diamond studs, pearl necklaces, tennis bracelets and so on. Pearl studs fall into this category as well.
Pearl studs are typically made using perfectly round pearls with a simple backing mechanism attached to them.
However, today, you can find pearl studs in a range of unique and creative designs, and in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. This adds fresh life to the quintessential idea of pearl studs and truly bring them into the 21st century.
Types of Pearl Stud Earrings
Based on design and materials used, here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of pearl studs:
The Classic – This type of pearl stud will never go out of style. It highlights the pearl and its soft look against your skin, without other materials to distract. Keep it simple yet sophisticated with this look.
Classic pearl stud look.
The Diamond Rimmed – When diamonds are added to pearls, they complement each other beautifully. Diamonds add the sparkle that pearls lack, while pearls bring in the subdued elegance they’re known for. The result? A match made in fashion heaven.
The Imperfectly Perfect – There’s nothing like a baroque pearl. Literally. Because every baroque pearl is different to the next.
Baroque pearl studs are appealing because at first glance they look like a regular pearl, but then they catch your eye and make you lean in a little to see what’s so different about them. Baroque pearls are ideal for the off-beat fashion lover or the trailblazer. Or anyone, to be honest.
Amazing baroque pearl studs. Check price here.
The Extremely Modern – Why not go for more avant-garde designs that are perfect for a modern look? Contemporary designs incorporate metal and geometric shapes.
Neutral hues like silver, black, white and gold suit any outfit and dress up the pearl studs easily. Modern pearl studs, like the one featured below, are ideal for workwear or for formal events.
The Quirky – Pearls are elegant and classy, but they can be fun and silly too. Pick a quirky, fun pair of pearl studs for a casual look, to go with a summer dress or a sweater and jeans. A pair like the one featured below contrast the sophistication of pearls with fun animal jewelry, resulting in a mixed vibe design. Very attractive and intriguing.
The Genuinely Pretty – Pretty pearl studs, like this gorgeous crown-detailed pair, are just beautiful to look at. A design like this not only accentuates the shape and color of the pearl but also contrasts it beautifully with the metal.
Choosing Your Pearl Studs
There are a couple of things to consider before you buy your pearl studs if you want to get the perfect pair.
- Consider your budget
- Consider your skin tone
- Consider your personal style
1- Budget
In terms of budget, pearl studs range in price from about $50 dollars for a pair of freshwater earrings to upwards of $2000 for a high-quality pair of South Sea studs. Picking your budget will help you narrow down your options.
2- Skin Tone and Personal Style
Because pearls come in a range of body hues and overtones, there’s a perfect pair for everyone.
The general consensus is that white pearl studs suit all skin tones. However, note that the overtone can change the hue of the pearls too. Pearls with cream or silver overtones tend to complement dark to tan complexions the best, while white pearls with rose overtones look amazing on fairer skin.
Black is another versatile color and typically looks great against any type of skin. Again, because there’s such a wide variety in black pearl overtones, look for one that complements your overall look.
Pink and lavender pearl studs add a fun burst of color to your look. They complement fairer skin with cool undertones and fair hair.
Golden pearl studs are striking in appearance and are possibly the most luxurious looking of all the pearl types. Darker, deeper gold pearls look stunning against tan to darker skin while champagne colored pearl studs complement light skin the best. Golden pearls are more suited for evening engagements because they have a formal touch to them.
Remember that these are guidelines only, not hard and fast rules. You can always play around with fashion guidelines.
3- What’s My Personal Style?
What type of jewelry do you like, large, statement pieces or subtle, delicate styles. Do you prefer a bohemian look or a sophisticated, elegant appearance? If you’re not sure, take a look at the two bezel set pearl studs below. Which one’s got a boho look and which one’s more contemporary? Which do you immediately gravitate towards?
Wire-wrapped pearl studs. See price here.
Gold bezel set pearl earrings. See price here.
If you weren’t sure, the top pair of studs are boho while the second pair looks very contemporary. Knowing your style, or the image you want to portray, will help you to pick from the vast array of pearl stud choices available.
Pearl Quality and Types
Once you’ve decided on your design and type, don’t forget to consider the type of pearl you’re purchasing. The quality of the pearl will affect the overall price and design.
For deeper insights, check our detailed guides that talk about different pearl types overall. However, here’s a quick rundown of what you need to consider:
- Type of Pearl – This can be cultured (e.g. Akoya, freshwater, Tahitian or South Sea), or an imitation (e.g. plastic, glass, shell pearl)
- Pearl Color – These range from white to black and everything in between
- Pearl Size – Pearls typically range between 2mm to 20mm.
- Pearl Shape –These can be perfectly round, near-round, baroque, thin and long, flat and round… the list goes on.
- Luster – If you’re going for real pearls, consider the surface quality and luster.
- Value – Some pearls are more expensive than others, so define how much you’re willing to spend on your pearl studs.
Where to Buy Pearl Studs
Because pearl studs are in high demand, most jewelers tend to stock them. However, for the best value and the widest choice, search on online platforms.
For brand prestige and quality, pick a name like Cartier or Tifanny. However, for pearl specialists and great prices, opt for a retailer who specializes in pearls.
For the widest variety of choice, take your search to platforms like Etsy or Amazon. There’s everything here from cheap, low-quality imitation pearl jewelry to the most amazing, valuable antique pieces.
