How to Style Pearl Earrings: Studs, Drops, Jhumkas, Kaan Chains and Chandelier Styles

Pearl earrings are one of the few pieces that move easily from a work desk to a wedding function, which is why they are worth owning more than one pair. The shape you choose decides where it works. This guide goes through the main pearl earring styles, what to wear each with, and how to look after them. Our pearls are imitation pearls in gold-plated or silver-plated brass or alloy, never real pearls.

What are the main styles of pearl earrings?

Five styles cover most of what people look for: studs, drops and danglers, jhumkas, kaan chains (ear chains) and larger chandelier-style earrings. Studs sit close to the lobe and are the lightest. Drops hang below the lobe and move as you do. Jhumkas have the bell shape with pearls at the edge or inside. Kaan chains run from the lobe up to the ear in strands of pearls. Chandelier styles are broad and layered, in the spirit of a chandbali. Browse all of them in pearl earrings.

How do I wear pearl studs for office and daily wear?

Pearl studs are the easiest pair to own. They suit a shirt, kurta, saree or jeans, and they never compete with a necklace. For work, pair them with a plain top and perhaps a slim chain; our office wear jewellery guide has more ideas. Studs also work as the quiet partner to a heavier necklace when you do not want the earrings to speak. A small round pearl is the most formal; an oval or square one looks a little more modern. See studs and tops for the full range.

When should I wear pearl drops and dangles?

Drops add a little movement without being heavy, so they suit dinners, parties and festive days. Wear them with a V-neck, a boat neck or an off-shoulder dress, and keep the neckline bare so the earrings are seen. With a saree, a pair of pearl drops and a plain blouse looks refined; see our guide on jewellery for different saree types. If you are choosing for your face, our face shape guide helps with length. Longer drops look best with hair tied up or tucked behind the ear.

How do I style pearl jhumkas with Indian outfits?

Pearl jhumkas bring a soft look to a kurta, a silk saree or a lehenga, and they work with gold-tone sets and with white or pastel outfits alike. Keep the necklace simple or skip it, and let the jhumkas be the focus. In bright colours such as red or green, pearls calm the outfit; in white or pastel, they add richness. See jhumkas for the shapes and our jhumka styles guide for occasions.

What are pearl kaan chains and chandelier earrings, and how do I wear them?

A kaan chain is a pearl chain that attaches near the lobe and curves along the ear, often with a stud or jhumka at the bottom. It suits lehengas, sarees and festive suits, and tied-back or short hair shows it off best. Chandelier pearl earrings are broader and heavier, so keep the necklace small or wear none; the kaan chain guide explains the style. Shop kaan chains and chandelier earrings. We do not list any pearl chandbalis by that name; the chandelier styles are the nearest match.

Can pearl earrings go from office to wedding?

Yes, and that is their strength. For the office, wear small studs. For an evening, change to drops. For a wedding function, switch to jhumkas, a kaan chain or a chandelier style, and add a pearl or kundan necklace set if the outfit is heavy. Pearl sits well beside kundan and antique gold, and with white outfits too; read how to style pearl sets and moti jewellery. Pearls also suit most skin tones, as our skin tone guide explains.

Which necklace should I wear with pearl earrings?

Match the scale of the two. With pearl studs, almost any necklace works, from a slim chain to a kundan choker. With pearl drops or jhumkas, choose a plain or small necklace. With a chandelier pair, wear no necklace or a very light chain. If you want a matching look, keep the shade of white or cream the same across earrings and necklace so they read as one set, as in our pearl choker sets. Pearl earrings also pair well with an antique gold necklace and with white or pastel outfits. Our layering guide shows how to combine pieces.

How do I care for imitation pearl earrings?

Imitation pearls are coated beads, so treat them gently. Put them on after perfume, hairspray and lotion, keep them away from water, and wipe them with a soft dry cloth after wearing. Store each pair in a separate pouch so the pearls do not rub against stones or metal. Replace worn pearls rather than forcing a pair that has chipped. For the metal, follow our guide to caring for gold-plated jewellery.

Shop pearl earrings, pearl sets, pearl choker sets and earrings, or visit our Santacruz West showroom to see them in person. Related guide: jewellery for different saree types.