Pearl Earrings
Studs, drops and hoops finished in solid gold — Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, golden and freshwater. Hover any collection to see it in motion.
Akoya Pearl Earrings
Classic white studs & drops
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Tahitian Pearl Earrings
Exotic black & peacock pearls
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White South Sea Earrings
Rare, large-pearl luxury
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Freshwater Pearl Earrings
Everyday elegance
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Golden South Sea Earrings
Deep golden lustre
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Mabe Pearl Earrings
Domed half-pearls in gold & diamonds
Shop Now →American Pearl’s pearl earrings are cultured Akoya, Tahitian, white and golden South Sea, and freshwater pearls — in styles from everyday white studs to diamond-accented drops and bold black pearl pairs — finished in solid gold and hand-assembled in New York’s Diamond District, sold direct at wholesale prices with free shipping.
Pearl Earrings at Wholesale Prices
Whether you want a pair of classic white studs for everyday wear or an eye-catching set of black pearl drops, American Pearl offers one of the widest selections of pearl earrings available online. Because we sell direct, you get genuine cultured pearls at true wholesale pricing, with free shipping on every order.
Akoya Pearl Earrings
Japanese Akoya pearls have the bright, mirror-like white lustre most people picture when they think of pearls. Our Akoya earrings range from simple studs with solid gold posts to dangling designs framed with rows of diamonds — a style for every taste and budget.
Black & Colored Pearl Earrings
For a bolder look, black pearls are an edgier take on the classic. We carry black Akoya and black Tahitian earrings — each with its own depth of colour — alongside mocha and golden South Sea pearls, Mother of Pearl, and baroque (irregular) South Sea shapes for something beyond the traditional round pearl.
Settings: Studs, Drops & Diamond Accents
Often it is the setting that makes the pair. Beyond simple studs, our earrings include pearl drops, dangles, and designs accented with diamonds and other precious stones — all set in solid gold and built to last.
Custom Pearl Earrings
Prefer a different pearl than the one shown? Most of our earring styles can be customized with the pearl colour and type you choose, and every order ships in a complimentary gift box.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of pearl earrings does American Pearl sell?
American Pearl sells Akoya, Tahitian, white South Sea, golden South Sea and freshwater pearl earrings in stud, hoop and drop/dangle styles, many accented with diamonds and set in solid gold.
Are black pearls real?
Yes, black pearls are real: they are genuine cultured pearls. Tahitian pearls are naturally dark, in black, peacock and green tones, while black Akoya pearls achieve their color through treatment, and both are real pearls.
What is the difference between Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls?
The difference between Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls is mainly color and size: Akoya are the classic bright-white round pearls, Tahitian pearls are naturally dark and larger, and South Sea pearls are the largest, in white or golden colors. Freshwater pearls offer a softer luster in many shapes at a lower price.
Can I customize the pearl in an earring?
Yes, you can customize the pearl in an earring: most styles can be made with the pearl type and color you prefer. Contact American Pearl and we will build the pair to your specification.
Is shipping free, and do pearl earrings come with a gift box?
Yes, shipping is free and pearl earrings come with a gift box: American Pearl sells direct at wholesale prices with free shipping on every order, and each pair arrives in a complimentary gift box.
What are the earring settings made of?
The earring settings are made of solid gold, with many designs accented by diamonds and other precious stones.
Pearl Earring Buying Guide
How to Choose Pearl Earrings
Choosing pearl earrings is simpler than it looks: decide on the style first, then the pearl type and size, then the back that will keep them secure. Because the two pearls in a pair sit side by side, how well they are matched matters as much as the pearls themselves.
3 Pearl Earring Styles
1. Pearl Stud Earrings
Pearl stud earrings hold a single pearl on a post at the earlobe, the everyday classic that works with jeans or a gown alike. Shop pearl studs.
2. Pearl Drop and Dangle Earrings
Pearl drop and dangle earrings let the pearl hang below the lobe from a post, lever back or hook, so the movement catches the light and lengthens the line of the neck.
3. Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Pearl and diamond earrings frame the pearl with a halo, jacket or diamond top for extra sparkle, a natural choice for weddings and evening.
Choosing the Pearl Size for Earrings
Earring size is about how they will be worn.
1. 5–6.5mm: Small and Understated
Pearls of 5–6.5mm are small and understated, a good fit for second piercings, younger wearers and a first pair.
2. 7–8.5mm: The Most Popular Size
Pearls of 7–8.5mm are the most popular earring size: clearly visible but never loud, right for everyday wear and the office.
3. 9–10mm: Full and Confident
Pearls of 9–10mm look full and confident for evening, events and gifts meant to make an impression.
4. 11mm and Up: Dramatic
Pearls of 11mm and up are statement pairs. Akoya pearls top out around 10mm, so larger pairs come from white South Sea, golden South Sea and Tahitian pearls.
5 Pearl Types for Earrings
1. Akoya Pearl Earrings
Akoya pearl earrings give the bright, perfectly round white look of a classic stud, with a sharp, mirror-like luster. Shop Akoya pearl earrings.
2. Tahitian Pearl Earrings
Tahitian pearl earrings are naturally dark, with green, peacock and aubergine overtones, and they are larger than Akoya pearls.
3. White South Sea Pearl Earrings
White South Sea pearl earrings offer the largest white pearls, with a soft, satiny glow.
4. Golden South Sea Pearl Earrings
Golden South Sea pearl earrings bring a warm, natural gold that flatters medium and deeper skin tones.
5. Freshwater Pearl Earrings
Freshwater pearl earrings come in white and soft pastels at the gentlest prices. Shop freshwater pearl earrings.
6 Earring Backs and When to Use Them
The back decides how secure and comfortable a pair feels. Depending on the style, our earrings are offered with these backs.
1. Push Back
A push back is a friction clutch that slides onto the post, quick to put on and right for everyday studs.
2. Large “Elephant” Back
A large elephant back is an oversized clutch that spreads the weight of a heavier pearl and keeps a large stud facing forward.
3. Screw Back
A screw back threads onto the post so the pearl cannot work loose, the most secure choice for valuable studs.
4. Lever Back
A lever back is a hinged loop that snaps closed behind the ear, the most secure choice for pearl drops and dangles.
5. Shepherd’s Hook
A shepherd’s hook is an open hook through the ear that lets a light drop swing freely.
6. Clip Back
A clip back grips the earlobe with a hinged clip, so pearl earrings can be worn without pierced ears.
Choosing Pearl Earrings Well
1. A Well-Matched Pair
A well-matched pair of pearl earrings agrees in size, color, overtone and luster, because the two pearls are always seen side by side; each of our pairs is matched by eye.
2. White Gold or Yellow Gold
White gold keeps white Akoya and silver South Sea pearls cool and crisp, while yellow gold warms golden, cream and Tahitian pearls; our earrings are set in solid gold.
3. Pairing with a Pearl Necklace
To pair earrings with a pearl necklace, match the pearl type and color and choose earrings the same size as the necklace pearls or up to one millimeter larger.
Caring for Pearl Earrings
1. Put Them On Last
Put pearl earrings on after makeup, hairspray and perfume, which dull the nacre over time.
2. Wipe and Store Separately
Wipe each pearl with a soft cloth after wear and store the pair on its own so harder jewelry cannot scratch it.
3. Check the Backs
Check the posts and backs from time to time so a loose clutch never costs you a pearl. Our pearl earring guide covers more.