Pearl drop earrings: how to wear long pearl earrings

In this guide

This guide uses the Long Pearl Earrings from our shop as its example. Everything said about the piece itself comes from its listing.

How to wear long pearl drop earrings, which hairstyles and necklines suit them, and when to wear them.

Why drops flatter

Long pearl earrings draw the eye down and lengthen the neck. As the pearl moves, it catches light around the face, which is why drops are a favourite for photographs, weddings and evenings. They give an outfit a finished, elegant look with almost no effort.

Hair and necklines

Drops are at their best when they can be seen: hair up, tucked behind the ears or cut short. Open necklines, V-necks, off-the-shoulder and strapless tops leave room for them to move. With a high neckline they look elegant too, as long as you skip a necklace.

Choosing the length

Drops from about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 cm) are easy to wear all day and suit most face shapes. Longer drops, 2 inches (5 cm) and more, are dramatic and elongating; they flatter round and heart-shaped faces especially, and look best when nothing else is competing around the neck. If your earrings will be in photos, a drop that moves a little catches the light far better than a stud.

From desk to dinner

Shorter drops are easy to wear to work with a blazer or a fine knit. Longer drops are evening pieces: wear them with a slip dress or something black and simple. If you want one piece that goes from day to night, choose a medium length and add a red lip in the evening.

About the Long Pearl Earrings

The Long Pearl Earrings is a pair of earrings with pearls. They add a finished touch to a plain outfit without taking it over.

• Design: pearls.
• Material: Metal alloy.
• What arrives: One pair of earrings.

See the Long Pearl Earrings →

Styling any earrings like this

Earrings frame the face, so they do the most work for the least effort. Hair down softens them, hair up makes them the focus. When your earrings are the statement, keep your necklace fine or leave it off.

Think about scale too: small, close-fitting earrings suit busy days, glasses and headphones; drops and larger shapes come into their own when your hair is up and your neckline is open. With several piercings, put the most detailed pair in the first hole and keep the others plain, so the look stays balanced.

Choosing earrings that suit you

When choosing earrings, look at the fastening (studs, hoops, hooks or clip-ons), the size, and the weight. Lighter earrings are more comfortable for long days; heavier statement pieces are best for evenings.

What to wear it with

Pieces from the shop in the same tone that complete the look: - Belt Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver: bracelet, $21.00. - Pearl Zircon Necklace & Earrings Set: set, $20.00. - Love Vintage Shell Pendant Necklace: necklace, $18.00.

Wearing it all year

Through the year: in summer, lighter earrings are more comfortable in the heat and look fresh with hair tied up. In winter, earrings are often the one piece that shows between a scarf and a hat, so it is the season to wear the pair you love most; just take care pulling jumpers on and off.

Caring for plated and alloy jewellery

Plated and alloy pieces last longest when they stay dry. Put them on after perfume, lotion and hairspray, take them off before showering, swimming and the gym, wipe them with a soft dry cloth and store each one in its own pouch so the finish isn't scratched. The listing adds: Wipe gently after wearing, keep them dry and away from perfume, and store the pair in its pouch.

As a gift

Earrings are a safe, thoughtful gift: no size to guess and they suit every style. Check the delivery dates on the product page before you order if you are buying for a date, and add a short handwritten note: it turns a pretty piece into a message.

Buying from Liravelle

The product page lists what the piece is made of, what arrives and the delivery dates before you order, and the confirmation email repeats them. Free US delivery over $50. 30-day returns. Tracked delivery.