The summer that I turned ten, I was visiting my Grandma Carol. I’d gotten my ears pierced for my birthday earlier that year. While out playing, I lost an earring and was pretty bummed. Later I was chatting with Grandma, I mentioned I lost an earring and was scared that my piercing would close up. Grandma took one pearl earring out of her ear and handed it to me. “Here,” she said, “You can have one of mine. Put this in, and it won’t close up.” I smiled and put it in as I asked, “What about the other one?” She laughed and said, “Girl, pearls are timeless, you have to wait until I’m gone to get the other one.” I didn’t understand what Grandma meant about the timeless beauty of pearl stud earrings in that moment. I just knew she winked at me as she said, “Now we each have one!” and told me I’d better not lose mine because one day I’d have the matching pair. It would be fifteen years before I would receive Grandma’s other pearl earring.
The Timeless Beauty of Pearl Stud Earrings
Why Pearl Stud Earrings Are Your Timeless Go-To
Pearls have got this understated charm that doesn’t scream for attention but still makes you feel put-together. People have appreciated pearls for ages, and it’s easy to see why. They’re classy, they’re flexible, and they’ve got a story worth hearing.
You may wonder what are pearls, exactly, since pearls are gems but aren’t like your typical stones. They don’t come from rocky mines. Pearls are born in water, tucked inside of an oyster. They are built layer upon layer, and they are built from hardship. An oyster that has not been wounded in any way does not produce a pearl. A pearl is a healed wound. Which is what lends to its beauty and value.
In ancient Rome, owning pearls was the ultimate sign of wealth. There is a famous story which was proven possible, recounted by Pliny the Elder, that Queen Cleopatra of Egypt dropped a priceless pearl in vinegar during a banquet with Mark Antony, and after it dissolved, drank it as a challenge to his claim to have a more extravagant dinner. In Ancient China, pearls were a sign of purity and wisdom. The weight of such a tiny gem for so many centuries is unbelievable.
The cultivation of pearls, or pearl farming, began in 13th century China with blister pearls in freshwater mussels. The modern practice of pearl farming with round pearls, however, was pioneered by Kokichi Mikimoto in Japan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The advent of pearl farming meant that you didn’t have to be wealthy to own a set of pearls. Jewelers began setting simpler designs and pearls were paired with everything from evening gowns to blue jeans.
What’s So Great About Pearls?
Pearls are an easy way to feel and look special. They don’t overdo it. They are elegant and beautiful and they look good without feeling like you’re doing too much. You can wear them with a hoodie or with your Sunday best, either way, you look great. It doesn’t really matter what you pair them with.
And while they don’t shine like a diamond, pearls have a cozy warmth that shines all the time. They catch the light in a warm glow and it flatters. I’ve never seen a skin tone that pearls don’t flatter. They just work.
Picking Ones That Suit You
When it comes to pearl studs, there are many different choices, and that’s half the fun. Freshwater pearls, pulled from lakes and rivers, tend to be a bit quirky—maybe not perfectly round, with colors like pale pink or lavender. Saltwater ones, such as those from Akoya or the South Sea, are usually smoother and shinier, running from creamy white to deep black. If you want something a little more subtle, try reaching for the 5mm studs. If you’re feeling bolder, go for 10mm. Whether you choose gold or silver posts, you can make them fit your style.
Why They Still Feel Fresh
Pearls have staying power that you can trust. My Grandma was onto something. They are, indeed, timeless. Jackie Kennedy once said, “Pearls are always appropriate.” And indeed, while fashion is always changing, pearls never go out of style. And neither do great tees with amazing quotes, which is why I’m sharing this one from Amazon!
Caring for Pearls
I mentioned that I keep Grandma’s pearls tucked away. That is because pearls are not like diamonds. They are softer and must be treated with care. Pearls are born of trauma and should be treated delicately. Wipe them with a damp cloth when you’re done wearing them, store them somewhere safe that will protect them from scratches, and protect them from perfumes and cleaners to avoid damaging their shine. If you care for pearls properly, they will last long enough to be passed on to someone you love. But you can just toss them around because they can be scuffed up.
Pearls are Worth the Investment
One of my favorite passages from Matthew is about the pearl of great price,
‘“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.’
Matthew 13:45-46
I think one of the reasons I like pearls is that they’ve been through some stuff and they remain soft, they still shine, and they show forth beauty despite the environment that produced their scar. They haven’t allowed the things they’ve been through to make them hard. And I can resonate with that.
If you’re wondering whether or not you should invest in a set of pearls, I say do it. They don’t go out of style. Ever. Whether you just want a pick-me-up, or you have a special celebration coming up – graduation, birthday, promotion – pearls are a great way to celebrate a big moment.
