We were looking for a way to elevate our personal style, so we decided to add a few pieces of pearl jewelry to our jewelry collection. Pearls might have had a reputation for being synonymous with old-timey jewelry, but it’s a different story today. What’s interesting is that the vintage style is making a comeback, especially pearl earrings, which are the perfect complement. We found a gorgeous collection of Etsy vintage pearl earrings which were anything but boring or old-world. Rather, they made for the perfect addition to even modern outfits, whether it was a wedding outfit or a smart casual one.
What’s more, the indie website had vintage pearl earrings from different eras and across different styles. Plus, even the pearls varied in texture, color, and size, so choosing the right kind of pearl was also critical for achieving an authentic vintage look. Here’s a detailed guide to choosing the most gorgeous vintage pearl ear jewelry on Etsy.
Silk Purse Sows Ear 1920s Art Deco Pearl Earrings
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We begin with the unique but utterly stunning Silk Purse Sows Ear 1920s Art Deco Pearl Earrings. This lovely piece of handmade jewelry features a single freshwater button pearl at the bottom of a stylized crystal geometric design. We loved the subtle lilac iridescent hue of the pearl, which took on an amazing sheen in certain light settings. What’s more, the setting and the drop are made from solid brass, ensuring durability, and there is even a post-fastening with a butterfly back. So, we didn’t have to worry about the earrings falling off even if we danced around. Furthermore, we got the choice of silver or gold plating for the setting, with the final piece coming nicely packaged with a handmade tag in a recycled gift box.
Pros
- We had the choice of two metal colors, as well as two material options for the ear wire.
- We loved the Art Deco style of the earrings.
- The detailing and design are excellent.
Cons
- It might be a little too expensive.
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Haandmadejewelry Vintage Majorca Pearl & Salmon Red Coral Elongated Earrings
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We’ve always loved chandelier earrings, which is why we were excited to land the Haandmadejewelry Vintage Majorca Pearl & Salmon Red Coral Elongated Earrings. These vintage earrings from the 1990s feature an A+++ carved salmon-colored undyed coral at the end, but the stars are the vintage 1950s Majorca pearls. The very cool-looking earrings are held together by a 14K gold-filled design, which also makes it very sturdy and gorgeous at the same time. Finally, the length of the chandelier earrings is 75 mm long and just reached above our shoulders, making them stand out with a bun hairstyle.
“We loved the make and the length of these traditional earrings, which also came in a very nice packaging.”
WOW Travel
Pros
- The earrings feature 3 1950s Majorca pearls on every earring.
- The salmon coral at the end of the earrings makes them stand out.
- These make for an excellent gift, especially since they also come in very nice packaging.
Cons
- It’s slightly expensive, including delivery.
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Silk Purse Sows Ear Art Deco Fan Pearl Earrings
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There’s something about the fan earring design that has always caught our eye due to its modern sensibilities. That’s why we loved the Silk Purse Sows Ear Art Deco Fan Pearl Earrings, which blended a vintage Art Deco style very well with the modern fan design. There are a lot of things we loved about these drop earrings, starting with the pure Mother of Pearl that was carved into a simple yet standout scalloped fan shape. So, the entire piece of jewelry had a luminous look and vibe to it. What’s more, the mother-of-pearl boasted an incredible sheen, taking on a subtle glow when it caught the light. Finally, the finishing is silver or gold-plated ear wires with a total length of around 30 mm, hanging just below our earlobes.
Pros
- We could choose both, the earwire color and material.
- The ear wire closure is secure.
- The design is very simple and elegant.
Cons
- Some reviewers thought that the make would be daintier, but it’s a personal choice.
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Kelly Pearl Design Freshwater Pearl Ringlet Hoop Earrings
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Hoop earrings bring about a youthful and classic vibe to our entire look. The Kelly Pearl Design Freshwater Pearl Ringlet Hoop Earrings did just that, and then some. It was love at first sight with this pair of small ringlet hoops strung with freshwater pearls. We loved that we had two plating choices, gold-plated 925 sterling silver and 925 sterling silver as well. The best bit is that the metal is hypoallergenic and nickel-free, which makes it perfect for people with allergies. However, we especially loved that the pearls were well-sized and pearlescent and that we could order in any quantity we wanted. Overall, this timeless design was casual enough for daily wear, as well as elegant enough for nights out and dinner parties.
Pros
- The pearls are well-sized and visibly gorgeous.
- We had options for the plating of the hoops.
- The size of the earrings is just perfect.
Cons
- Some delivery locations might not be available.
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Angelswant Freshwater Pearl Studs
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Stud earrings are a must-have in everybody’s collection, which is why we chose the Angelswant Freshwater Pearl Studs. These delicate, charming, and lightweight pearl earrings are made with high-quality natural pearls. What’s more, the material of the earrings is 925 sterling silver, while the finishing is an 18k gold plating. Since the weight of the earrings is just 5g, it felt very lightweight on the ears, allowing us to wear them all day long. Additionally, the material is hypoallergenic and nickel and lead-free, allowing even people with allergies to wear them. Thanks to the design, we could wear these earrings on their own or can be stacked with other earrings as well. In the end, this stunning piece of jewelry will make a precious, thoughtful, and sweet gift for even a special someone.
Pros
- The pushback closure is secure, allowing us to wear it all day.
- We loved the lightweight nature of the earrings.
- The earrings go with both casual Western and ethnic outfits.
Cons
- The minimalist style might not suit everyone.
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Caitlyn Minimalist Dangling Pearl Diamond Earrings
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Sitting at the top of the list are these drop-dead gorgeous Caitlyn Minimalist Dangling Pearl Diamond Earrings from one of our favorite Etsy shops. These earrings are the perfect blend of old-world and modernity, with classic pearls and sparkling diamonds. The setting is made from high-quality solid 925 sterling silver, with two finishes of 18k gold and sterling silver available. The design is made all the better with the cluster of stunning cubic zirconia diamond studs, complemented by the stunning freshwater drop pearl. Dripping with modern style and vintage elegance, these pearl drop earrings effortlessly added a touch of timeless charm to all outfits.
Pros
- The earrings were elegant and beautiful.
- We loved the complement of cubic zirconia diamonds and freshwater pearls.
- The pushback closure is secure.
Cons
- None, really.
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How To Choose The Best Etsy Vintage Pearl Earrings?
Types of earrings
- Studs: These are classic, understated, and versatile earring options that go with everything, from casual jeans to LBDs.
- Drops: The second-most versatile option, drop earrings are simple, but with a hanging twist. So, they’re appropriate for daytime as well, which is rare for earrings to stand out.
- Danglers: Similar to drops, danglers are longer, but when it comes to pearls, choose earrings with a single pearl at the bottom for an understated look.
- Chandeliers: These statement pieces of longer dangler earrings are perfect for formal evening occasions with a lot of people.
- Hoops: These can be oval or round, and, depending on the size, you could wear them to social, corporate, or casual settings.
Kinds of vintage pearls
- South Sea pearls: Some of the most valuable and rarest pearls available today, South Sea pearls come in golden (southeast Asia) and white (Australia) colors. They have a softer, satiny luster and larger sizes, making them the world’s largest variety.
- Tahitian black pearls: These exotic, mysterious, and rare pearls (French Polynesia) are naturally dark with an irresistibly metallic shimmer. One of the world’s most coveted pearls, they’re known for their vibrant natural colors like purple, aubergine, and peacock.
- Akoya pearls: These saltwater pearls (Japan) are highly lustrous, white, perfectly round, and rarer than freshwater pearls. Of all cultured pearls, they have the highest shine and luster.
- Freshwater pearls: The most affordable and most popular of all pearls, they also have the widest shape and size range of all pearl kinds (almost exclusively from China).
Shapes of pearls
- Oval: Also known as drop pearls, these are symmetrically extended to look like teardrops.
- Round: These are the rarest but the most iconic of pearl shapes.
- Buttons: They appear to be squash, just like buttons.
- Baroque: The most irregularly shaped pearls, no two baroque pearls are the same.
- Circular: A subset of baroque pearls, circular pearls have circles around the pearl’s diameter.
If you’re a fan of Etsy jewelry, check out the best Etsy bead necklaces for travel and the best Etsy rings for women.
When can you wear vintage pearl earrings?
Vintage pearl earrings are the perfect evening/formal jewelry, as they’re very simple and don’t take the attention from your clothes.
How do you wear pearl earrings every day?
If you do want to wear your vintage pearl earrings every day, put them on last after you’ve applied lotion, makeup, and perfume.
How long do pearl earrings last?
Fine cultured pearls, if cared for properly, last for generations.
Some images on this article are copyrighted by Etsy.
