What is the ‘pearl earring theory’? The TikTok trend blaming jewelry for being single

“Girl With a Pearl Earring” has taken on a new meaning on social media.

TikTok loves a theory, especially ones that attempt to explain dating struggles. The “pearl earring theory” is the latest to go viral, claiming that the classic freshwater gemstone could be the reason you are chronically single.

Why? According to TikTok, pearl jewelry gives off the impression of being expensive and, as a result, high maintenance.

“Woke up and found out there’s a ‘pearl earring theory,’” one creator posted alongside a selfie in which she’s wearing giant pearl earrings. The next slide reads: “So you’re telling me the ‘pearl earrings theory’ is actually about how if someone wears them, they’d be single for a long time and not because you’d look expensive and attract potential lovers?”

Of course, there’s no scientific backing to this theory. In fact, many in the comments have pushed back with their own love of pearls and successful dating lives. But, given the state of dating in 2025, others are running with it.

“No, because recently I’ve been realizing that I’m chronically single. You would think by having a big following I would have a gluttonous amount of guys DMing me,” one TikTok creator complained. “No wonder I’m single all the time,” she says, gesturing to her pearl drop earrings, pearl necklace, and pearl bracelets. “I’m decked out in pearls. Truly, it is everywhere on everything.”

Others are offering the TikTok-viral-theory version of mixed signals. “When you wear pearl earrings but have red nails and realize why men must be so confused,” one TikTok user posted. The “red nail theory,” by contrast, suggests you’re more likely to attract suitors if your nails are painted red.

The “pearl earring theory” has even made it to the subreddit r/dating_advice, where someone asked for men’s takes. “The last thing I look at is a woman’s earrings!” one Reddit user wrote. “I’ve seen women with the goofiest earrings lock down the best guys,” another suggested. So, ladies, if you want to wear pearls, wear your pearls.

Or, on the flip side, some are embracing the theory and using pearls as a way to deliberately ward off romantic interests. One creator posted: “If ‘pearl earrings theory’ is real, then I’ll wear it even more.”