
There's a bizarre theory that claims wearing one specific piece of jewelry could be the reason why you're single.
In fact, some women have started ditching wearing the accessory altogether thanks to the theory, which seems to have been created on TikTok.
One content creator, Morgan McGuire, explained the theory in a video on her page, @morganmcguirept2, while wearing the exact accessory - a pair of pearl earrings.
"Recently I’ve been realizing I’m chronically single... I just found out about ‘pearl earring theory’... no wonder I’m single, I’m decked out in pearls, truly it’s everywhere... I don’t think I look intimidating," she said.
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She then joked that if a guy came up to her, she would have to cover her ears with her hands.
So, what exactly is this theory based on?

What is the pearl earring theory?
Essentially, the theory claims that men are 'put off' by women who wear pearl earrings. Those who believe in the theory claim that it makes them come across as intimidating or 'high maintenance'.
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One explained: "The theory is that if you wear pearls you won’t get a boyfriend because they’re supposed to make you look intimidating and hard to get."
According to Ouros Jewels, pearls have always been a mark of wealth and power.
The site explains: "Greeks associated them with love and marriage, believing pearls would bring happiness to newlyweds. In Chinese culture, pearls symbolize wisdom and protection, often seen as a defense against evil spirits."

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Another TikTok video sees a woman asking: "Am I single by choice or is it because of the pearl earrings theory?"
Meanwhile, others agreed with the theory, with another writing: "Girl, same question. been wearing pearl earrings since 2019."
While another said: "It's true, ig. I have been wearing pearl earrings since high school (11yrs old) and now I'm 27, always had a failed relationship."
And a third added: "FR. I still wear pearl earrings and voila…nada."
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Others disagreed and said they'd worn pearl earrings for years, with one writing: "I’m wearing pearl earrings, and I can say that the pearl earring theory isn’t true HAHAHA."

To try and get to the bottom of it, one person shared a post on Reddit, asking men to comment on whether there was any merit.
One responded: "I find it very attractive but there is definitely a time and place. It's just elegant.
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"However as a dating coach for women this is part of the 80/20 rule where its 80% of the stuff men don't care about. I've seen women with the goofiest earrings lock down the best guys."
And another added: "As a man, earrings, jewelry, accessories, fall under the category of shiny objects. They don't intimidate me, I may compliment them if they look nice, but they aren't going to deter me at all from flirting with a girl."
"Glad to hear pearls don’t trigger a flight response," said the poster.
Topics: Fashion, Beauty, Sex and Relationships, Science