Vermeer paints wth light. Tthe glistening pearl shining in a darker background draws one's attention to the maid's goodnsss, innocence, and peace, seeming to invite you to share her moment of quiet silence.
Just rambling about my most favorite illustration of an ordered calmness that blesses one's soul. A way to find rest.
The glistening pearl earring, which is probably tin and not pearl, is meant to contrast with the soft blended shine of the girls lips, which was painted in sfumato, a technique that Vermeer excelled at. The eye will naturally fix first on the earring and then move to the lips, which are at the same level and just to the left. Your eye will then move to the girl’s eyes and then across to the yellow headband, and finally return downward to the earring. This active circular momentum keeps your attention fixed on the painting, continually absorbing and reabsorbing its contrasting and blending elements.