| Pearl necklaces never run out of style. They are | | | | form two strands. When worn as is, it should |
| always classy, elegant and quite flexible as | | | | ideally reach below the bust line. |
| wardrobe accessories. They are one of the most | | | | Rope or sautoir - the longest, starting at 37 |
| popular gift choices for weddings, being the | | | | inches, worn best with pantsuits. Rope-length |
| birthstone of June and they have a lasting, | | | | pearls don't have to hang from the wearer's neck |
| mystical appeal that has been celebrated for | | | | alone. They could be doubled or knotted for more |
| thousands of years. | | | | style flexibility. Some even come with multiple |
| Pearls are rarer when they are produced naturally | | | | clasps, which allow the wearer to use the |
| but while cultured pearls are quite affordable, their | | | | necklace in shorter lengths. |
| quality is in no way inferior to that of natural | | | | Short necks will do well wearing pearl strands that |
| pearls. To an untrained eye, it is very difficult to | | | | sit at least 2" below the collarbone while thick or |
| tell a natural pearl from its cultured cousin. The | | | | heavy necks will look good in graduated chains |
| only way to differentiate is probably to use x-ray | | | | with lengths beginning at 18". Long thin necks are |
| where a 'nucleus' will be spotted in the cultured | | | | flattered by shorter lengths, especially those that |
| variety. | | | | sit at the base of neck, following the curve of the |
| Some of the more common types of pearls used | | | | throat. |
| in necklaces are Mikimoto, Akoya, Tahitian and | | | | Fleshy necks look better in necklaces that lie |
| South Sea Pearls. Mikimoto is the highest quality | | | | below the base, especially if the strand is |
| pearls and come in different colors. Akoya pearls | | | | segmented or comes with a square, rectangular |
| often come in white, cream or silver while Tahitian | | | | or any pointed pendant. Necks that are wide at |
| and South Sea pearls have darker colors. | | | | the base need necklaces that are at least 1" |
| Saltwater pearls are more expensive than | | | | below the collarbone or longer strands. |
| freshwater pearls. | | | | Other pearl necklace styles |
| Choosing pearl necklace lengths | | | | Other styles of pearl necklaces are the bib which, |
| Choosing the right length of pearl necklace | | | | as the name implies, covers the base of the neck |
| depends upon the wearer's age, neck size and | | | | and the upper part of the chest in several strands |
| overall body composition. In general, long | | | | of varying lengths. Another option is the |
| necklaces tend to elongate the neck and draw | | | | graduated necklace which consists of pearls in |
| attention away from it, as opposed to | | | | graduated lengths, usually with the biggest pearl/s |
| shorter-length ones which flatter longer necks. | | | | in the middle. A popular style is the uniform |
| Here are the different lengths of pearl necklaces | | | | necklace where pearls of similar size are strung |
| recommended for every woman's unique need: | | | | together. |
| Collar - typically 10 to 13 inches long and are quite | | | | Choosing pearl colors and size |
| flexible either for evening wear or casual day | | | | While white, cream, pink or silver pearls generally |
| wear. These are worn high on the neck, above | | | | will look good on anyone, they can best enhance |
| the base. Another style is the dog collar, which is | | | | fairer skin. Gold or yellow pearls will look best on |
| made of several strands, quite popular in the | | | | darker-toned skin. |
| Victorian era and slowly making a comeback. | | | | Generally, younger women should wear smaller |
| Choker - 16 to 18 inches long, chokers surround | | | | pearls. At this point in their lives, they could show |
| the base of the neck. A good choice for ladies | | | | off their youthful necks with smaller-sized chains |
| with long, thin necks because chokers can | | | | and pendants. Older women may want to use |
| de-emphasize the throat's length. | | | | longer-length pearl necklaces to draw attention |
| Princess - at 17 to 20 inches long, this is the most | | | | away from their necks. They can also wear |
| popular length, classic enough to match any outfit | | | | bigger pearls with wider, double- or triple-strand |
| or neckline. | | | | chains. |
| Matinee - 20 to 24 inches long. These work well | | | | Pearl necklace sets |
| worn with dresses, business suits and corporate | | | | One of the best ways to buy matching jewelry is |
| wear and are a great choice for occasions | | | | to get ones that come in a set. This way, you |
| requiring semi-formal wear. | | | | have a necklace, a pair of earrings and either a |
| Opera - 28 to 34 inches long, usually worn during | | | | ring or bracelet that come in matching styles. |
| formal events and occasions. Because of its | | | | However, if you prefer just the necklace, some |
| length, this pearl necklace may be doubled to | | | | jewelers will allow you to buy one off a set. |