Guide to Choosing Pearl Necklaces

Pearl necklaces never run out of style. They are always classy, elegant and quite flexible as wardrobe accessories. They're one of the most popular gift choices for weddings, being the birthstone of June and they have an enduring, mystical appeal that's been celebrated for centuries.Pearls are rarer when they're produced naturally but while cultured pearls are very affordable, their quality is definitely inferior to that particular of natural pearls. To an untrained eye, it's very hard to tell an all natural pearl from the cultured cousin. The only way to differentiate is probably to make use of x-ray where a ‘nucleus’ will be spotted in the cultured variety.A few of the more prevalent types of pearls used in necklaces are Mikimoto, Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea Pearls. Mikimoto is the highest quality pearls and are available in different colors. Akoya pearls often come in white, cream or silver while Tahitian and South Sea pearls have darker colors. Saltwater pearls are more expensive than freshwater pearls.Choosing pearl necklace lengths Deciding on the best period of pearl necklace is determined by the wearer’s age, neck size and overall body composition. In general, long necklaces often elongate the neck and draw attention away from it, instead of shorter-length ones which flatter longer necks. Listed here are the different lengths of pearl necklaces suitable for every woman’s unique need:Collar – typically 10 to 13 inches long and are quite flexible either for cocktail dress or casual day wear. They are worn high in neck, above the base. Another style is the receiver collar, which is made from several strands, very popular in the Victorian era and slowly making a comeback.Choker – 16 to 18 inches long, chokers surround the base of the neck. A good choice for ladies with long, thin necks because chokers can de-emphasize the throat’s length.Princess – at 17 to 20 inches long, this is actually the most popular length, classic enough to match any outfit or neckline.Matinee – 20 to 24 inches long. These work well worn with dresses, business suits and corporate wear and are a great choice for occasions requiring semi-formal wear.Opera – 28 to 34 inches long, usually worn during formal events and occasions. Due to the length, this pearl necklace may be doubled to create two strands. When worn out of the box, it should ideally reach below the bust line.Rope or sautoir – the longest, starting at 37 inches, worn best with pantsuits. Rope-length pearls don’t have to hang in the wearer’s neck alone. They could be doubled or knotted for more style flexibility. Incidents where include multiple clasps, which permit the wearer to make use of the necklace in shorter lengths.Short necks is going to do well wearing pearl strands that spend time at least 2” below the collarbone while thick or heavy necks will appear good in graduated chains with lengths beginning at 18”. Long thin necks are flattered by shorter lengths, especially those that sit at the bottom of neck, following the curve from the throat.
Fleshy necks look better in necklaces that lie below the base, especially if the strand is segmented or comes with a square, rectangular or any pointed pendant. Necks that are wide at the base need necklaces which are a minimum of 1” below the collarbone or longer strands.Other pearl necklace styles Other kinds of pearl necklaces are the bib which, because the name implies, covers the base of the neck and the upper area of the chest in several strands of varying lengths. An alternative choice may be the graduated necklace featuring its pearls in graduated lengths, usually using the biggest pearl/s in the middle. A popular style may be the uniform necklace where pearls of similar size are strung together.Choosing pearl colors and size While white, cream, pink or silver pearls generally will look good on anyone, they can best enhance fairer skin. Gold or yellow pearls will look best on darker-toned skin. Generally, young women should wear smaller pearls. At this time in their lives, they could show off their youthful necks with smaller-sized chains and pendants. Older women may want to use longer-length pearl necklaces to attract attention from their necks. They are able to also wear bigger pearls with wider, double- or triple-strand chains.Pearl necklace sets Among the best ways to buy matching jewelry is to get ones that come inside a set. This way, you have a necklace, a pair of earrings and only a ring or bracelet which come in matching styles. However, if you prefer only the necklace, some jewelers will help you to buy one off a collection.