One item that every person needs in their jewelry box is a pearl strand. They’re a basic building block of any jewelry wardrobe, kind of like a little black dress, or a white t-shirt is for apparel. Pearls are always in style and they work for any occasion from work to a wedding and everything in between. They’re a classic that has modern appeal, especially when you make pearls your own by mixing them with other necklaces.
There is a lot to consider when purchasing a strand of pearls besides the shape, size and color. One other very important consideration is the length of your pearl necklace. There are several lengths of strands, each with a specific name that identifies its dimensions. We’ve put together a guide to pearl strand lengths, that way if someone uses one of these terms, you’ll know what they’re talking about. Don’t get hung up on the name of the strand, purchase the one that fits you best. Everybody has a different neck length and circumference, so to see how a strand works with your body, try a few different lengths. Whether you like a short necklace or a long necklace, you’ll find a pearl strand that’s the perfect length for you.
Collar
A collar length strand of pearls will fit high and tight on the throat like a dog collar. Collars are frequently comprised of multiple strands with one clasp. It’s a romantic look that was very popular in the Edwardian era because Queen Alexandra allegedly favored the style to cover a scar on her throat. It’s an elegant choice for evening, but leans trendy for daytime. Collars are 12 to 13 inches long.
Choker
A choker sits on the base of the neck and is one of the most popular pearl strand lengths. It’s also the preferred length for men who wear pearls. A choker is a great length for a first pearl strand, whether you are gifting it to a daughter, or gifting yourself, it’s an easy length to wear. You can wear a choker peeking out of a shirt collar, or layered with other necklaces for a more personal look. A choker strand measures 14 inches to 16 inches.
Princess
The classic princess strand falls to the collarbone. It is the most popular length for a pearl strand so you’ll see it a lot. It’s an easy length to wear and it looks good with a V or scoop neck and it’s a little more casual than other pearl lengths. If you like to add enhancers or pendants to your necklace, this is a good length. A princess strand measures 17 to 19 inches.
Matinee
A matinee length pearl strand drops to the top of the chest. It looks good with a turtleneck, or a plunging neckline. It’s also a good length for layering with other necklaces. If you have multiple pearl strands in different lengths, this a good length for nesting two shorter strands. Matinee strands are 20 to 24 inches long.
Opera
The long, sensual opera length strand was meant for dressing up, but it can also be worn more casually. You can wrap it around your neck to create a multi-strand effect that can be worn casually or just as easily with a cocktail dress. Layer it with other necklaces for a contemporary style, or go more minimal and wear it on its own. Opera length strands are 30 to 36 inches long.
Rope
A rope of pearls is probably the most fun of all the lengths, it is a strand that is longer than 36 inches, some are even as long as 100 inches. You can wear it long and knotted like the Flappers wore their pearls in the 1920s. You can also knot them and drop them down the back of a dress (be careful not to sit on the pearls, or lean on them too hard). Loop it around your neck once or twice and let the rest of the pearls hang long, a very popular look in the 1950s and early 1960s.You may also want to wrap a rope of pearls around your neck for a big, voluptuous multilayered look that is casually glamorous.
A pearl strand is a very versatile piece of jewelry. Pearls can be worn to the most formal galas, for work, or for casual events. When you’re choosing a pearl strand, make sure that the length fits your personal style and that you love the way it looks when you’re wearing it. Most importantly: Wear your pearls. They love to be worn. You’ll notice that when you first put on your pearls they will be cool to the touch, but after you’ve had them on for a little while, they warm up to your body temperature and the pearls will begin to feel like a part of you.
Top of Page: Lance Reis, courtesy Unsplash.
Tide Trasher, courtesy Unsplash; Collar length four strand cultured pearl necklace with platinum, no-heat Burma ruby and diamond clasp, 14.75 inches long; Choker length natural pearl strand with 18-karat yellow gold clasp, 16.5 inches; Ahmed Adel, courtesy Unsplash; Richard Sagredo, courtesy Unsplash; Opera length cultured pearl and 14-karat yellow gold clasp set with three diamonds, 31 inches; Lance Reis, courtesy Unsplash.
Authored by Amber Michelle