Your Guide to Buying Pearls – buying your first pearl necklace can be a confusing process.
Pearl Necklace Lengths
While most necklaces are described by their length (i.e x amount of inches long), pearl necklaces actually have different names for each length and type. It is important to know which is which so you get exactly what you’re looking for! Here I’ll describe each type and note the types of clothing or necklines that each pearl necklace matches the best.
A collar describes a necklace that is 2 or more strands (in fact they are usually 3 or more), sits in the middle of the neck, and is usually 12 to 13 inches long. Though these were most fashionable in the Victorian era they are making a comeback. Pearl collars look elegant and chic with v-necks, boatnecks, or an off the shoulder style.
Pearl chokers are, at 14 to 16 inches long, a very popular choice. These necklaces sit just above the collarbone (I wish I had a visual, but for now, descriptions will have to do!). They are both classic and versatile and will add a touch of elegance to nearly any outfit.
The most common type of pearl necklace is the Princess. A princess length necklace is between 17 and 19 inches long and should sit around the outside of the collarbone. This length looks great with either crew and high necklines or very plunging necklines. A great choice for any woman – if you don’t know which type to get, choose this one!
Matinee length necklaces are approximately 20-24 inches and should hit at the top of the bust. Though this length is best suited to semi-formal attire, it also works with more casual wear and is the number one choice for a business setting.
Opera length refers to a necklace between 26 to 36 inches long, hitting just above the midsection. As you can imagine, the name comes from the fact that this length was a common choice for a formal night out. It is still traditionally paired with evening wear, but its length does allow for a great deal of versatility. You may choose to double it for a look similar to a choker or collar, or knot it for a look similar to that which was popular with 1920s flappers. The doubled version would look great with crew or high necks.
A pearl rope is generally 45 inches or more, even though technically any length over 36 inches could also be considered a rope. These are generally worn only for the most formal of events, though like the opera, a rope may also be doubled or knotted. Another option is available in the form of convertible necklaces – these have multiple clasps, allowing you to shorten your necklace or even wear part of it as a bracelet.
So there you have it – six different types of pearl necklaces, from the collar to the rope. One thing to keep in mind when making your decision is the connotation that longer necklaces carry. Traditionally, longer necklaces or necklaces with larger pearls were reserved for more mature or wealthy women. Therefore, a pearl rope wouldn’t necessarily be recommended for a teenager as it may appear to others that she is trying to be overly mature. In that case, a choker or princess length may be a safer choice. As always though, the length of your pearl necklace ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you don’t like following tradition, don’t!
Black Pearl Necklace
If you can’t think of a necklace to pair with your party dress tonight, then a piece of black necklace should be the solution. Why, the reason is very simple, because the color of the necklace is easy to pair with many types of apparels and ornament. Thus you got varieties to go for these pieces like black diamond necklace, black pearl necklace, black choker necklace and black bead necklace. Somehow all kinds of colors look good with black. As such, you don’t have to worry whether the necklace is unmatched with your party clothes.
How many types of black necklaces offered in the market? Basically you can’t count the amount as they are really in mass quantity. Let’s take black pearl necklace as example; they are differentiating in terms of metal chain, types of pearls as well as the toppings. Therefore, if you feel uncomfortable with gold or silver type of necklaces; then black necklace is absolutely your pickings. Beside black pearl necklace, others like black onyx necklace and black bead necklace is also welcomed by women. Women wore them not only for evening occasions; perhaps they put them as daily ornament. A sophisticated design and texture of black bead necklace for example, is pairing well with nice tops like peasant blouses and cardigan sweaters. As far as concern, you don’t have to go for solid black color series of necklace; meanwhile you can also go for blend color series of black necklace like red black necklace, black and white necklace, blue black striped necklace etc. You can choose the best that you are comfortable with. Nevertheless the most important thing is you should go for the one that is matched your garments as well as your individual fashion style. No point you go for the one that dislike and also making you in bad mood for the day.
Black Onyx Necklace
This piece is basically available for formal and informal use. They look like “filled-diamond” which is come with different surfaces but not in transparent as diamonds. One of the great examples is Black Onyx and Silver Bead Necklace which is the gorgeous black necklace that is crafted with 10 mm black onyx beads. Moreover this beautiful piece is also topped with corrugated sterling silver beads. Moreover they are also completed with a silver ball clasp. The necklace is taken the length of 16 inches and black onyx bead diameter of 10mm. The piece looks perfectly with daily outfits like cardigans and sweaters. You can even match it with a pair of black onyx stud earrings.
Black Diamond Necklace
These types of black necklaces are quite common and I’m sure you might have one since the day you know the importance of necklaces. Like I said earlier, this type of black necklace is topped with different varieties and types of diamonds. It can be round cut, square cut or even princess cut depending on the pattern and designs of the necklace. However the selection of diamonds is also taking the value of each piece of them. Hence the piece can be crafted with any metal base like rose gold and white gold. A 25.00 ct of Black Diamond Necklace In 14kt White Gold for example, is my recommendation to you today. As far as concern, this exclusive black necklace is padded with the diamond’s hottest new shade and offers with spectacular shines. There is also 25.00 ct. t.w. of black 2.5-3mm diamonds molded inside this black diamond necklace in the form of faceted beads. Moreover they are featured with 14kt white gold clasp.
Black Bead Necklace
This type of necklace is the common piece for daily use. Like I said earlier, they can pair with many types of outfits and tops. Principally the multi-faceted beads are strung together in the black necklace and making it the sophisticated ornament that add your fashion style. It makes woman looks confidence and cool. A French black bead dangle necklace for example, is the great say for this type of jewelry item. As far as concern, they are developed from French wires which are able to offer a stunning look when you matching them with the right garment.
Colored Pearl Necklace – What Are Your Options?
The most traditional and classic type of pearl necklace is either pure white or cream. Although those colors are popular for good reason, if you want a more modern, edgy look you might try getting a colored pearl necklace instead. Fortunately, there are so many types of pearls that you’ll have a wide range of colors to choose from. Exotic Tahitian pearls, golden South Sea pearls, and cultured pink pearls are just some of the many choices available.
Tahitian pearls are known for their metallic colors, wonderful orient, and interesting ringed shape. If you want a black pearl necklace, these are the pearls for you! This type of pearl is also available in peacock (black/grey/green), aubergine (eggplant), bronze, and pistachio. Recent years have also seen the rise of the Tahitian chocolate pearl, a color made possible by a unique bleach and heat treatment process. These pearls are slightly more expensive, but always high quality.
South Sea pearls are not only the largest and most expensive pearls, but also the only pearls available in gold. These pearls tend to have a much softer, almost creamy luster when compared to Akoya pearls – something you’ll notice if you ever get the chance to compare white Akoya and South Sea pearls side by side. South Sea pearls have a thick nacre due partly to their size and partly to the strict quality imposed on them by the government.
Finally, freshwater pearls are the cheapest and most widely available option for colored pearls. Most freshwater pearls these days come from China but at one point the United States also had a thriving pearl industry. Because these pearls are mass-produced, you can expect to pay much less for them than for Akoya pearls of equivalent quality. Chinese pearl farms are constantly improving their technique, quality, and color selection.
Believe it or not, pink, lavender, bronze, and light green are all natural colors for freshwater pearls. This variety can also be dyed easily, so if you are looking for blue, deep purple, red, or any other color, you can be sure to find a colored pearl necklace to your liking.
I should note that other types of pearls are dyed as well, but many people in the industry feel that doing so is a waste and destroys the integrity and quality that many saltwater pearls are known for. You should also know that some companies will sell freshwater peacock pearls without mentioning that they are dyed. Before buying anything online, make sure to take a close look at the fine print! If you educate yourself and know exactly what you want, you’ll be able to find the perfect colored pearl necklace for you.
Choosing a Pink Pearl Necklace
Every woman should own a pearl necklace. In fact, every woman should own several pearl necklaces. Pearl necklaces come in a wide variety of styles so there is one for every woman and every occasion. Today, pearls are also available in many colors and pink pearls have become one of the most popular choices for jewelry. But which type of pink pearl necklace should you choose?
A pearl necklace is described by the length and by the size of the pearls. Over the years, various standard lengths have been named and they are traditionally worn in different contexts. Broadly, pearl necklaces can be divided into short, medium and long lengths.
Short pearl necklaces are very popular as they are affordable and can be worn with both casual and formal outfits. The two types of short necklace or the collar and the choker both of which fit snugly around the neck. Collars can be as short as 10 inches while chokers are usually between 14 and 16 inches.
Medium length pearl necklaces are the princess style, usually between 17 iand 19 inches long, and the matinee style, usually from 20 to 24 inches long. These necklaces will hang from below the neck to above the breasts. These lengths go well in formal situations and can be worn with business wear but they can also work with some casual outfits.
The long length pearl necklaces are most often worn in formal contexts and are traditionally worn as evening wear. They are the opera style and the pearl rope. The opera will range from 25 to 34 inches and the rope is any pearl necklace over 45 inches long. Both styles can be doubled over to create shorter multi-strand necklaces.
Pearl necklaces are also graded by the size of the pearls relative to each other. The most common style is referred to as uniform and this is a string of pearls of the same size. There is also a graduated style where the pearls on the string get larger towards the center so that when the necklace is worn the largest pearl is hanging down at the front of the necklace.
Necklaces are also measured by the size, quality and color of the pearls. As with all with jewelry, the bigger, better and more unique the pearls, the more the necklace will cost. However, as farmed pearls have made pearl jewelry more affordable, there is no reason why a woman should not have a selection of pearl necklaces for different occasions in her jewelry box.
A Single Pearl Necklace For Every Season
A pearl necklace makes a classic gift – timeless, elegant, and beautiful. However, the classic pearl necklace made of one or more strands of pearls can be quite pricey. A cheaper alternative would be a single pearl necklace, or pearl pendant. These delicate alternatives can be worn year round and, because there is only one pearl, are often very affordable. As a plus, there are so many different types of pearls on the market today that it’s easy to find the perfect necklace for every season.
Spring is a time when lighter colors and more feminine designs come to the forefront. It’s a time to be playful and have fun. Keeping that in mind, there are many pastel pearls available. Freshwater pearls come in pink and lavender, while Tahitians offer lighter colors such as pistachio. The key here is to choose a design that is simple and works even when current trends have gone.
Summer brings bolder, more exotic colors and often, tropical inspirations. It’s the perfect time for going to the beach after all. For bolder colors, look to Tahitians – they tend to have brilliantly colored pearls with many different overtone/body color combinations. Peacock, aubergine – even some rare blue pearls can be found here. Another option is to look for a golden South Sea pearl.
As fall comes closer, dramatic and often darker colors come into play. Brown, plum, and black are colors that are likely to be in style season after season. Why not try to find a chocolate Tahitian pearl? This will be a perfect fit for your fall wardrobe. Freshwater pearls also may be dyed brown and are very affordable. Tahitian black pearls may also be a good choice if you’d like a more exotic look. Wear any of these options and compliments are sure to follow.
In winter, colors such as silver and white – or anything that sparkles – often make an appearance at parties. For white pearls, the best options are Akoya or freshwater pearls. Akoya can be more expensive and often have a very sharp type of luster. Freshwater pearls, on the other hand, have a creamier type of luster and are generally comparable to Akoya in every way. A final option is to look for a silver South Sea pearl for your single pearl necklace. For even more flair, look for a pendant with other gems such as diamonds.
From the fun, light colors of spring, to the cool elegance of winter, pearls have it all. Whether you’d like a different necklace for each season or just want one that will last you the whole year, you really can’t go wrong with pearls. A single pearl necklace is the perfect way to add elegance and style to any outfit.
A Necklace Holder for Your Pearl Necklace
Did you ever have to get out the door and the pearl necklace you wanted to wear was all tangled up with your other necklaces. Well I have had this happen to me on one too many occasions and the last time the only way to get the necklace out was to cut another one. The two were just too tangled to get them apart.
No I did not cut them immediately. I went out with a different pearl necklace and then later after trying to untangle the two saw there was no other option. However after this incident I decided I needed to get a necklace holder no matter the cost. As one is certainly less expensive then losing my necklaces.
I got a necklace holder that sits atop my dresser and the necklaces are hung over different bars. This allows me to see the different necklaces I have while at the same time making certain that they stay in one piece and do not get tangled up.
While the most important benefit is the fact that my necklaces stay in one piece and do not get tangled amongst one another. A side benefit is the fact that I am able to glance at my necklaces while getting dressed and thus my choosing time is shortened. This helps me as I get out during my rushed mornings. Mornings are such a hectic time and having my necklaces on a necklace holder really diminishes the time.
Having a necklace holder helps keep my necklaces organized and tangle free, while also helping to make my mornings a bit less rushed. The necklace holder is also very nice aesthetically so it adds to the décor in the room.