Pearl Necklace

It is interesting to note that pearl necklaces make up nearly 55 percent of all cultured pearl jewelry purchases. There are numerous standard pearl necklace lengths and styles for a woman to choose from for her wardrobe needs. The lengths range from 12 inches to over 45 inches and the styles worn are traditional, layered, twisted, wrapped and knotted. The most common pearl necklace length is 18 inches and this length best compliments a short or long neck, any fashion style, and is an essential size for any woman’s wardrobe.

Gallery of Pearls provides a general chart to guide you through the process of selecting a pearl necklace. The six lengths for pearl necklaces are: collar, choker, princess, matinee, opera and rope, and are selected based upon how the length will be displayed, the occasion, and the types of clothes worn.

Length	Name	How the Length is Displayed	Typical Event or Clothing Selected
12-13 inches	Collar	One necklace of 3 or more strands of pearls, worn tight around mid neckline	Evening wear. boat neck, V neck, or off the shoulder tops and dresses.
14-16 inches	Choker	Single strand worn snug around the neckline, drops at or just below collarbone.	Casual to formal wear. Button down shirt, jeans, sweaters, or a cocktail dress.
17-19 inches	Princess	Single strand worn loose around the neckline, drops inch or two below collarbone. Most popular length 18”	Casual, business or formal wear. Button down shirt, suit, cocktail dress.
20-24 inches	Matinee	Single strand worn for longer necklines, drops near upper bust line	Casual, business, or formal wear. Deep V-neck, long sundresses, formal gowns.
28-34 inches	Opera	Worn as single strand or doubled as two strand choker, single strand drops near mid bust	Casual, business or formal wear depending on how it’s worn. Crew neck, turtlenecks, eveningwear.
40+ inches	Rope	Worn as single strand or double or triple strand choker, can be knotted or looped	Mostly formal wear. Also compliments a deep V backed open dress.