Pearl Necklace Lengths

Pearl Necklace Lengths

A favourite of women for centuries, the pearl necklace holds a key place in any jewellery box. There are so many different occasions to wear pearl jewellery and many styles of pearl necklace lengths to choose from. Depending on the look that is desired, whether it is fine jewellery for a formal occasion, wedding jewellery, the office or casually at the weekend, here is a short guide on how to choose the best length for a pearl necklace.

THE COLLAR NECKLACE


The collar necklace is about 30 to 33cm in length and is typically made of smaller 5mm diameter pearls that are worn in three or four strands. This elegant necklace sits snugly around the neck. The pearl collar is typically worn as evening or bridal jewellery and can be matched with a multi-strand bracelet. A pearl collar necklace with lustrous white pearls will look amazing with an off-the-shoulder black dress.



THE CHOKER NECKLACE


A choker is about 35 to 42cm in length and is often made with slightly larger pearls that are more than 9mm in diameter. The pearl choker lies just over the collarbone, complementing the neckline and can be worn in the evening or in the office for an eye-catching contemporary appearance.



THE PRINCESS NECKLACE


A princess necklace, of about 43 to 49cm in length, is the classic and most popular length for a pearl necklace. Pearls of all sizes, shapes and colours work well with the princess necklace length, which lies about two centimetres below the collarbone. This everyday necklace is incredibly versatile, being perfect for an evening out or it can be worn simply with jeans. It can be made with Freshwater, Akoya, Tahitian or South Sea pearls.



THE OPERA NECKLACE


An opera necklace is about 65 to 90cm in length, with the extra length over the princess necklace giving a more casual and modern style. As a single strand it lies about halfway towards the waist or, if looped over the head, it can resemble a pearl choker.



THE SAUTOIR


The sautoir necklace, also known as a long rope necklace, is 95 cm in length or more. Worn as a single strand, the pearl sautoir can reach the waist and has a style reminiscent of the 1920s. The sautoir is also one of the most versatile pearl necklaces as it can be looped around the neck up to three times or can be worn knotted at the front. With the current fashion for layering jewellery, the pearl sautoir is one of our most popular items.


There are many ways to wear pearls. Read more about Buying a Pearl Necklace here.

Image Credits:

Copyright of Winterson

Sophie Breitmeyer for Fyodor Golan

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