A pearl necklace is one of the most elegant and sought after pieces of jewellery in any chic wardrobe. The key to pull off a fabulous look lies in the necklace length, the type of pearls you choose, and the occasion. Here are a few styling tips that could be helpful when you’re in the mood for pearls!
Choose the right pearl necklace length
A strand of pearls can come in different lengths. A choker pearl necklace (14-16”) works very well with V-neck, boat neck and off-the-shoulder styles, and is great for both casual and formal occasions. A princess pearl strand measures between 17 and 19 inches long and is best known for its classic style at 18 inches. A white pearl necklace made with round akoya or freshwater pearls is truly timeless. You can easily wear it with a casual polka dots jumper or an evening gown for a touch of elegance.
A long pearl necklace in either opera or rope length evokes a sexy and trendy feel like no other. Pearls, together with feathers, fringe and flapper dress were the iconic fashion pieces that roared the 1920s. Create a Gatsby inspired party look by donning yourself in a 36” opera length pearl necklace. Tie a small knot half-way down the necklace to add a fun element to your outfit. If you’re in a more adventurous mood, drape your necklace at your back when wearing an open back dress. The beautiful lustre of the pearls enhances the glamour of your gown, creating a show-stealing ensemble.
Which type of pearls should I go for?
Freshwater pearl necklaces are an excellent choice for both casual and formal attire. Compared to the other saltwater cultured pearls, they’re more affordable, and available in an array of natural pastel colours that can be worn in all seasons. A multi-coloured freshwater pearl necklace in natural pink, lavender and peach is a wonderful piece that flatters any skin tone. Alternatively, a natural coloured pearl necklace with Biwa pearls creates a chic and contemporary look for your outfit. As their colours are deeper and more metallic, the pearl necklace has a much more exotic feel to it.
When choosing colours, make sure you avoid those colour-treated pearls. Freshwater pearls in dark shades, such as grey, black, cherry, purple or any other bright colours are all dyed and will fade gradually over time and lose their lustre.
If you’re looking for a statement piece that is feminine yet fun, a freshwater baroque pearl necklace is a perfect option for a modern day fashionsita. Unlike typical round and other symmetrical shapes, baroque pearls are irregularly shaped. Each pearl can have a unique shape that is eye-catching. It pairs very well with any outfit and can be worn every day.
For a formal occasion, you may want to consider something extra special to go with your beautiful gown or evening dress. A prized pearl necklace with akoya, South Sea and Tahitian pearls is an ultimate piece for luxury, creating a sumptuous feminine look.
Finally, don’t compromise on the quality of pearls. When choosing a pearl necklace, look for pearls that have an intense lustre. The intensity and sharpness of the light reflected from a pearl is a very important indicator of its value. Poor quality pearls with a dull and a dim reflection do not have the long-lasting beauty. Head over to How to Buy Good Quality Pearls for more buying tips.
*image: Baroque Pearl Necklace
