Choosing Your Pearl Necklace Length

Traditionally, different necklace lengths and sizes have been ascribed to particular age groups and attires. But the versatility of a pearl strand should not be limited by such rules, and should ultimately reflect the wearer's personal taste. Below you will find popular lengths and sizes of pearl strands, along with some of their more traditional guidelines for wear.

	The Pearl Collar ~ 12 to 13 inches Pearl collars are 12 - 13 inches long. They are usually made up of three or more strands and lie snugly on the middle of the neck. Pearl collars are an ideal complement to boat neck, V-neck, or off-the-shoulder fashions.
	The Pearl Choker ~ 14 to 16 inches A pearl choker is 14 - 16 inches long. This classic and versatile piece is appropriate with everything from casual to formal eveningwear, and complements almost any neckline. The perfect length to add subtle elegance to your workday paired with a button-down shirt, yet just as stylish with a cocktail dress.
	The Princess Necklace ~ 17 to 19 inches The princess necklace is 17 - 19 inches in length. The most common length for pearl necklaces, it is well suited for crew and high necklines. It also complements low, plunging necklines. Because 18 inches is considered the classic length for pearl necklaces, this is an excellent choice if you are not certain which strand length is most appropriate.
	The Matinee Necklace ~ 20 to 25 inches Pearl matinee necklaces are 20 - 25 inches long. The pearl matinee necklace is an ideal choice for casual or business attire. It looks best with high necklines and adds sophistication to a professional look. The matinee length is also very well suited for fancier wear such as long sundresses and formal gowns. The extra length of the matinee necklace gives the wearer a sense of luxury and confidence.
	The Opera Necklace ~ 26 to 36 inches The opera length necklace is 26 - 36 inches long and offers many attractive options. It can be worn as a single strand with high necklaces or doubled to create a fashionable two-strand choker. It can be knotted at the neckline or above the bust to create a stylish vintage look that is gaining popularity as a contemporary fashion trend. Traditionally, opera length necklaces are worn with eveningwear, although using them to accessorize more casual attire has become a fresh, cutting-edge fashion statement.
	The Pearl Rope ~ 37 inches or longer A pearl rope is 37 inches or longer. This luxurious length can be both elegant and sexy. It can be made with several clasps, enabling it to be broken down into different necklace and bracelet combinations, or doubled and even tripled to create a stunning multi-strand choker. This versatile length may also be tied in a knot for a charming modern look reminiscent of the height of 1920s flapper fashion. A very popular trend seen in high-fashion magazines today, pearl ropes can also be knotted and slung over the shoulder to accentuate the beauty of a backless dress.