The Pearl Strand - Both Classic & Modern

One of the wonderful gifts of humanity is our personal taste. Although tradition has also embraced the pearl strand, today's woman can just as easily add her own personal flare and fashion to this piece. How you wear a pearl strand is not limited by fashion, it is truly only limited by your imagination. Long strands can be worn as necklaces, doubled over, or even flung across the back to give a unique and sensual look. Below are a list of the different lengths of pearl strands and the way they are usually worn. Remember, this is just to get you started; you can also use your own creativity to come up with something that makes you shine.

THE PEARL COLLAR - 12-13 inches

Usually comprised of 3 or more strands, the pearl collar should fit snugly on the middle of the neck. This elegant and luxurious design traditionally complements V-necks and boat necks the best.

THE PEARL CHOKER - 14-16 inches

The pearl choker is wonderful because of its classical yet versatile design. This design seems to complement almost any wardrobe and neckline you choose, from casual to evening wear.

THE PRINCESS NECKLACE - 17-19 inches

This length of strand is the most common among pearl necklaces. Crew and high necklines benefit from its look. If you are unsure what length to buy, many choose this length because of its classic elegance.

Color

Although certainly a matter of personal taste, the color of a pearl can be important too. Cultured pearls come is almost any color from white to black, including yellow, blue, and rose. It has long been thought that rose and white pearls complement fair skinned women best while gold and cream-colored pearls complement darker skinned women best.

THE MATINEE NECKLACE - 20-24 inches

The matinee length is great for casual and business attire while it can also be worn beautifully with evening wear. The matinee length especially complements high necklines.

THE OPERA NECKLACE - 30-36 inches

You have many options when wearing an opera length pearl necklace. You can wear it as a single strand, a double strand, or even knotted at the neck. A refined classic, this length is also the cutting edge of fashion, with wearing experimenting new looks.

THE ROPE NECKLACE - Over 36 inches

A rope necklace with mystery clasps may give you the most choices of any length. Many different necklace and even bracelet combinations can be experimented with. Worn as a single strand it exudes elegance and taste.

The Ultimate Gift - A Treasure From the Sea

Pearls have been given as special gifts for thousands of years. They have represented everything from purity and love to friendship. Given as a gift today, pearls are appropriate for any occasion you want to give something special that will be cherished for years to come.

Traditionally, pearls have been associated with love. This is still true today, as any man who has given his wife or girlfriend a pearl can attest. However, more and more friends and colleagues are also giving the gift of pearls to express their friendship and appreciation to the recipient.

The relationship between weddings and pearls is one that has been cemented in tradition and is still very much alive today. White pearls show off the bride in all her beauty and also make great gifts for the bridesmaids. Other important occasions such as sweet sixteen, graduation, Valentine's Day, birthdays, and anniversaries all invite the gift of pearls.

A gift of pearls is also appropriate for times of celebration such as a job promotion or other milestone. Beautiful pearl designs can be found in many price ranges, making the gift of pearls a wonderful, yet affordable gift.