Pearl Necklaces

Necklaces are categorized two ways: by relative sizes of the pearls on the strand, and by the length of the strand. When it comes to the relative sizes, pearls necklaces are classified as either uniform or graduated.

Relative Pearl Size

In a uniform pearl necklace, all of the pearls are classified as having the same size, but in actuality can vary slightly, just as long as they fall in the same range. For example, a uniform strand of Akoya pearls, must measure within 0.5 mm. So a strand might have pearls varying in size from 6.5 to7 mm. Freshwater pearls, Tahitian pearls, and South Sea pearls can all vary by up to 1 millimeter and still be considered uniform.

A graduated strand of pearls usually varies 3 or more millimeters from the center to the ends of the necklace. These became popular in the United States just after World War II when soldiers returning from Japan brought back such necklaces as they were more affordable than uniform strands.

Strand Length

Pearl necklaces are also classified by their lengths. Rather than specifying by the measurement, pearl necklaces have a special name for each length:

An example of a pearl collar, this one made from braided strands
This necklace is available at PearlsOfJoy.com

Pearl Collar

This type of pearl necklace is measures 10 to 13 inches in length. It should wrap around the neck snugly and not hang down at all. Typically a collar has multiple strands of pearls. These were popular during the Victorian era, but are still worn often today.

An example of a pearl choker
This necklace is available at PearlsOfJoy.com

Pearl Choker

The pearl choker is a type of pearl necklace that is 14 to 16 inches long and hangs just to the base of the neck.

An example of a princess sytle pearl necklace
This necklace is available at PearlsOfJoy.com

Princess Style Pearl Necklace

A princess pearl necklace is the most common type of pearl necklace. It is 17 to 19 inches long and should hang to just below the collar bone.

An example of a matinee style pearl necklace
This necklace is available at PearlsOfJoy.com

Matinee Style Pearl Necklace

Matinee necklaces are pearl necklaces that hang to just above the breasts. They are usually 20 to 24 inches long. Traditionally this style is for semi-formal occasions. It is often worn with suits and dresses

Opera Style Necklace

The Opera necklace is a pearl necklace that is about 28 to 35 inches long and hangs down to the sternum. It is intended for formal occasions and is usually worn with an evening dress.

An example of a pearl rope. This one
has been looped over several times.
This necklace is available at PearlsOfJoy.com

Pearl Rope

A pearl rope is any necklace longer than 45 inches. These are often worn in multiple loops or sometimes even knotted. Some may actually be made of smaller necklaces joined by like clasps.

Pearl Bib

This type of pearl necklace is a collection of strands with varying lengths.