Necklace Lengths

Necklace Lengths

If you are reading this, you may be interested in pearls but unsure what type of necklace to get. Most necklaces will be described by length - i.e. an 18" diamond pendant - but pearl necklaces are different in that they have specific names for each type. Now if you look online most retailers will include the length in their descriptions but knowing what you are looking for before you start will help you narrow down your search.

The shortest length is called a collar. A pearl collar generally contains 2 or more strands (often 3 or more) and sits right in the middle of your neck. The length should be 12-13 inches long. This is a very Victorian style (remember chokers that sat at the middle of the neck were popular then) but it is still a very popular choice. Pearl collars will go well with any style that shows off the neck or shoulders.

The longest, type of necklace is the pearl rope. A rope is technically anything over 36 inches long, but is generally used to refer to a necklace that is 45 inches longer or more. These are reserved for the most formal of events - you may see celebrities wearing them on the red carpet, for example. This look is dramatic and elegant, though it may also be doubled or knotted, giving it the same versatility as the opera. You may also consider getting a convertible necklace which may allow you to shorten your necklace or even wear part of it as a bracelet.

Necklace Lengths