How to Wear Pearl Necklace?

Long gone are the days when pearl necklaces were reserved solely for fancy gatherings or nights at the opera. As an expert in jewelry, I've seen a renewed interest in pearls lately — people who love fashion are embracing their timeless appeal and classic elegance. 

These shiny beads aren't just for those born with silver spoons. They're showing up on department store shelves and even strutting down runways and red carpets, too.

We'll help you make wearing a pearl necklace feel easy. What size should you get? What shape? And how can one piece work both with that white blouse for morning meetings as well as cocktails afterward? Join us while we learn all about these treasures together!

Types of Pearls and Pearl Necklaces

No one-size-fits-all approach works for wearing a pearl necklace. If you want to match your style, you have to choose the right kind of pearls and necklace style from among the many options available. 

Let's look at different types of pearls and pearl necklaces so that when it comes time for you to make a decision, armed with information!

Natural vs. Cultured Pearls

When it comes to buying pearls, you might come across the terms "natural" and "cultured." Understanding the distinction between these two types can help you make an informed choice.

Natural Pearls

Natural pearls are rare treasures that happen on their own inside oysters or mollusks. They develop when something like a grain of sand gets inside the creature's shell. 

Over time, layers of nacre build up around the irritant until, eventually, a pearl is formed. Because they're so hard to find and each one looks different (they're not perfectly round), natural pearls are very expensive and highly valued by collectors.

Cultured Pearls

Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are created with a little help from humans. A specialist carefully inserts either a bead or a small piece of tissue inside an oyster. This encourages pearl production in the same way as before. 

The result – known as a cultured pearl – has reliable size, shape, and color characteristics. It will look similar to others produced in this fashion rather than be unique like its naturally occurring counterparts. 

Cultured examples tend to be cheaper than those found growing wild because there isn't such rarity involved here, either.

Variety of Shapes: Round to Baroque

When talking about pearl necklaces, one of the things that determine how they will appear and the style they'll have is the shape of the pearls. They come in different shapes, ranging from round to baroque, and each has its uniqueness:

Round: If a pearl is round, just as the name suggests, it's referred to as a round pearl. They are liked by many people and are considered the classic ones. Hence, they can be used in any design that an individual chooses.

Oval: An oval pearl is described as one that is slightly round in a way that elongates on the sides. To some people, it's something new that modern designers have brought as they make jewelry that looks unique.

Drop: This one can be easily remembered because it takes after its name – drop. A drop pearl looks like a teardrop that is wider at the top and then narrows downwards.

Button: A button pearl is almost similar to a round pearl, but not all sides are completely rounded – one side is somehow flattened. Depending on what you prefer, you can request your designer to give you one that has more than one flat surface for a perfect look.

Baroque: This category has pearls that are not the same shape as others. In most cases, no two of them will have a similarity in terms of shape or even how smooth they are. Some look like they have been stretched, while others might have some sharp angles on part of their surface.

Coin: A coin pearl resembles a coin - flat and usually circular. It's not limited to being wide all through. Some are a bit oval-shaped.

Rice: Rice pearls are somehow similar to oval-shaped ones, but compared to them, they are smaller, and their ends are a bit more pointed.

Color Palette: From Classic White to Exotic Black

Pearl necklaces are not only white. There are different colors of pearls available. This means we can choose from a variety of colors that we may not have realized existed.

Classic White: These are the ones we all know – shiny white. They can be worn with almost anything, formal or casual.

Soft Pink: Light pink ones which are very pretty. They give a subdued vibe, which means they are fancy but also a bit sweet.

Champagne: Light brownish gold ones named after a type of fizzy drink. If you want something that goes with everything but is also a bit different, these are perfect for you.

Lavender: Exactly the color of lavender flowers. They are not common, although people still choose them as their style.

Exotic Black: These pearls are not light and shiny — they're a deep black instead. People think they may be rare or even magic.

Multicolor: Pearls that have more than one hue on the same bead. Such a fun yet graceful choice.

Styles of Necklaces: Chokers to Long Strands

For whatever event or preference you have, pearl necklaces come in an array of styles. From short chokers to long strings of pearls, each style has its appeal.

Choker

Chokers are short necklaces that wrap tightly around the throat; most measure between 14-16 inches. They lend elegance and class to any look — formal events or evening wear especially suits these pieces.

Princess

About 18 inches long, princess-length necklaces fall just below the collarbone. It's not surprising they're considered 'just right' since this versatile style can be worn casually or dressed up a bit. Everyday wearers often opt for one!

Matinee

Matinee necklaces, which measure from 20 to 24 inches, can add a touch of elegance and sophistication when draped against the skin. They look great with business clothing or formal outfits.

Opera

Opera necklaces are much longer – about twice as long (28 to 36 inches) – and fall to the center of your chest or even lower if you prefer. This extra length gives you more options for wearing them: wear one strand only or double up on strands!

Longer Strands

Longer than opera necklaces are extra-long ones that measure over 36″ in length. These versatile pieces can be worn in multiple ways, including wrapping them several times around your neck like scarves. They make an effortlessly chic look by letting ends drape over shoulders or back, too.

How to Wear Pearl Necklace

Having acquainted yourself with pearl necklace shapes, colors, and lengths, it is now time to discover how best to wear such pieces with poise and panache. Let us walk you through multiple methods or suggestions on how to pull off these accessories confidently for maximum impact:

Choose the Right Length

Pearl necklaces come in many varieties of lengths, and each one enhances an outfit differently and fits different occasions. A 14-16 inch pearl necklace, called a choker length, is versatile. You can wear it casually or for dressier affairs.

The classic choice is a 17-19 inch princess-length necklace, which suits business clothes and eveningwear equally well. There are many interesting options available at White Victoria. For example, you can choose this classic 12.0-14.0mm White Freshwater Pearl Necklace.

Opera-length strands (26-36 inches) add drama. You can double them up if desired. These pieces are perfect if you're heading to an important event and wearing your best gown. But they have a higher price tag, too. Take, for example, this 14.0-15.0mm Pearl & Diamond Lavalier Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold.

Choosing the right strand length helps make your entire ensemble look good by adding balance and proportion where needed.

Consider the Size of the Pearls

The size of its pearls influences the overall appearance of your necklace. Smaller pearls, which measure roughly 7 to 9mm in diameter, are seen as more customary and can be worn every day or for professional events. For example, this 4.5-9.0mm White Freshwater Pearl Mermaid's Tears Pendant in 18K Gold will match any outfit – from a T-shirt to any dress!

Larger pearls (10mm or greater) demand attention and are best reserved for special occasions if you want them to dominate an ensemble. Here, you can opt for this beautiful 10.0-12.0mm Multicolor Tahitian Pearl Necklace. Promise us, and you'll make an impression! 

Match the Pearls to Your Skin Tone

When it comes to pearls, color matters – especially when selecting a hue that suits your skin tone, so darker-skinned beauties should go for white pearls with a warm undertone or even cream and gold pearls to bring out their inner glow. Just imagine how beautiful this 9.0-10.0mm Lavender Freshwater Pearl Necklace will look on bronze skin!

Lighter-skinned lovelies can opt for these hues, too, but could also consider black Tahitian pearls for an extra edge. For example, this option - 9.0-12.0mm Blue-grey Tahitian Pearl Necklace – may be your go-to! They pop no matter what!

Keep It Simple

If you want to show off large or long pearls, it's often best not to wear too much other jewelry. You may want your pearl necklace to be noticed most of all: don't compete with other bold pieces. 

Try just small earrings or a fine bracelet that won't grab attention from your pearls but will still go nicely with them.

Layer with Other Necklaces

Consider giving your pearl necklace a modern twist by wearing it alongside other necklaces or chains in different styles. This method adds depth and excitement to your outfit. 

Start with a shorter choker-length pearl necklace before adding longer chains or even another pearl necklace but in a completely different size. Please make sure the overall combination has some form of consistency, be it color or material, so as not to look too haphazard.

Mix with Other Materials

By combining pearls with materials such as chains, beads, or gemstones, you can make something wholly original. Doing this gives your wardrobe a creative touch that is adaptable, too. 

Put simply, mixing metals and other elements with pearls opens up many style possibilities for you.

For example? Wear a pearl necklace next to a leather choker or gold chain – doing this brings these pieces into the now and makes them less dressy overall, so they're better suited to everyday outfits.

The Pearl Necklace in Fashion and Personal Style

Whether you're dressing up or going casual, pearl necklaces are such a good accessory to have in your jewelry box. They can be worn with jeans and a shirt just as easily as they can be with an evening dress – so pearl necklaces are always worth considering when putting outfits together.

Celebrities often wear pearls too – and they give us lots of inspiration about how we might wear ours… Here are a few style lessons from the A-list:

One idea? Try adding something shiny to your necklace - say, a beautiful pendant. It'll catch the eye even more than your pearls do! (And depending on what you pick - it could convey something special about you, too.)

 

Another idea: Don't focus only on the front of your necklace; instead, find one that has a decorative clasp at the nape of your neck - so pretty!

Finally, if these ideas still haven't convinced you, maybe this will: There's no rule saying pearls have to look serious or old-fashioned. Mix them with anything from t-shirts to embellished gowns (like some celebs do), and suddenly, these beauties seem fresh—or even kind of edgy.

Conclusion

Pearls have returned to the center stage and are poised to enhance your style. No matter if you choose a classic necklace or up-to-date layered design, or even one that is longer and more eye-catching, there's a pearl necklace for every fashion occasion or taste. 

By learning about different kinds of pearls, trying out varied necklace lengths and styles, and experimenting with clothing pairings, anyone can become an expert at wearing them naturally. So why not enjoy feeling smartly dressed by donning some lovely pearls?

FAQs

Can I wear my pearl necklace all the time?

Although pearls are tough, don't risk wearing them daily, or they could get damaged. Give your jewelry a longer life by swapping it with others now and again.

Is it OK to sleep with a pearl necklace?

It's not good practice as it might tangle or snap. Take off necklaces before bed for safekeeping.

How long does a pearl necklace last?

By taking good care of it, a pearl necklace might be usable for many years – or even handed down to your children. To keep the pearls in good condition, clean them gently with a soft cloth every so often, and don't expose them to anything harmful or handle them crudely.

Do pearl necklaces need to be cleaned?

Absolutely! If you decide to remove them, remember to take a soft material and gently cleanse every individual bead. This process will eliminate anything, such as scents or beauty products, that could damage its appearance.

How can I wear pearls without looking old-fashioned?

In order to stay away from looking too old-fashioned, experiment with asymmetrical patterns or add metals and gemstones to pearls when wearing them. You can also wear different lengths at once or with casual attire to give a modern touch.