by Jona Sim
Choosing a pearl necklace begins with understanding how a pearl is formed. This precious ’stone’ is born from the formation of nacre within an oyster. With the class and elegance that a pearl necklace brings, there is little wonder why this piece of accessory is highly sought-after by women the world over.
There are different types and grades of pearls: from the rare and naturally formed pearls to the popular cultivated pearls and finally, the cheaper variation - synthetic pearls. It is often difficult to tell the difference between natural and cultured pearls unless you have a trained eye. Spherical, symmetrical and baroque are three main shapes of pearls. Spherical pearls are round in shape and are the most popular of choice. Symmetrical pearls tend to be oval, button or teardrop shaped while baroque pearls are irregularly shaped and can come in the form resembling sticks or even crosses.
Pearls come in 3 main shapes - round or spherical, symmetrical and baroque. If you’re looking for the perfect pearl necklace, it is important to familiarize yourself it’s various shapes. Spherical pearls are the most familiar and popular while symmetrical pearls include oval shaped, button and drop pearls. And finally, baroque pearls comprise all other shapes that cannot be categorized as round or symmetrical. These pearls, for example, can resemble sticks, crosses, etc.
When choosing a pearl necklace, it is critical to select a length that flatters your age, neck shape and length, and physique. Shorter necklaces tend to suit long necks while long necklaces help to elongate the neck (for people with short necks). The collar-type necklace is the shortest at 10 to 13 inches long while the longest - rope - can be more than 37 inches in length. If you’re looking for a necklace to suit almost anyone, then one between 18 and 24 inches long will do.
Collar necklaces are the shortest to be found and can easily be used for both evening and casual wear. Typically worn high and above the base of the neck while chokers are worn around the base of the neck and range from 16 to 18 inches in length. One of the most popular lengths for a pearl necklace is the princess, which comes in 17 to 20 inches lengths and can be worn with almost any type of neckline.
If you’re choosing a pearl necklace to wear with corporate or business outfits, or for semi-formal events, then the matinee length is ideal. The rule-of-thumb goes that people with short necks should wear necklaces that sit at least 2 inches below the collarbone while people with longer necks should wear necklaces that sit at the base of the neck.
One of the world’s highest quality pearls, renown for their beauty and brilliance, are cultivated by Mikimoto. With fans from the British and Japanese royal families, a high-grade Mikimoto pearl necklace has been known to have an almost mirror-like reflective quality.
Beautiful black, gray and green-black pearls are known as Tahitian pearls, named after the island of Tahiti. These are grown from black-lipped oysters and how to buy a pearl necklace made of Tahitian pearls is to look out for their luster, clarity and mirror-like sheen as well as for any flaws like discoloration, spots, scratches, bumps and other irregularities.
A couple of pearl necklace buying tips include buying a set with a pearl necklace, earrings and bracelet or ring. This will increase the probability of you scoring a discount on your jewelry. Another way to buy a pearl necklace on a budget is to try finding an original supplier. Although these suppliers usually prefer to sell in large quantities, you may try to find people who are willing to combine their purchases with you so that you can all enjoy discounted rates on your timeless accessories.
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Choosing a
pearl necklace that suits the wearer requires an understanding of the different types of pearls, how to distinguish the high grades from the flawed, and necklaces that flatter different types of necks and body compositions. We have the information to help you choose a piece of
pearl necklace that’s just right for you.