A pearl necklace is a unique jewelry that introduces a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. There are different types of pearl necklaces on the market, which makes choosing difficult, especially if you have a varying personality.
Now, how can you quickly tell the quality of a pearl nacklace? In this article, we will discuss the best types of pearl necklaces, their qualities, and other factors to consider before buying.
What Does Pearl Necklace Mean?
Pearl necklaces are beautiful jewelries adorned for their versatility. This includes personal symbolic representations and cultural beliefs.
A pearl necklace can represent personal moments in people’s life, such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc. In some cultures, pearls are recognised as a symbol of loyalty, love, and commitment to one’s relationship. Their lustering white nature makes them fit as a symbol of beauty, purity, and innocence; while their longevity in terms of production and use, marks a symbol of wealth, success, and timelessness.
Best Types of Pearl Necklace
There are several types of pearl necklaces and they are categorised according to the type of pearls used in making them. Below are the four best pearl necklaces to choose from:
Freshwater Pearl Necklace
Freshwater pearl necklaces are made from pearls found in freshwaters like lakes, ponds, and rivers. They are grown by placing external irritants within a mollusk (mussel or clam). The mollusk then secrete layers of nacre around the irritant, which could take a few years to mature into pearls.
Akoya Pearl Necklace
For a mix of affordability and quality, this is the best pearl necklace to buy. Akoya pearl necklaces are made from high-end luxury saltwater pearls, harvested from the famous Pinctada fucata. The pearls are formed by inserting equal sized beads or nucleus into an oyster; hence its perfectly round shape.
South Sea Pearl Necklace
Of all saltwater pearls, this is the biggest and most valuable. The size of these pearls can be traced to the oysters in which they were formed. White and silver south sea pearls are grown in silver lip oysters while the ultra-valuable gold south sea pearls are grown in Pinctada maxima. Necklaces made out of south sea pearls have soft luster due to the high amount of aragonite platelets within the pearl.
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Tahitian Pearl Necklace
Tahitian pearls are often called “black pearls” due to their unique color formation. They are the first naturally formed black pearls and this is as a result of the effervescent color within the oyster’s shell (Black lip). Tahitian pearl necklaces have exceptionally thick nacre that makes it hard for light rays to reflect through them.
Best Types of Pearl Necklace Style to Buy
Here are different types of pearl necklaces to select from:
- Baroque Pearl Necklace
This is an irregularly shaped necklace that comes in a vast range of color, size, and shape. When it comes to making bold fashion statements, this is the best type of pearl necklace. Baroque pearl necklaces have a thick texture coupled with dented ridges that refracts light from multiple angles.
- Pearl Choker
This is a well-fitted necklace worn directly above the bottom of the neck. Pearl chokers are fashion staples from the early 90’s and they have made a comeback in recent years to become a trend for making bold fashion statements.
- Pearl Station Necklace
This is otherwise known as “floating pearl necklace”. It features a blend of gold chain and pearls seated at specific angles. The gold chain serves as a strand that helps to hold each of the pearls in place. The pearl station necklace is a lightweight piece that’s quite versatile and easy to pair with modern outfits.
- Single Strand Pearl Necklace
This is the most conventional style for pearl necklaces. It is a subtle piece that conveys a message of confidence and style. The minimalist type blends perfectly with both casual and formal outfits.
- Pearl Multi-layer Necklace
Just like the name, this necklace consists of silk threads, connecting the pearl’s drill holes. These multiple strands are either attached as a single jewelry piece or layered separately around the neck. Pearls like these are suitable for special events as they’ll make you stand out from the crowd.
- Pearl Pendant Necklace
This features an elegant pearl attached to a single layer of metal chain. The pearl sits right at the middle of the chest, as a pendant. The pendant draws focus to the neckline and it is better worn without layering.
- Pearl Drop Necklace
This is quite similar to a pearl pendant necklace. The difference is that the pearl is a bit elongated below the chest to form a lariat style. The beauty of this necklace becomes much evident when paired with outfits that expose the chest area.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Perfect Pearl Necklace
Putting into consideration the vast amount of pearl necklaces out there, you might run into a brick wall while trying to choose the perfect one. Here are key factors to help you scale through.
Selecting the Specific Type of Pearl
Every piece of pearl necklace is unique and has its own way of complimenting a user’s style. One thing that can’t go wrong is selecting necklaces that conforms with your personal style.
Pearl Necklace Quality and Luster
How can you quickly tell the quality of a pearl necklace? A quick way to determine a pearl’s quality is through its luster. Luster helps you know whether or not a pearl was harvested early. The ones harvested early have a low nacre build up, hence the dull reflection, and vice versa.
Choosing the Right Pearl Size
The size of a pearl necklace can influence the outcome of an outfit. From single strand minimalist pearls to bold chunky baroque ones, the difference is always glaring. Pearl sizes are measured in millimetres and their mass often depends on the oyster’s size.
Choosing the Right Pearl Necklace Length
Pearl necklaces come in various lengths and they are often measured in inches. The focal point of consideration should be your neckline, style, and outfit. So, what is the best length for a pearl necklace? Check it out:
| Name | Length |
| Choker | 14-16 inches |
| Princess Necklace | 17-19 inches |
| Opera Necklace | 26-35 inches |
| Pearl Rope | 36 inches and above |
Matching Pearl Necklace with Occasions
Some pearl necklaces can be matched with any outfit while others are better reserved for specific occasions. A single stranded pearl necklace will go with any casual outfits, but when it’s time to make bold statements at important events, a chunky piece of choker will do justice.
Matching Pearl Necklace with Skin Tone
Pearl necklace colors are vast with a range of variations to select from. Learning how to match these colors with your skin will definitely boost the aesthetic value of your costume. Lighter pearls such as white, peach, or cream, blend with fair skin tones. Gold and other exotic colors work with dark skin tones.
Considering Your Preference and Budget
Choose an option that’s within your budget. The price of your preferred pearl necklace can sometimes be way out of budget. Pearl prices range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. There’s a pearl always available to everyone regardless of their budget.
How Much is a Real Pearl Necklace Worth – By Pearl Types
How much is a real pearl necklace worth? Pearl necklaces can either be dirt cheap or worth a fortune, it all depends on the type of pearl you prefer.
- Freshwater Pearl Necklaces: $200 – $5,000, or even more.
- Akoya Pearl Necklaces: $200 – $15,000, or even more.
- Tahitian Pearl Necklaces: $500 – $15,000, or even more.
- South Sea Pearl Necklaces: $5000 – $100,000, or even more.
How to Care for Pearl Necklace?
- Wipe each piece of the pearls gently with a damp soft cloth.
- Do not store pearls in metal cases; it can introduce scratch marks to the pearl’s surface.
- Don’t deep the necklace in water for too long, as it will weaken the thread.
- Wear pearl necklaces with non-abrasive clothings to avoid potential scratches.
Conclusion
A good pearl necklace can be relatively cheap. At the same time, it can be costly, depending on your preference. There are 4 types of pearl necklaces – Freshwater, Akoya, Southsea, and Tahitian. Each of them are really good but differ in quality, size, price, and lustre. It’s essential that you know their characteristics before making a decision on which to buy.
