Basic Rules for Wearing Pearl Jewelry | Hannoush Jewelers CT (2024)

Pearl jewelry has been making a comeback over the past few years. Once reserved for classic looks, pearls have been rediscovered for their versatility and sophistication. As more celebrities have been sporting pearl necklaces, these unique gemstones are being spotted outside of Hollywood as well.

Yet, not every piece of pearl jewelry is the same. While different sizes and colors offer some variation, there are certain rules recommended for wearing pearls.

Before trying the pearl trend, here’s what you should know.

Variations of Pearls

When you think of a pearl necklace or bracelet, you may picture each bead white or off-white in color and roughly the same size. However, some modern pearl jewelry strays from evenness:

• Natural & Asymmetrical: Most pearls generated in the wild are not perfectly spherical. Rather, you’ll spot elliptical or oval shapes more frequently – called baroque or conch pearls – and they often display a bit of texture. In turn, today’s pearl jewelry often makes use of these natural variations to create an asymmetrical or organic look.
• Color: It’s a common misconception that all pearls are white or slightly yellow. A wide spectrum of variation exists, from ivory tones to champagne hues and even shades of brown. Much like gemstones, it’s important to know which shades will complement your skin tone and which metals enhance their natural hue.

When and How to Wear Pearls

Dress codes for wearing pearls gradually broke down over the second half of the 20th century. However, certain style rules still stand, including for when and how to wear a pearl necklace:

• Daytime: If you’re headed to the office and the dress code is at least business casual, a single strand of pearls that falls along the collarbone or a pearl bracelet is appropriate. If you’re veering away from tradition, larger pearls can make a statement. For this time of day, pearls should serve as an accent, without overpowering the rest of your outfit.
• Casual: Although most don’t view pearl jewelry as casual fare, less-formal occasions are a chance to wear a longer or two-strand necklace. Also, pearl pendants, chokers, lariats and other less common pieces are better-suited to everyday wear.
• Formal Wear: Black-tie occasions call for your finest jewelry. As long as the pearls match your outfit, multistrand necklaces, as well as matching earrings and bracelets, are designed for such affairs. Just make sure to coordinate your jewelry, so your ensemble doesn’t have too many visual elements.
• With Other Jewelry: Unless you’re wearing a dark or bright yellow shade, pearls tend to serve as a neutral foundation. In turn, gemstones in saturated hues, like rubies or sapphires, pop against this baseline. At the same time, if you incorporate multiple stones, make sure all pieces use the same metal for consistency.

Pearl Necklace Lengths

Pearl necklaces come in a variety of lengths, which can be ideal for specific occasions:

• Choker: A choker necklace is 14 to 16 inches long and should fit right below the neck.
• Princess: These necklaces should reach no farther than the collarbone. At 17 to 19 inches long, princess necklaces are the most common for single-strand pearls.
• Matinee: Matinee necklaces are 22 to 24 inches in length and are ideal for daytime office wear.
• Opera: Opera necklaces are at least 30 inches long and work for more formal occasions.
• Rope: Anything longer than 35 inches qualifies. This length can be doubled over or knotted at the middle to elongate the torso.

Find classic freshwater and Tahitian pearl pendants at Hannoush Jewelers of Connecticut. Browse online or bring your search to one of our convenient locations today.