Pearl necklaces capture classic, timeless elegance like no other accessory. But with so many options on the market, how do you narrow down your search to find the pearl necklace of your dreams? This comprehensive guide has everything you need to become a pearl pro.
We‘ll explore the unique pearl types, quality factors to look for, top jewelry brand recommendations, care tips and commonly asked questions. Read on for insider secrets to finding a show-stopping pearl necklace you‘ll treasure for years.
A Primer on Pearl Varieties
Not all pearls are created equal. Before falling head over heels for a pearl strand, it helps to understand the different pearl types available. The four main categories are:
Akoya Pearls
Akoya pearls originate from Akoya oysters found in Japan and China. They are prized for their classic white coloration and flawless spherical shape. Akoya pearls also showcase an exceptionally bright, mirror-like luster. Strand sizes range from 5mm-10mm. Their smaller size makes them perfect for dainty necklaces.
Tahitian Pearls
Tahitian pearls hail from French Polynesia. Their claim to fame? Unique darker hues like grey, green, blue and black. Rather than round, they form in oval, drop and baroque shapes, amplified by their supersized proportions. Tahitian pearl sizes span 9mm-18mm.
South Sea Pearls
South Sea pearls grow in Australia‘s and Indonesia’s warm waters inside larger oysters. That allows them to develop into some of the world’s largest pearl varieties at 10mm-20mm. Most retain a bright white color, while others exhibit a shimmering golden hue.
Freshwater Pearls
As their name suggests, freshwater pearls grow in rivers and lakes, mainly in China. Their wide habitat range translates to greater affordability. Freshwater pearls delight with their diversity of pastel pink, peach, lavender and white overtones. They also come in a mix of round, rice-shaped and coin profiles. Strand sizes are typically 5mm-13mm.
The Mark of Exquisite Pearls: What to Look For
Now that you have the lay of the pearl landscape, what should you look for when assessing individual pearls? Focus on the following quality markers:
Lustrous Glow
A pearl’s luster indicates how well light reflects off its surface. Premium pearls will showcase a bright sheen that emerges from within. Judge luster by examining pearls under different lighting. Superior pearls dazzle regardless of the light source.
Beware of dull, chalky strands with inconsistent shine. Subpar luster signals lower nacre thickness and quality. Always check lustrousness across the entire necklace for an accurate gauge.
Smooth Surface
Run a finger gently over each pearl, checking for any irregularities. Higher grade pearls will feel smooth and silky without any bumps, pits, chips or cracks. An uneven texture usually lowers a pearl‘s value significantly.
Spherical Shape
Round and symmetrical pearls are the cream of the crop. Notice if your strand features exactly matched spheres or slight shape variations like oval and button silhouettes. Perfectly round pearls are rare and require top grading.
That said, baroque and unique shapes have an exotic appeal all their own too.
Gleaming Overtone
Notice if your pearls give off a rich, attractive tint. White Akoya and South Sea pearls may reflect alluring blue, pink or green highlights that amplify their beauty.
Tahitian pearls naturally showcase darker hues in shades of grey, pistachio and peacock. These dynamic, chameleon-like effects add depth.
Inspect the Nacre
A pearl’s iridescent nacre interior produces its luminous sheen. Thicker nacre coverage creates brighter luster and longer-lasting durability through years of wear. Check that pearls feature at least 0.3mm of nacre depth as a minimum benchmark of value.
10 Beautiful Pearl Necklaces to Buy Online
Once you know your pearls, it‘s time for the fun part – shopping! I scoured jeweler inventories to curate 10 swoon-worthy pearl necklaces spanning all budgets. Take your pick from these lustrous showstoppers.
1. Blue Nile Akoya Pearl Necklace
Blue Nile built their reputation for engagement rings, though their pearl offerings deserve equal acclaim. Case in point – this regal Akoya pearl strand glittering with 18K white gold accents. The necklace combines quality, luxury and heirloom appeal flawlessly.
Specs:
- Akoya Pearls
- 18K White Gold Accents
- 16" Princess Length
- 6.5-7mm Pearl Size
2. Brilliant Earth Freshwater Pearl Necklace
Brilliant Earth couples striking designs with ethical sourcing and sustainability. Their adjustable-length freshwater pearl necklace proves eco-friendly materials can still look glamorous. The mix of pearl sizes adds modern edge to this top pick.
Specs:
- Freshwater Pearls
- 14K Recycled Yellow Gold
- Adjustable 16-18" Length
- 5-8mm Pearl Size
3. Gorjana Laguna Pearl Necklace
Minimalists gravitate towards Gorjana for slender everyday pieces like this single-strand necklace. Delicate freshwater pearls connect by a tiny cutout circle for a low-key punch. It layers seamlessly with other dainty chains too.
Specs:
- Freshwater Pearls
- 18K Gold Plated
- 16” Length
- 4-6mm Pearl Size
4. Catbird Threadbare Necklace
Catbird Jewelry crafts playful pieces with storybook charm. True to style, their Threadbare necklace features whimsical freshwater pearls in an eclectic size mix. 14k gold spheres add luminance for an overall joyful look.
Specs:
- Freshwater Pearls
- 14K Yellow Gold Accents
- 15.5" Princess Length
- 5-8mm Pearl Size
5. Mejuri Croissant Dôme Necklace
Mejuri masters modern elegance with sculptural silhouettes like this fluid 14k gold crescent necklace. A single white freshwater pearl takes center stage for high visual impact. At an attainable price point, it makes an easy wardrobe update.
Specs:
- Freshwater Pearl
- 14K Yellow Gold
- 16” Princess Length
- 6mm Pearl Size
6. Jennie Kwon Designs Gate Necklace
Finding contemporary pearl necklaces with edge can prove tricky…unless you know Jennie Kwon Designs. The indie designer adds intrigue by framing a lustrous Tahitian pearl in a mismatched 14k gold gate frame. The contrast captivates at every angle for the ultimate style statement.
Specs:
- Tahitian Pearl
- 14K Yellow Gold
- 16” Princess Length
- 9mm Pearl Size
7. Monica Vinader Riva Diamond Necklace
Monica Vinader marries pearls with pave diamonds for red carpet appeal. This adjustable strand can be worn long at 18 inches or wrapped thrice for a choker-style 15-inch length. Shimmering diamonds surround the clasp while offsetting creamy freshwater pearls beautifully.
Specs:
- Freshwater Pearls
- 0.10 ct Diamond Accents
- 15-18” Adjustable Length
- 5mm Pearl Size
8. Wwake Shell Necklace
Minimalism meets organic edge with Wwake’s lustrous pearl and 14k gold necklace. Each piece integrates unique mabe shell fragments near the clasp for signature allure. Slip this lightweight stunner on for astute style that looks far pricier than its cost.
Specs:
- Akoya Pearls
- 14k Yellow Gold Accents
- 17" Princess Length
- 6mm Pearl Size
9. Madewell Bubble Necklace
Madewell enchants with their playful pearl strands at friendly prices. We adore the Bubble Necklace’s childlike charm featuring bulbous White Heishi fused glass beads among ivory freshwater pearls. The contrast showcases depth, making this breezy necklace totally summer-ready.
Specs:
- White Heishi & Freshwater Pearls
- 14k Gold Plated Brass
- 35" Length
- 4-8mm Pearl Size
10. EF Collection Diamond Barb Necklace
Go bold with EF Collection‘s gleaming diamond and pearl collar necklace. Graduated South Sea and Akoya pearls shine bright next to a field of pave diamonds on 14k gold bar accents. Make a statuesque entrance in this scene-stealing statement piece.
Specs:
- Akoya & South Sea Pearls
- Pave Diamonds
- 14K Yellow Gold
- 17” Length
- 8-12mm Pearl Size
Caring For Your Pearl Jewels
Now that you’ve selected your dream pearl necklace, how do you keep it looking lustrous? Follow these simple care instructions:
- Gently wipe pearls clean with a soft cloth after wearing to remove lotions, perfume and dirt buildup.
- Store pearls separately from harder gemstones and metals to prevent scratches.
- Keep pearls in a soft pouch away from direct heat and sun exposure which causes fading.
- Avoid submerging pearls in water including while showering as chemicals and acidity can erode luster.
- Bring pearls to a jeweler once a year for professional cleaning and inspection.
Most Common Pearl Necklace Questions
Still have lingering questions about finding your perfect pearl necklace match? Here are answers to some frequently asked shopping questions.
What’s the difference between natural and cultured pearls?
Natural pearls form when an irritant like sand enters an oyster’s shell by chance. The oyster then secretes nacre to coat the irritant, slowly transforming it into a lustrous pearl over years. Their pure chance formation makes natural pearls extremely rare and pricey.
Conversely, cultured pearls are grown intentionally on pearl farms. Technicians perform an operation to insert an irritant bead nucleus into an oyster to kickstart intentional pearl production. The oyster layers nacre over the nucleus, taking 1-2 years to form a pearl. This efficient process allows jewelers to meet global pearl demand.
While cultured pearls involve human facilitation, they remain gorgeous organic gems with the same chemical composition and allure as natural pearls.
Does the pearl color match my skin undertone?
Matching your pearls to your skin’s undertones is key for a flattering effect. First determine whether your complexion skews warm or cool:
Warm skin = yellow, peach or golden tint. Opt for white, pink or peach pearls.
Cool skin = red, blue or pink undertone. Creamy white, silver or blush pearls suit you beautifully.
For versatility, those with medium or neutral skin can select from the full pearl color palette.
How long do pearls last?
With proper care, a high-quality pearl necklace can realistically last 50-70 years or longer. Pearl durability spans generations when worn gently and stored properly. That said, pearls are somewhat fragile compared to diamonds and other gems. Avoid rough wear that could chip or dull their luster permanence.
Does length matter?
Pearl necklace lengths make all the difference in framing your face shape. Here’s a quick length guide:
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Chokers: 12-13 inches. Perfect for elongating a long face.
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Princess Length: 16-18 inches. Most versatile hitting near the collarbone.
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Matinee Length: 20-24 inches. Stylish for layering necklaces.
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Opera Length: 28 inches and above. Dramatic on fuller busts or with plunging necklines.
The possibilities are endless when you understand pearls on a deeper level! We covered everything from lustrous sheen to perfect lengths to our favorite jewelers for one-stop pearl shopping confidence.
Treat yourself to an heirloom pearl necklace that you’ll treasure for decades. And don’t keep all that beauty to yourself. Spread the pearl love by sharing this ultimate guide with friends seeking their signature strand.
