Pearl necklaces come in several traditional lengths, each offering a distinct look and suitable for different occasions and necklines. Understanding these classic lengths helps you select a necklace that complements your style, body proportions, and wardrobe needs.

• Choker (14-16 inches): Sits high on the neck, perfect for off-shoulder or strapless necklines and creates an elegant, vintage-inspired look
• Princess (17-19 inches): The most versatile and popular length, resting just below the collarbone and suitable for virtually any outfit
• Matinee (20-24 inches): Falls to the top of the bust, ideal for business attire and high necklines
• Opera (28-36 inches): A dramatic longer length that can be worn as a single strand or doubled for versatility

Pure Pearls offers necklaces featuring four main pearl types, each with distinctive characteristics that appeal to different tastes and budgets. Understanding the differences between Akoya, Freshwater, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls helps you choose a necklace that matches your aesthetic preferences and investment goals.

• Akoya Pearls: Classic white to cream pearls with exceptional luster and perfectly round shapes, traditionally used in formal pearl necklaces
• Freshwater Pearls: Available in diverse shapes and soft colors including white, pink, and lavender, offering excellent value and contemporary appeal
• Tahitian Pearls: Exotic dark pearls ranging from charcoal to peacock green, grown in French Polynesia and prized for their dramatic elegance
• South Sea Pearls: The largest and most luxurious pearls in white, golden, or champagne hues, representing the pinnacle of pearl jewelry

Choosing the right pearl size involves considering your personal style, body frame, and the occasions you'll wear the necklace. Smaller pearls offer understated elegance perfect for professional settings and petite frames, while larger pearls create bold statements ideal for special occasions and those who love dramatic jewelry.

• 6-7mm: Delicate and refined, ideal for younger wearers, petite frames, or those preferring subtle sophistication
• 7-8mm: The most versatile and popular size, offering noticeable presence without being overwhelming for daily wear
• 8-9mm: Classic elegance with substantial impact, suitable for both professional and formal occasions
• 9mm and above: Statement sizes that command attention, perfect for special events, evening wear, or those who love bold jewelry

Pearl necklaces can be finished with several types of clasps, each offering different levels of security, ease of use, and aesthetic appeal. Selecting the right clasp ensures your necklace stays securely fastened while complementing the overall design and matching your dexterity needs.

• Fish Hook Clasp: Our standard clasp offering excellent security with a distinctive curved design that's easy to fasten independently
• Lobster Clasp: Highly secure spring-loaded mechanism ideal for valuable necklaces, though slightly more challenging to fasten alone
• Ball Clasp: Elegant spherical design that blends seamlessly with the pearls, offering both beauty and reliable security
• Magnetic Clasp: Easiest to use option for those with arthritis or limited dexterity, available upon request for added convenience

Yes, Pure Pearls specializes in customization and can create a pearl necklace tailored to your exact specifications. We can adjust the necklace length to any measurement you prefer, change the clasp type or metal, and even modify the pearl arrangement to create your perfect necklace.

• Custom lengths available from 14 inches to 36 inches or longer to suit your preference
• Choice of clasp styles including fish hook, lobster, ball, or magnetic in your preferred metal
• Metal options for clasps include 14K gold (yellow, white, or rose), 18K gold or sterling silver
• Our expert team can also create graduated pearl necklaces or incorporate decorative elements per your vision

Pearl necklaces are graded based on multiple quality factors including luster, surface quality, shape, color, and nacre thickness, with higher grades commanding premium prices. Understanding these grading criteria helps you make an informed investment decision and ensures you receive the quality level you're paying for.

• AAA Grade: The highest quality with excellent luster, minimal surface blemishes, and superior nacre—representing the top 5-10% of harvest
• AA+ Grade: Very high quality with strong luster and near-clean surfaces, offering excellent value for fine jewelry
• AA Grade: Good quality with medium to high luster and some minor surface characteristics, perfect for everyday elegance
• Luster is the most important factor affecting both beauty and price, as it determines the pearl's reflective quality and visual appeal

Proper care preserves your pearl necklace's beauty and luster for generations, as pearls are organic gems requiring gentler treatment than other jewelry. Following a few simple care practices protects your investment and ensures your pearls maintain their radiant appearance through years of wear.

• Always put your pearl necklace on last, after applying cosmetics, perfume, and hairspray to avoid chemical exposure
• Wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each wearing to remove body oils, perspiration, and residue
• Store your necklace flat in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box, never hanging it as this can stretch the silk thread
• Have your necklace professionally restrung every 1-2 years if worn frequently, or every 3-5 years for occasional wear

While perfectly matched pearl sets are beautiful, it's not necessary to have exact matches between your necklace and other jewelry pieces. Modern styling embraces mixing pearl types, sizes, and colors for a more personalized and contemporary look that reflects individual taste.

• Matching sets create a classic, formal appearance ideal for traditional occasions and business settings
• Mixing pearl sizes between your necklace and earrings adds visual interest—try 8mm earrings with a 7mm necklace
• Combining different pearl types creates sophisticated contrast—pair white Akoya earrings with a Tahitian necklace for drama
• Coordinating metal settings and overall color tones matters more than exact pearl matching for a polished, cohesive look

Pearl necklaces are wonderfully versatile and can absolutely be worn every day, making them one of the most practical fine jewelry investments. While pearls have a traditional association with formal events, their timeless elegance actually enhances everything from casual jeans to business attire, and regular wearing helps maintain the pearls' natural luster.

• Princess length necklaces in 7-8mm pearls are perfect for professional environments and daily wear
• Wearing pearls regularly helps keep them hydrated with your skin's natural oils, preventing them from drying out
• Smaller pearls (6-7mm) offer subtle sophistication ideal for casual everyday style
• Reserve larger pearls (9mm+) or dramatic lengths like opera strands for evening events and special occasions

Most pearl necklaces from our ready-to-ship collection are dispatched within 1-2 business days, while custom-made necklaces requiring hand-selection of pearls and personalized specifications typically take 2-3 weeks from order to delivery. The timeline varies based on the complexity of customization and the specific pearl type you've selected.

• In-stock necklaces: Ships within 1-2 business days with delivery in 3-5 business days via standard shipping
• Standard customizations (length or clasp changes): Approximately 1-2 weeks for creation plus shipping time
• Complex custom designs requiring special pearl selection: 2-3 weeks for creation plus shipping time
• Rush service available for time-sensitive occasions—contact us to discuss expedited options and fees