Pearl Necklaces Guide to Pearl Sizes, Colors, and Quality

Hold two strands of pearls side by side and they can look nearly the same. Then you notice the glow.

That glow is the first clue to quality and it’s only one of several. Size, color, and shape all count, and so does the thin coating of nacre that gives a pearl its shine. Get those few details right and pearl necklaces become much easier to shop for. Get them wrong and a good-looking strand can disappoint the moment it arrives.

This guide covers sizes and lengths first and then colors and quality. We close with a handful of pieces from our own collection at Shoshany Jewelers.

Pearl Necklaces by Size and Length

• Size in Millimeters

Pearls are measured across their widest point. Most strands fall in the middle of the chart below. Smaller pearls look neat and quiet, which suits an office. Larger ones start to speak up, and past 10 mm you’re in statement territory.

Smaller pearls tend to sit close and stay out of the way. Larger ones draw the eye and work best when the rest of your jewelry is simple.

• Choosing a Length

Length changes the whole look. Princess length is the usual pick for everyday wear, while a choker sits closer to the neck and an opera length drapes lower. You can also double a longer strand if you want a shorter drop.

Not sure which one you’d reach for? Measure a chain you already love and shop from that number.

Pearl Colors and Quality

White is the classic but pearls come in far more shades. Cream leans warm. Pink and rose tones read softer. Tahitian pearls run from gray to near black. Every pearl also has an overtone, a faint tint that floats on top of the body color, often rose or silver. Two white pearls can look quite different because of it. Our Pearl Necklaces page speaks of white pearls as well as pink and black shades.

The type of pearl matters too. Akoya pearls are known for a mirror-like shine and a round shape. Freshwater pearl necklaces are the easy way to get a longer strand without a big bill, since these pearls grow in mussels and come in a wider range of shapes and colors at friendlier prices. Choosing pearl necklaces for women often comes down to neckline and occasion, so think about where you’ll wear it before you pick a type.

Then judge the pearls themselves. Jewelers look at five things.

• Luster. This is how sharp the reflection is. Hold a pearl near a window. If you can make out your own outline in it the luster is strong.
• Surface. Tiny marks are normal. Deep pits and cracks aren’t.
• Shape. Round pearls are rarer and cost more. Near-round and baroque shapes have their own charm and often cost less.
• Nacre. Thick nacres last longer. Thin nacre can wear through over the years.
• Matching. A good strand looks like a family. The pearls share size, color and shine.

Pearls are soft, so treat them gently. Put them on after perfume and hairspray and take them off before you swim. Wipe them with a soft cloth when you’re done and store them flat.

Pearl Necklaces From Our Collection

Our Pearl Necklaces collection brings together a wide range of styles, all mounted in gold or sterling silver. You’ll find everything from simple single pearls to multi-strand pieces, and from classic white to softer pink and bold black. Browse by metal, color, or price to find the one that suits your look.

The mother of pearls is different from a whole pearl. It’s the shimmering lining of a shell, so it has a softer glow and a lower price point. Several pieces above use it, which makes them a good choice for a lighter look. Want something no one else has? Our Custom Design page explains how to start.

Why Shop for Pearl Necklaces at Shoshany Jewelers?

Shoshany Jewelers is an authorized retailer and Monmouth County’s top-rated jeweler. We offer free US shipping and free returns within 10 days for items in undamaged condition. Our online support runs around the clock. And if a piece ever needs care our master jewelers and watchmakers handle repairs on site.

A good strand of pearls isn’t about chasing a perfect number. It’s about finding the size and shade that feel like you and checking the shine and surface with your own eyes. Start with a length you’ll wear every week. Then pay attention to how the pearls catch the light. The right necklace will make that part obvious. When you’re ready to browse our pearl necklaces we’re here to help you choose.