How to Wear Different Pearl Necklaces Together

Natural pearls are so rare that they have become collector’s items, beyond reach of most who wish to wear them regularly. Fortunately, cultured pearls are more affordable. Unlike natural pearls, these semi-manmade beads contain a small tissue or seed surrounded by several layers of nacre. Both natural and cultured pearl necklaces are available in various lengths and can be combined in numerous ways.

Instructions

1. Arrange the necklaces in graduated lengths. According to Mastolini.com, the standard necklace lengths are collar (12 to 13 inches), choker (14 to 16 inches), princess (17 to 19 inches), matinee (20 to 24 inches), opera (28 to 34 inches) and rope (over 40 inches). You may not wish to wear all at once, but select enough to create a graduated effect. For instance, you may wish to match a collar with choker and princess necklaces or a choker with matinee and rope pearl necklaces.

2. Attach two or more necklaces together. Some pearl necklaces are designed to be convertible, but it is possible to attach other necklaces also. For instance, if you do not have a rope necklace, you can create one by attaching two chokers to an opera necklace. Do this by connecting the hook of one necklace to the loop of another until they form a longer necklace.

3. Mix different color pearl necklaces together to match your outfit. Pearls are also available in black, blue, pink, champagne and purple.

4. Arrange several necklaces together into current styles. For instance, tie two rope length necklaces around your neck like a scarf. Make a knot over one shoulder then let one end hang in front of you and throw the other end behind you.

5. Wear some of the necklaces as bracelets. For instance, wrap collar length necklaces around your wrists twice and fasten.

Tips & Warnings

• In "Create Jewelry: Pearls: Luxurious Designs to Make and Wear," authors Marlene Blessing and Jamie Hogsett say that pearls which are perfectly round and white, cream, rose, gold, blue-gray or black are more valuable.

References

• Mastoloni: How to Wear Pearls
• Create Jewelry: Pearls--Luxurious Designs to Make and Wear; Blessing, Marlene, Hogsett, Jamie; Interweave Press, 2007