Pearl necklace lengths are not arbitrary. The length you choose changes the way a necklace sits on your body, what it works with in your wardrobe, and how it reads in photographs. Here is a practical guide to the lengths we make — and how to match each one to your style and occasion.
Choker: 38-40cm
A choker sits just above or at the collarbone. It is the most dramatic of pearl lengths — visible above almost any neckline, from a crew neck to a deep V. Our Pearl Fringe Choker uses this length to full effect: the cascade of hand-knotted AAAA pearls reads as bold but refined. A choker works well for brides who want their necklace to show clearly in portraits, and for anyone wearing an open or low neckline.
Princess: 40-45cm
Princess length is the most versatile pearl necklace and the one most people picture when they imagine a classic strand. It rests at or just below the collarbone, suits high and round necklines equally well, and works from everyday wear to formal occasions. All of our hand-knotted pearl necklaces — from our Classic 5.5-6mm strand to our Luxe Heirloom 8.5-9mm — are adjustable between 40 and 45cm so you can find your ideal position. If you are buying a pearl necklace as a gift and are unsure of what the recipient prefers, princess length is the right choice.
Matinee: 45-50cm
Matinee length sits between the collarbone and the bust. It suits boat necks, collared shirts, and suits particularly well, and it is a natural length for professional environments where you want jewellery to be present but not statement. Our Lavender Pearl Necklace is available at 45cm — long enough to move freely, short enough to stay within the neckline of most clothing.
Opera: 60cm+
An opera-length pearl necklace is a different kind of piece. It hangs well below the bust, can be worn doubled as a shorter two-strand, and suits open, simple necklines — particularly a plain crew neck or silk shirt — where the length itself becomes the styling. Our AAAA Opera Pearl Sweater Necklace has over 100 individually knotted pearls and is one of our most distinctive pieces.
Lariat: adjustable
Lariats do not have a fixed length — they tie or loop at the front, which means you control the fall. Our Aquamarine Pearl Lariat uses genuine aquamarine, mother-of-pearl, and freshwater pearls along a fine gold chain. It is a particularly good choice for V-necklines and halter styles, and for brides who want something different from a traditional clasp necklace.
A note on sizing
All measurements refer to the total length of the necklace, not the distance from clasp to clasp. Because neck circumference differs, the same necklace will sit slightly differently on different people. This is one reason we build adjustability into all of our princess-length necklaces. If you are between lengths or have a preference for where a necklace sits, contact us before ordering and we can advise.
Browse our full pearl necklace collection or use the links above to go directly to the length that interests you.
