Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, today we inaugurate a new series dedicated to jewellery etiquette and how to gracefully wear these masterpieces. In China and in western countries, women love wearing pearls necklaces. This is why our first article concerns how to adjust its length to social and professional circumstances. For this, we invite Yves Lemay, Jewellery master, to present some advice.
With a history tracing back to over 4000 years ago, pearls were among the first gemstones used by humans. Ancient Indians (where it is said the first pearls were discovered), Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans regarded these gems with the highest esteem, and they were, in these times, among the most precious and expensive items on earth. In ancient China, pearls were the favourite decorative items of the emperors.
Coco Chanel said; « the pearl is always right. » Indeed, it symbolizes women the most, as it was born and grew inside another living being.
Jewellery with pearls is suitable for any woman: it can make her look younger as well as elevate the elegance of the simplest classy outfit. Moreover, it is appropriate for many occasions and can go well with many styles of clothing. But we must take into account that pearls should be worn properly, especially the length.
THE COLLAR NECKLACE
The Collar Necklace combines several strands of pearls, entangling high on the neck with a length of around 30cm, and gives a very formal and outstanding impression. This type of pearl necklace was very popular during the Victorian era.
Lady Diana
When to wear: with dresses that leave the shoulders and neck exposed, or at least with a V shape collar. It is more suitable for evening dresses worn at galas.
THE CHOKER NECKLACE
The Choker Necklace looks like a collar-necklace but is worn lower on the neck and has a length of 45cm. It still gives a firm impression of a sophisticated and refined lady who controls her image and is not afraid to show confidence.
When to wear: Good with an evening dress, but it also has a more universal length that can accommodate business-style clothing.
THE PRINCESS NECKLACE
The Princess Necklace is a classic among all kinds of necklaces. Worn as a single strand slightly below the neck, it typically has a length between 42cm and 50cm. You will show a simple, delicate but refined personal image.
When to wear: This is the most “versatile” pearl necklace, as it goes well with the widest variety clothing styles. In elegant or business attire, smart casual, or with a wool pullover, you cannot go wrong with this choice.
THE MATINÉE NECKLACE
The length of the Matinée Necklace falls between 50 and 62 cm and is worn in one or two strands.
When to wear: mostly worn during official meetings along with formal dresses.
THE OPERA NECKLACE
The Opera Necklace is a dropdown string of pearls. The length of the necklace is between 75cm and 90cm. Ropes are also knotted or doubled/tripled in order to fit the style of a lady’s dress.
When to wear: It is mainly suitable for formal evenings where class and refinement is a must.
THE ROPE NECKLACE
The Rope Necklace. This necklace is more than 90cm in length; ladies usually wear it knotted, or it can be wrapped several times around the neck. As they can be very, very long, Ropes are sometimes divided with clasps so the different parts can be taken off the main length and used a bracelet, a second strand, and lent to a friend for the evening.
When wearing it: More suitable for evening outfits, it can also be worn in more casual occasions to make a statement. It may also give a creative touch.
THE BIB NECKLACE
“The Bib Necklace”. It consists of several rows of pearl strands of different lengths. You may have several necklaces of different lengths, potentially with diverse sizes of pearls as well, to create this impression.
Coco Chanel
When wearing it: This style offers a large choice of possibilities: with an evening dress, as well as with casual style jumpers, shirts, and blouses, depending on the arrangement and variety in sizes, types, colours, and types of pearls.
I hope you appreciated this advice, and that it will be useful next time you wonder how to wear a pearl necklace. Follow us to continue receiving our next etiquette articles!
