What is a pearl necklace?
A pearl necklace is a piece of jewelry made of a string of pearls threaded on a silk string, worn around the neck alone or layered.
What are the main types of pearls?
To choose your pearl necklace well, it is useful to know the distinctions between saltwater and freshwater pearls.
- Freshwater Pearls: Cultivated in freshwater, they are entirely formed from nacre layers and come in many shapes and shades, sometimes reaching up to 14 mm. They are often more affordable.
- Akoya Pearls: From saltwater pearl oysters, they are renowned for their roundness and luster, with white, cream, or yellow tones. Generally small, they form in 8 months to 2 years and are rigorously sorted after harvesting.
- Tahitian Pearls: Cultivated in seawater in French Polynesia, these exotic gems are distinguished by their natural dark hues, ranging from anthracite gray to peacock green.
- South Sea Pearls: Cultivated in the Philippines, Australia, and Indonesia, they are known for their large sizes and satin luster.
How to recognize a real pearl?
There are several tricks to determine if a pearl is real. It has a slightly rough surface: rub it gently against the edge of a tooth, and you'll feel a slight grit rather than a smooth slide. Then rub two pearls together: a slight friction and a bit of nacre powder may appear.
Also observe the shape: small irregularities are normal, whereas perfectly identical pearls are suspicious. Finally, a real pearl is cold to the touch and warms up slowly.
What are the standard lengths for this piece of jewelry?
The name given to a pearl necklace changes depending on its length and how it falls on the décolletage.
- Choker: Measuring approximately 35 to 40 cm, it is worn at the base of the neck and accentuates open necklines.
- Princess: This is the standard length of about 45 cm, ideal for accompanying necklaces and pendants.
- Matinee: With a length of 50 to 60 cm, this more formal style stops at the chest, perfect for an elegant office outfit.
- Opera and Sautoir: These long necklaces exceed 70 cm and can often be worn in a single or doubled strand for a sophisticated effect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pearl Necklaces
If you wear your jewelry regularly, it is recommended to have it restrung every two to three years. Silk thread tends to loosen over time and absorb cosmetics, which can weaken it.
It is strongly advised not to get this type of jewelry wet. Water, soaps, and chemicals attack the mother-of-pearl, making it dull, and weaken the silk thread, which could break.
The "Giga Pearl," the largest pearl ever discovered, weighs 27.65 kilograms and is comparable in size to a small basketball. Its value is estimated at 140 million Canadian dollars.