Pearl necklaces are classic pieces of jewellery. If taken care of properly, they can even be passed down from one generation of women to the next in a family. Pearl necklaces can be made from either seawater and freshwater pearls. The seawater pearls include Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls. Although freshwater pearls are of a lower quality, it is easier to culture and harvest freshwater pearls. In addition, freshwater pearls tend to have a wider variety of colours than saltwater pearls. This does not mean that you cannot get a pearl necklace in all white. Nevertheless, for those with a sense of adventure, playing around with colour can add amazing finish to your necklace.

What are the types of pearl necklaces?

There are several type of pearl necklaces. These different types are typically based on their length. They include:

• A Dog Collar pearl necklace is made up of several strands that are supposed to fit snugly on the wearer's neck.
• A Choker pearl necklace is supposed to lie against the collarbone of the wearer. Chokers tend to be between fourteen and sixteen inches in length.
• A Princess pearl necklace tends to be longer and will hang down below the neck of the wearer. Princess pearl necklaces are eighteen inches long.
• Torsade pearl necklaces are made up of several strands of pearls. These strands are then intertwined.
• Bib pearl necklaces are also made up of several strands of pearls but they are not intertwined. Instead, they resemble a longer Dog Collar pearl necklace as the strands of pearls are supposed to rest below the neck of the wearer.
• Matinee pearl necklaces tend to have a length between twenty and twenty-four inches.
• Opera pearl necklaces are between twenty six and thirty six inches long. Opera pearl necklaces are worn for special occasions, as they are the most dramatic.
• Rope pearl necklaces are the longest you can find as they go past thirty-six inches but they can be worn in different styles as you could choose to knot it up.

Maintenance for your pearl necklace

Taking care of your pearl necklace will ensure it stays damage free for a long time. Do not store it in a jewellery box as this may cause it to get scratches. Instead, you should store it in its own pouch. Acids, whether naturally occurring or due to perfume on your skin, could be harmful to your pearl necklace. Ensure that you wipe it down with a damp cloth after each time you wear it. In addition, you should have your pearl necklace restrung at least once in year or two. This will prevent the string from breaking unexpectedly due to age and thus you will not lose your pearls.