Choosing a pearl necklace is complicated but start with the length of the necklace first. Always remember that there are only five basic lengths to choose from.

* Choker – typically custom fit around the neck and can be a single or multiple strand of pearls. The best example is think of a Victorian wedding dress, which has a high lacy neckline. The choker is perfect of a bride, bridesmaid, or other youthful maiden. The choker will accentuate the thin neckline of a youthful lady.
* Collar – typically 16 inches long and it is a perfect length if you will be wearing a lot of open collared blouses. The collar length necklace is a youthful to older look where the pearl strand will fall just to the base of the neck. Again, a collar necklace can be either a single strand or multiple strand necklace.
* Princess – typically 18 inches and it is the most common length of pearl necklace. The best example of a Princess length necklace is the iconic June Cleaver from the nostalgic television show, Leave it To Beaver. If this is your first pearl necklace, I would highly recommend this length. It is a timeless length for all ages.
* Opera – typically 39 to 42 inches in length and the necklace will drape to the sternum or breastbone. A perfect length for any age and particular an older lady trying to take your eye away from the aging neckline. Yet it also is a perfect length for round neck, turtle-neck, or higher necklines. Again, opera lengths will come in both single strands as well as multiple strands. If buying a multiple stranded opera length, remember that the larger pearls and beads get heavy and can easily break the thread used to string the pearls. The clasp may or may not be included because the necklace can fit over the head.
* Rope – typically 65 to 125 inches long and it is used for a layering affect. A clasp is usually not included. However, a clasp that shortens or adjusts the layering of the pearls may be used. The rope length is best exemplified by the flapper look from the Roaring Twenties but it also is as fashionable today as it was during the days of Art Deco. The rope necklace can be worn as a double, triple, or up to as many strands as you can rope around your neck. The necklace will be one long strand of pearls and it will most likely be a smaller pearl or bead to cut down on the weight of the necklace.