The pearl necklace has crossed the decades without ever going out of style. To choose the right one, look first at the shape (delicate, choker or long strand), then at the length that suits your neckline, and finally at the metal tone that goes with the rest of your jewelry. Today, a pearl necklace is no longer reserved for special occasions: wear it as a choker with a sweater, as a long strand over a white shirt or in a delicate version every day. To discover the different types of pearls, also read our guide to pearl jewelry.
Contents
- Pearl necklace: which style should you choose?
- What length for a pearl necklace?
- Which pearl necklace for your neckline?
- Natural freshwater pearls: how do they form and how can you recognize them?
- How to wear a pearl necklace today
- Which pearl necklace makes the best gift?
- Mistakes to avoid with a pearl necklace
- How to care for your pearl necklace
- Frequently asked questions about pearl necklaces
Pearl necklace: which style should you choose?
Before looking at the color or size of the pearls, look at the shape of the necklace. It defines the style, and therefore the outfits you will wear it with.
Our natural freshwater pearl necklaces
Marlyne |
Lady Diana |
Long pearl necklace |
Nour |
The delicate pearl necklace, for every day
A gold-tone chain dotted with small natural freshwater pearls: this is the necklace you forget you are wearing. It goes with a T-shirt as well as a dress, and layers easily. The Marlyne necklace, with its double chain, or the Unique necklace, with a single pearl pendant, are perfect to start with.
It is also the best choice if you have never worn pearls before. A delicate style stays subtle, never looks too dressy and works with the jewelry you already own.
The pearl choker, chic and modern
The pearl choker is back in a big way. It shows off the neck and instantly creates an elegant look, especially with a boat neck or a square neckline. For a very dressy effect, the Lady Diana necklace brings together three strands of natural freshwater pearls and baroque pearls. For a simpler version, the Lady necklace adjusts with its extender chain.
The long pearl strand, to elongate your silhouette
A long strand falls over the chest and draws a slimming vertical line. Wear it single, or wrapped twice for a multi-strand effect. Our natural freshwater pearl long necklace is delicate and luminous; the Lara long necklace adds small touches of cubic zirconia that sparkle in the light.
The pearl necklace reinvented
If you find the pearl necklace too classic, there are bolder versions: pearls mixed with green natural stones on the Nour necklace, a gold-tone sun pendant on the Shine necklace, or textured gold-tone elements with a rock edge on the Aliénor necklace.
Shine |
Aliénor |
Heart necklace |
What length for a pearl necklace?
Length changes everything. The same pearl necklace looks completely different at 40 cm or at 80 cm. Here are the most common guidelines:
| Necklace type | Usual length | Where it falls | What to wear it with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choker | 35 to 40 cm (13.8 to 15.7 in) | At the base of the neck | Boat neck, square neckline, open shirt |
| Princess | 42 to 48 cm (16.5 to 18.9 in) | On the collarbones | Almost anything: crew neck, V-neck, T-shirt |
| Matinee | 50 to 60 cm (19.7 to 23.6 in) | Above the bust | Fine sweater, shift dress |
| Long strand | 70 cm (27.6 in) and more | On the chest or lower | Shirt, maxi dress, turtleneck |
Not sure? The princess length is the easiest: it suits every body type and almost every neckline.
How to measure the right length at home
Take a piece of string or a tape measure. Place it around your neck like a necklace and let it fall to where you would like the pearls to sit. Mark that point, then measure the string flat. That is your ideal length.
Another tip: take a necklace you already love and measure it. It is often the length you feel most comfortable in.
Wider or slimmer neck?
If your neck is on the wider side, add 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) to the lengths in the table so a choker does not feel tight. If you have a slim, long neck, chokers and multi-strand necklaces show it off beautifully. Styles with an extender chain, like the Lady necklace, can be adjusted by a few centimeters.
Which pearl necklace for your neckline?
The right pearl necklace works with your top. One simple rule: the necklace should never be cut off by the fabric. Here are the pairings that work best.
| Neckline | Recommended pearl necklace | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Boat neck | Choker or princess | The pearls stay above the fabric |
| V-neck | Delicate necklace with a pendant | The pearl follows the point of the V |
| Crew neck | Princess or long strand | It falls clearly above or below the collar |
| Square neckline | Multi-strand choker | It fills the space without overloading it |
| Turtleneck | Long strand | It draws a vertical line over the knit |
| Shirt | Delicate necklace or choker | It sits neatly in the open collar |
Natural freshwater pearls: how do they form and how can you recognize them?
The pearls on our necklaces are real natural freshwater pearls, formed in freshwater mussels: each one is unique, with its own shape, size and luster. A pearl is born when the mollusk coats an intruder with thin layers of nacre, a material made of tiny calcium carbonate platelets bound by organic matter. The Monaco Scientific Centre compares this structure to a brick wall: it is what creates the pearl's iridescence, purely through the play of light.
To go further, the CIBJO Pearl Guide, published by the World Jewellery Confederation, describes nacre and the criteria that define pearl quality in detail.
Pearl shapes
- Round pearls: the classic, very luminous, for an elegant style.
- Oval or drop pearls: a little softer, perfect as a pendant.
- Baroque pearls: their irregular shape gives them lots of character. They add a modern touch, even to a classic strand.
How can you recognize a real pearl?
Gently rub it against your teeth: a real pearl feels slightly gritty, a fake one is perfectly smooth. The pearls on a real necklace are never all strictly identical, and their luster changes with the light. A real pearl also feels cool to the touch and is heavier than a plastic bead.
Our natural freshwater pearl necklaces are handmade in Paris: we select the pearls one by one so each necklace is harmonious, while keeping the charm of their small differences.
How to wear a pearl necklace today
- With a casual look: a delicate pearl necklace over a white T-shirt and jeans is simple and instantly more polished.
- Layered: mix a pearl choker with a fine gold-tone chain. The contrast between the softness of the pearls and the shine of the gold works beautifully.
- Over a sweater: a long strand over a crew neck sweater or a turtleneck is the Parisian winter look.
- At the office: a princess necklace over a shirt or blouse, with small matching studs. Elegant without trying too hard.
- For a wedding or an evening out: a multi-strand necklace, with matching pearl earrings.
How to layer necklaces
To layer without a messy effect, play with three clearly different lengths: a choker, a princess necklace and a long strand, with at least 5 cm (2 in) between each. Stick to one metal tone and let the pearls take center stage. One statement pearl necklace is enough; keep the others delicate.
A pearl necklace also pairs beautifully with a delicate pearl bracelet on the wrist: the echo is subtle and the whole look feels considered.
Discover all our designs in the pearl necklaces collection.
Which pearl necklace makes the best gift?
A pearl necklace is one of the safest gifts: it appeals to every generation and is worn for years. For a first necklace, choose a delicate style or a princess length, both easy to wear every day. For an important occasion, a multi-strand choker always makes an impression.
- For a young woman: a delicate necklace with a single pearl, like Unique, or a modern piece like Shine.
- For a mom: an elegant everyday necklace, like Marlyne or Nathalie. You will find more ideas in our article on jewelry for mom, and in our new mom gift ideas.
- For a big occasion: Lady Diana or the Lara long necklace, for those who love jewelry that gets noticed.
- For Christmas: the pearl necklace is one of our Christmas jewelry gift ideas.
Unique |
Nathalie |
Lady |
As for budget, our natural freshwater pearl necklaces start at around thirty euros, with many styles at €38. From €89, the gift box is free (and so is shipping within France), and we add a small handwritten note to go with your gift.
Mistakes to avoid with a pearl necklace
- Picking the length at random: a necklace that is too short disappears under a turtleneck, and a long strand gets lost in a plunging neckline. Check the neckline table before choosing.
- Matching everything: pearl necklace, earrings, bracelet and ring all at once quickly looks too prim. Two pearl pieces are enough.
- Spraying perfume after putting on your necklace: alcohol and oils dull the nacre over time.
- Storing it loose: in contact with other jewelry, pearls get scratched. They deserve their own compartment.
- Keeping it on in the shower or at the beach: chlorinated water, salt and soap damage the pearls' luster.
How to care for your pearl necklace
- Put your necklace on last, after perfume, lotion and hairspray, and take it off first.
- Wipe the pearls with a soft, dry cloth after wearing them.
- Avoid the shower, the pool and the sea: pearls do not like chlorine, salt or household products.
- Store it flat, on its own, in a soft pouch so the pearls don't get scratched.
- Wear it often: a pearl forgotten at the back of a drawer loses its luster faster.
Most of our pearl necklaces have chains and clasps in surgical stainless steel with an 18k gold finish, which do not tarnish. To learn more, read our article on stainless steel jewellery. All our jewelry comes with a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Frequently asked questions about pearl necklaces
How can you tell if a pearl necklace is real?
A real pearl feels slightly gritty against your teeth, is heavier than a plastic bead and is never perfectly identical to the one next to it. Its luster changes with the light.
Can you wear a pearl necklace every day?
Yes, that is actually what keeps it beautiful: contact with the skin maintains the pearls' luster. Just take it off for the shower, sports and the beach.
Gold-tone or silver-tone pearl necklace?
Gold-tone warms up the white of the pearls and feels more modern. Silver-tone gives a cooler, more classic effect. Choose according to your other jewelry.
What is the most popular length for a pearl necklace?
The princess length, between 42 and 48 cm (16.5 to 18.9 in). It sits on the collarbones and works with almost every neckline, which makes it the easiest pearl necklace to wear.
What is a baroque pearl?
It is a pearl with an irregular shape. Each one is different, which gives the necklace a more modern, natural look than a strand of perfectly round pearls.
Can men wear a pearl necklace?
Yes, and it is more and more common. A fairly short strand of pearls, worn alone or with a fine chain, adds an original touch to a simple outfit.
Ready to find your pearl necklace? Discover our natural freshwater pearl jewelry collection, or come and try the designs in our Le Marais boutique at 3 rue Madame de Sévigné (Saint-Paul metro), open daily from 11 am to 8 pm. If you are in the neighborhood, check out our favorite shopping spots in Le Marais.
Article updated on October 21, 2026.
