Pearl necklaces are unique in that there is a naming system in place for each type of necklace available. Gold necklaces, whether adorned with precious gems or not, are often simply referred to by their length. Pearl necklaces, on the other hand, have several names dependent on where they hang when worn around the neck.

A collar sits tight to the neck and doesn't hang down at all. Collars are made usually made of multiple strands of pearls and are considered to be one of the most elegant varieties of pearl necklace. Collars work especially well with form fitting dresses that are mono in color, preferrably the same color as the collar itself.

A choker sits right at the base of the neck, as the name implies. Less fitted than a collar, chokers can be made of both single and multiple strands of pearls, although the former is much more popular. Chokers can have uniform pearl sizes or a graduated range of pearls, with the largest pearls in the center and consecutively smaller pearls towards the back. ?Tin cup? chokers are also popular, which are a series of uniform pearls separated by lengths of chain.

The princess necklace comes down to or just below the collarbone, and is a popular favorite with great versatility. Princess necklaces are often single strand graduated and work equally well with business and evening attire as well as casual clothing.

A matinee of pearls falls just above the breasts and can be used to accentuate low cut dresses to great effect. Matinee pearl necklaces also work extremely well with business suits.

Opera pearl necklace are relatively long, and are typically worn for special occasions, formal events or parties. Rope pearl necklaces round out the varieties and are the longest. The are normally forty-five inches or more in length and match well with several types of clothing, especially pant suits.

In order to get the right pearl necklace for you, consider the occasion and the outfit. Despite what some pearl enthusiasts claim, all types of pearl necklaces can be worn successfully by women of any age. The secret is to make sure the necklaces is appropriate for the attire.