The younger you are, the more attention you want to draw to your neck, because nothings shows off youth to a better advantage than an elegant string of small pearls. Try the 10 to 13 inch long collar necklaces, and pair them with small pearl droplets for earrings, absolutely great for casual wear. If you have a longish or heart-shaped face, dangling pearls would complement you perfectly. For a round or square face, studs are better. Pearl chokers are classic for formal wear, be it a wedding or dinner, and would do any gown or feminine blouse proud on a glamorous evening.

For those in their prime or graceful old age, the ideal length of a pearl necklace would be 18 to 24 inches or a Princess pearl necklace, with the pendant hanging two or more inches below the neckline. A chunkier pendant would look nice, as would bigger sizes of pearls. Other necklaces for this age group would be the Matinee pearl necklace at 20 to 24 inches which teams well with a business suit or a dress, or alternatively, an Opera pearl necklace which is 28 to 34 inches and is suitable when you want to be dressier. These longer necklaces can be teamed with studs, and they look nice with pantsuits as well. Wide bracelets with bigger pearls are also ideal for an older woman.

Of course, whatever your age, you need to keep in mind your neck type while selecting your pearl necklace. For a shorter neck you should have strands of pearls two inches below the collarbone to make your neck look longer. For heavier necks, wear longer strands, because they help give you length instead of girth. For long and thin necks, triple strands of pearls with the shortest hugging the base of your neck column would be ideal. On the other hand, with a bony neck, take attention away from the neck by having strands lower. Studs for shorter and heavier necks, and danglers for long necks would be the rule for earrings.

Your personality should also guide the pearls you choose, white or yellow pearls in a demure collar design may be a better option for a hard-hitting executive at work, than a flushed pink Princess. If you are more of the funky type and want to wear pearls semi-formally, a good idea would be to go for baroque pearls which are irregular, non-spherical in shape, or have bumps and ridges. Strung together innovatively with gold or silver wire, these form great offbeat organic jewelry.

Pearls are as versatile as you want to make them, choose pearl jewelry that is crafted to bring out your features and attitude to their best advantage.