What length when buying long strand of pearls?

[Peepa]

I'm curious about the long strands of pearls. I like that it offers versatility in different ways to wear.
But what length offers which ways to wear?

 

[erinl]

I just got a 48 inch strand and it offers a lot of versatility. You can wear it long with a knot, double it and wear them the same length, or with one shorter and the other longer, and also tripled, which looks nice. I am not a big fan of how it feels triples, but I don't like anything "hugging" my neck.

 

[that_someone_special]

Well, think about the ways you would layer it...

would you wear it wrapped in 3 x 16" lengths? or a 16, 18, 19?

I would get some string and kind of drape it to the length you like and then order that size.

I have done that more than once

 

[iLander]

Well, think about the ways you would layer it...

would you wear it wrapped in 3 x 16" lengths? or a 16, 18, 19?

I would get some string and kind of drape it to the length you like and then order that size.

I have done that more than once

An excellent idea.

+1

 

[PearlsOfJoy]

54" is a very popular length for ropes as well - if you're going with a custom piece maybe consider adding some mystery clasps to really up the versatility factor.

 

[Peepa]

54" is a very popular length for ropes as well - if you're going with a custom piece maybe consider adding some mystery clasps to really up the versatility factor.

Hi pearlsofjoy,
what do you mean by mystery clasps?
sounds fun!
is this expensive?

 

[PearlsOfJoy]

Here is a picture of a mystery clasp from Stuller.com - any pearl dealer will have access to them, they aren't cheap per se but not over the top expensive ($50-$80).

If you strategically place a few throughout the necklace you can break the necklace down into smaller strands, bracelets etc. and still piece it together for one long rope. Really it gives you the ability to turn one necklace into many different pieces, so you get a great bang for your buck.