A pearl necklace can make a beautiful Christmas gift, but with so many different styles, pearl shapes and necklace lengths available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.
Do you choose a classic string of freshwater pearls? A delicate pearl pendant? Something contemporary with a gold chain? Or a more unusual statement necklace?
The good news is that you don't need to know everything about pearls to choose a beautiful gift.
I've put together this simple guide to help you choose the right pearl necklace Christmas gift, whether you're buying for Mum, your wife, your partner, your daughter or someone special.
And if you're still not sure, I'm always happy to help you choose.
How to Choose a Pearl Necklace as a Christmas Gift
Table of content
1. Think about her jewellery style
The first thing I'd consider is what jewellery she already wears.
If she tends to wear delicate jewellery, a small pearl pendant or a simple single pearl necklace could be a lovely choice.
If she loves classic jewellery, a traditional freshwater pearl necklace could be perfect.
And if she prefers something more modern, look for pearls combined with contemporary chains or unusual pearl shapes like baroque or keshi pearls - these are a big favourite with my customers.
You don't necessarily need to buy something that looks like the jewellery she already owns. Instead, think about the overall style she gravitates towards, and that will help when chosing a Christmas gift.
Does she prefer:
- Classic and timeless jewellery?
- Delicate and understated pieces?
- Modern gold jewellery?
- Statement pieces?
- Jewellery she can wear every day?
This can help narrow down your choice very quickly.
2. Choose between a classic pearl necklace and a pearl pendant
"A traditional freshwater pearl necklace is a beautiful choice if you want something timeless."
One of the easiest decisions is whether to choose a traditional pearl necklace or a pearl pendant.
Classic pearl necklaces
A traditional freshwater pearl necklace is a beautiful choice if you want something timeless.
Our Classic Pearl Necklace features round freshwater pearls with a soft creamy colour and beautiful lustre. Each pearl is hand-knotted here in Derbyshire.
It's the sort of jewellery that can be worn for years rather than being something that is only brought out on special occasions.
Pearl pendants
If you're buying for someone who prefers more contemporary or understated jewellery, a pearl pendant can be easier to wear every day.
A pearl pendant can be worn with a simple jumper, blouse or dress and doesn't necessarily feel as formal as a traditional pearl necklace.
Our pearl necklace collection includes several pendant styles, including the Vintage Style Pearl Pendant, Coin Pearl Pendant and Paperclip Chain & Pearl Pendant.
Pearl pendants my customers love
3. Think about the necklace length
Necklace length is another thing worth considering when choosing a pearl necklace christmas gift.
A standard necklace around 16–18 inches tends to sit below the collarbone and is one of the easiest lengths to wear.
For example, our Classic Pearl Necklace is 18 inches long, with approximately 6mm pearls.
If you're buying a necklace for someone else and you're unsure about their preferred length, look at the necklaces they already wear.
You can also check whether the necklace you're considering has an extender or different size options.
Don't worry if you're unsure about sizing. If you contact me before ordering, I'm always happy to help.
4. Choose the right type of pearl
Most of the pearl jewellery at Watermeadow Lane Jewellery is made using genuine freshwater pearls.
Freshwater pearls are naturally beautiful and each one can have subtle differences in shape, colour and surface. That's part of what makes pearl jewellery so special.
You don't need every pearl to look exactly the same.
In fact, those natural variations are one of the things I love about working with freshwater pearls.
If you're looking for a traditional look, you might choose beautiful round pearls.
If you want something more contemporary, irregular, baroque or unusual pearl shapes like the keshi pearl, can create a completely different look.
Pearls my customers love
5. Consider the colour of the jewellery she normally wears
"Pearls are wonderfully easy to wear because their soft natural colours work with so many different outfits."
Pearls are wonderfully easy to wear because their soft natural colours work with so many different outfits.
But it's worth thinking about the metal she normally chooses.
If she usually wears silver
Look for freshwater pearls combined with sterling silver.
If she usually wears gold
A pearl necklace with 14k gold-filled components could be a lovely choice.
A classic freshwater pearl necklace is incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
If you're not sure
Don't panic!
A classic freshwater pearl necklace is incredibly versatile and can work beautifully with both casual and more dressed-up outfits.
Our Gold & Pearl Drop Necklace (pictured above), for example, combines genuine freshwater pearls with 14k gold-filled components and is designed to work from day to night.
6. Think about how she will wear it
This is one of the most useful questions to ask yourself:
Will she wear this necklace every day or mainly for special occasions?
For everyday wear, you might choose a simple pearl pendant or a contemporary pearl necklace.
For someone who loves dressing up, a classic hand-knotted pearl necklace or a more unusual statement design could be perfect.
For example, our Chunky Everyday Pearl Necklace has chunky freshwater pearls and is designed specifically to be worn regularly, from jeans and a T-shirt to a chunky winter knit.
So don't assume that pearl jewellery has to be formal. I have been wearing this exact necklace all summer day or night and I can't wait to see it with my winter knits too.
One of the things I love about pearls is how easily they can be dressed up or down.
7. Choose a necklace that feels personal
A Christmas gift feels particularly special when it feels like you've actually thought about the person you're buying for.
Rather than simply choosing the most expensive necklace, think about what suits her.
Maybe she loves classic, elegant jewellery.
Maybe she likes something a little different.
Maybe she wears gold every day.
Or perhaps she's always admired pearl jewellery but doesn't own a piece herself.
There doesn't have to be a complicated reason behind your choice.
Sometimes a beautiful piece of jewellery that makes someone feel special is enough.
8. What if you're buying a pearl necklace christmas gift for Mum?
A pearl necklace can be a particularly lovely Christmas gift for Mum because it's something she can keep and wear for years.
For a Mum who loves classic jewellery, I'd look at a traditional freshwater pearl necklace.
For someone who prefers more modern jewellery, a pearl pendant or contemporary pearl necklace could be a better choice.
And if you really can't decide, a pearl jewellery set gives you a beautifully coordinated necklace and earrings combination.
I also offer a range of pearl jewellery sets, including classic and vintage-inspired designs.
9. Don't forget the finishing touches
One of my favourite parts of buying jewellery as a gift is the moment it is opened.
That's why every Watermeadow Lane Jewellery order comes beautifully gift wrapped in eco-friendly packaging.
You can also add a free gift bag to your order and include a gift message, making it even easier if you're sending your Christmas present directly to the recipient.
It's those little details that can make a Christmas gift feel extra special.
10. Still not sure which pearl necklace to choose?
If you've got this far and you're still thinking "I have absolutely no idea which one she'd like!", don't worry.
Choosing jewellery for someone else can be difficult.
I'm always happy to help you choose.
You can get in touch and tell me a little about who you're buying for, what jewellery she normally wears and roughly what you'd like to spend.
I'll be happy to suggest a few options.
My quick guide to choosing a pearl necklace
If you want to keep things really simple, here's my quick guide:
For a classic jewellery lover:
Choose a traditional freshwater pearl necklace.
For someone who prefers delicate jewellery:
Choose a pearl pendant or single pearl necklace.
For someone who wears gold:
Choose freshwater pearls with 14k gold-filled details.
For someone who loves modern jewellery:
Look for pearls combined with a contemporary chain.
For someone who loves statement jewellery:
Look for larger or more unusual freshwater pearls.
For Mum:
A classic pearl necklace or coordinated pearl jewellery set makes a thoughtful Christmas gift.
If you're completely unsure:
Get in touch and I'll help you choose.
Why choose a handmade pearl necklace?
There is something particularly special about giving a piece of jewellery that has been made by hand.
At Watermeadow Lane Jewellery, each piece is handmade in Derbyshire, UK, using carefully selected materials and genuine freshwater pearls.
Our pearl necklaces include both hand-knotted designs and contemporary pearl styles, so you can choose something traditional or something with a more modern feel.
I run Watermeadow Lane Jewellery as a small business, and every order is prepared with care.
That's particularly important at Christmas, when you're buying something for someone you love.
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The author : Watermeadow Lane Jewellery
Watermeadow Lane Jewellery is a Derbyshire-based jewellery brand specialising in handmade pearl jewellery, including freshwater pearl necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pearl jewellery sets for every occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pearl necklace a good Christmas gift?
Yes. A pearl necklace is a timeless jewellery gift that can be worn for special occasions as well as everyday outfits. Freshwater pearls are particularly versatile because of their natural, soft tones.
What type of pearl necklace is best for a Christmas gift?
It depends on the person you're buying for. A classic freshwater pearl necklace suits someone who loves timeless jewellery, while a pearl pendant can be a lovely option for someone who prefers a more modern or understated style.
What length pearl necklace should I buy?
An 16–18 inch necklace is a popular everyday length and generally sits below the collarbone. If you're unsure, check the necklace lengths the recipient normally wears or contact me for advice.
Are freshwater pearls real pearls?
Yes. Freshwater pearls are genuine pearls formed in freshwater mussels. Each pearl can have natural variations in shape, colour and surface, which makes every piece of pearl jewellery individual.
Are Watermeadow Lane pearl necklaces handmade?
Yes. Watermeadow Lane Jewellery is based in Derbyshire, UK, and the pearl necklaces are handmade using genuine freshwater pearls. Many of the traditional pearl necklaces are also hand-knotted.
Can I have my Christmas pearl jewellery gift wrapped?
Yes. Your jewellery is beautifully presented in eco-friendly packaging, and gift options and gift messages are available.
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Find a Pearl Necklace She'll Love
Whether you're looking for a classic freshwater pearl necklace, a delicate pearl pendant or something a little more contemporary, discover my collection of handmade pearl necklaces.
