Getting the length right on your pearl necklace is vital to how it looks and feels. But they don’t always come in the perfect size. Perhaps you’ve inherited a pearl necklace from a loved one or have bought a design that needs adjusting. Don’t panic! We’ve put together our top tips for how to adjust your pearl necklace.
We’ve included our favourite adjustable pearl necklaces from Coleman Douglas Pearls, and you can also check out our guide to choosing your pearl necklace length.
How to adjust your pearl necklace’s length
Some pearl necklaces will be made with adjustable clasps. These easily allow you to change the length of the necklace by simply hooking the clasp into different points of the chain.
However, if your pearl necklace doesn’t have an adjustable clasp, you can amend its length in any of the following ways. Each method provides you with sartorial flexibility, allowing you to adjust your necklace to suit different outfits and occasions.
1. Necklace extender
A necklace extender is a small piece of chain with a clasp on one end and a loop on the other. This can be attached to the existing necklace clasp to add extra length when desired.
2. Tie a knot
If the necklace is made of freshwater pearls and is long enough, you can tie a knot in the pearls to create a shorter length.
Knot a pearl lariat necklace to shorten it. Our black and white freshwater pearl ‘morse code’ lariat can be adjusted with a knot, and worn with the matching black freshwater pearl ‘morse code’ bracelet. Both spell out ‘I love you’ in Morse code, sending a secret message to your loved one.
3. Multi-strand connectors
You can use a multi-strand connector to shorten the necklace by attaching it at different points along the strand, effectively creating a multi-strand look.
4. Shortening the strand
For a permanent solution, you can take the necklace to a jeweller to have it professionally shortened. The jeweller will remove some pearls and re-knot the necklace.
Book a consultation with Coleman Douglas Pearls to discover how we can help adjust your pearl necklace. We’ll give the design a new lease of life, adapting it to a piece that you’ll wear every day.
5. Using a brooch
Attach a pearl brooch to the strand to pull it up and shorten the length. This also adds a decorative element to your pearl necklace, as well as adding an idiosyncratic touch.
6. Doubling up
With a long pearl necklace, you can double it up for a shorter length and a chunkier feel. You can also have it permanently restrung into 2 necklaces of slightly different lengths, each with the same clasp, so they can be worn separately, or together in a double strand with one necklace nestling inside the other and can be worn as a long necklace by connecting the 2 separate clasps together.
This works particularly well with a long single-strand pearl necklace such as our white freshwater pearl long necklace. Alternatively, double up our white Keshi pearl and chalcedony ‘the twist’ long necklace for an appealingly abstract look.
Handpicked pearl necklace designs
White freshwater pearl and rose gold silver necklace
Individually hand-chosen white freshwater pearls are delicately interspersed with rose gold plated moveable beads in this necklace.
Deliberately pared-back in design, the necklace has an eye-catching movement, and can be both worn long and doubled-up – the ultimate adjustable pearl necklace. Pair with matching white freshwater pearl stud earrings to complete the look.
White South Sea pearl and tourmaline ‘happy’ lariat
Our award-winning pearl lariat is subtle yet sultry when draped down over an open back or plunging neckline.
Inspired by the vivid colours of Mexican coral reefs and sea life, white South Sea pearl tassels pair with white freshwater pearls and multicoloured tourmalines to make a glamourous adjustable pearl necklace. Combine with our white freshwater pearl ‘tutti frutti’ bracelet for complementary wristwear.
Grey Tahitian pearl ‘warrior’ lariat
Another award-winning design, our grey Tahitian pearl lariat can be worn in a number of ways, making it a highly adjustable pearl necklace.
Designed to be worn as personal armour that speaks to both the strength and softness of women, you can further fortify yourself by pairing with the matching limited-edition black Tahitian pearl ‘warrior’ armband. For a more minimalist take, choose from either our black Tahitian pearl ‘warrior’ earrings or ‘warrior’ bracelet.
White freshwater pearl ‘M&M’ long necklace
Choose to double up this white freshwater pearl long necklace.
Inspired by the shape of colourful chocolate ‘M&M’s, the classic pearl strand is given a contemporary twist with alternating sizes of hand-chosen pearls. Wear with matching white freshwater pearl ‘M&M’ drop earrings for double impact.
If white isn’t your colour, we’ve got the same design made with grey freshwater pearls, too.
Copper and grey freshwater pearl ‘it’s a long story’ necklace
Add a splash of colour to a crisp white shirt with our copper and grey freshwater pearl necklace. Wear as two long strands, or loop into three – this design is highly versatile. Pair with our copper freshwater pearl cuff bracelet to lean into the jewellery’s warm autumnal tones.
Multi-coloured pearl and silk necklaces
Choose from our selection of multi-coloured pearl and silk necklaces depending on the tones that best complement your unique features. Inspired by the nets of fishermen in Tahiti, each necklace also comes with a matching silk and multi-coloured pearl bracelet.
Warm pink and peacock black freshwater pearls are delicately threaded on red silk in our pink-black freshwater pearl and red silk necklace. Cooler tones abound with our grey and peacock black freshwater pearl design, threaded with green silk. Alternatively, ready yourself for autumn with the ochre tones of our black and copper freshwater pearl and copper silk necklace.
Tahitian pearl and garnet ‘melograno’ necklace
Inspired by the luscious ruby seeds of ‘melograno’ or pomegranate, this award-winning design combines sultry black Tahitian pearl tassels with red garnet and tourmalines. Pair this adjustable pearl necklace with complementary black pearl earrings for a dramatic evening look.
Create a bespoke adjustable pearl necklace
Design your own adjustable pearl necklace with Coleman Douglas Pearls.
We bring over thirty years of experience to create a bespoke pearl jewellery design that perfectly matches your distinctive features, allowing you to invest with confidence.
