Nooooo don't tell me that, E!! >_<

sorry!!! I know..it's painful. They have a pearl pendant on a 14k chain that ends up being like $70 on an 18 inch chain. They have another that's even less!

Problem with those is the description says: "hand painted". That implies the coating will not stand the test of time and you will need to replace them one day. Don't waste your money, for roughly the same price you can get a strand of real freshwater pearls.

Thanks for all the advice, I think my last pair of pearls was painted on- hence why some are now peeling (although they were my grandmothers and lasted just fine until I inherited them...)

Also I should mention I'm very petite- around 5'3 and normally weigh around 110 (but am currently 6 months pregnant...) so I've always thought the smaller pearls look better on me. But I will re-think the length- maybe 18 inches would be better.

Please keep the advice coming, my birthday is right around the corner and i know my hubby could use some pointing in the right direction.

I also think that 18 inches is a more versatile length, but I do have a (fake) strand of 16 inchers to wear as more a choker. For everyday wear/investment to wear in the future I'd go 18 as well. Perhaps you could go try some different lengths on in a department store/jewelry store? Pearls lie a bit differently than a simple chain. Of course ultimately it is about what you prefer, but you should get an idea of the two lengths on you so you can properly decide.

I love my 36 inch strand. (I finally measured!) I find it's wonderful because I can either double it and have an 18 double pearl strand, a 16 inch choker with a 20 inch necklace (totally different look) or a long strand. I wear them long the most, followed by the other two styles. It gives me a lot of choices-something else to consider!

I buy from overstock.com and Pearl Accessory(pearlacce.com) They have really competitive prices with great quality freshwater pearls.

http://www.pearlacce.com/white-freshwater-pearl-necklace-6070-mm-aaa-p-182.html

Hope it helps.