I purchased this strand of 18" 8-8.5mm Akoya pearl necklace from Pearl Accessory(pearlacce.com) on Mother's Day. It was a gift by my husband. I love the luster. It has excellent luster.But now I'm considering exchanging to 16" since my neck is not fat. So what's the best length of pearl necklace do you usually buy?

Wow, those are just lovely! I will say, I tend to wear a 16 inch strand if I'm wearing pearls, and I am on the petite side. Hubby did good!

Yummy!
I loooooooove those, the luster looks wonderful!

I´m partial to 18 inch strands. My neck is regular-sized I guess, but I find that the length tends to go better with the the type of clothes I wear. I´m an apple shape and wear lots of v-necks and I find that 18 inch chains and even 20 inchers look best with that style. Most of my dresses are also v-necks because they flatter my figure.

So I would say look at your warddrobe and let it decide for you...

A lot of people find that if they wear high necklines that 16 inch necklaces tend to get swallowed by the neckline... I guess it just depends what you´ll be wearing them with.
Plus, I´m also 5"8 which makes me on the larger side of average...

nice akoyas though. I saw some golden colored ones on pearlparadise.com, i wish I coould afford them.

My neck is not fat, and all my necklaces are at least 18".

To be honest, 18-inch is a very good size as you can wear it shorter if you so desire. I have a pearl shortener. Works great, and that way you can wear it shorter when you want, but then also longer when you need to.

Ever since joining this board, I've been becoming a more informed shopper (thanks Ladies!). Now I'm expanding/diversifying my jewelry portfolio and investing one by one through timeless pieces that would be a staple in my collection. Pearls would be one of them! ^_^ Thanks for posting your beautiful pearls!

I'm not sure if this is helpful, but:

NECKLACE LENGTH

Selecting the right necklace length is an important choice and is determined by the wearer’s personal style and the specific occasion. The standard classic 17 to 19 inch princess length is traditionally common, but recent fashion trends are changing that. Many women are even layering their pearl necklaces resembling the ultra-chic Coco Chanel who stylishly wore six or seven necklaces at a time. The idea here is, the more the better. The following are popular lengths of pearl strands along with a few guidelines for wear.

Collar Pearl Necklace
12 to 13 inches long, pearl collars are often made of multiple strands and fit snugly across the middle of the neck. This length is suited well for V-neck and off the shoulder fashions.

Choker Pearl Necklace
14 to 16 inches long and lying in the hollow of her neck, a pearl choker is perhaps the most versatile length complementing almost any neckline. This length is appropriate for both casual and formal evening wear; a preference for younger women and appropriate as a gift for her first necklace.

Princess Pearl Necklace
17 to 19 inches long and falling just below most collar lines, the pearl princess length is the most popular and a good choice for anyone who is not certain which strand length is most appropriate. The classic length for pearl necklaces, it is very suitable for button up blouses, V-necks, and also complements low, plunging necklines.

Matinee Pearl Necklace
20 to 24 inches long and ideal for high necklines, the matinee pearl necklace length is well suited for both casual and business attire. This length can also be paired with one of the shorter for a luxurious layered look.

Opera Pearl Necklace
28 to 34 inches long, the opera pearl necklace length rests in the middle of a woman’s chest area. This length offers many attractive options and is suitable for layering. It can also be worn as a double strand or knotted at the neckline to create a fashionable vintage style. Although traditionally worn at formal events, opera lengths used to accessorize casual attire is becoming a bold fashion statement.

Rope Pearl Necklace
36 inches and longer, the rope pearl necklace length is a luxurious look and can be worn as a double or triple strand. Becoming more popular as high fashion and as seen in trendy magazines, pearl ropes can be knotted and slung over the shoulder to accentuate the beauty of a backless dress.