A pearl is formed when an oyster reacts to an intruder invading its shell. As a defense mechanism, the oyster produces a substance known as nacre that forms layers around the intruder, creating a pearl as a result. The timeless beauty of a pearl necklace is unrivaled. Here are some pearl necklace buying tips to help you add class, elegance and flexibility to your wardrobe.

A pearl is formed when an oyster reacts to an intruder invading its shell. As a defense mechanism, the oyster produces a substance known as nacre that forms layers around the intruder, creating a pearl as a result. The timeless beauty of a pearl necklace is unrivaled. Here are some pearl necklace buying tips to help you add class, elegance and flexibility to your wardrobe.

There are different types and grades of pearls: from the rare and naturally formed pearls to the popular cultivated pearls and finally, the cheaper variation - synthetic pearls. It is often difficult to tell the difference between natural and cultured pearls unless you have a trained eye. Spherical, symmetrical and baroque are three main shapes of pearls. Spherical pearls are round in shape and are the most popular of choice. Symmetrical pearls tend to be oval, button or teardrop shaped while baroque pearls are irregularly shaped and can come in the form resembling sticks or even crosses.

A key to learning how to buy a pearl necklace comes in choosing one whose length is flattering to your individual body type - whether you have a long neck, short neck or wide neck, how old you are and your overall physical make-up. As a general guideline, long necklaces like the rope and the opera will elongate a short neck while short necklaces like the collar and choker varieties help flatter longer necks.

When choosing a pearl necklace, it is critical to select a length that flatters your age, neck shape and length, and physique. Shorter necklaces tend to suit long necks while long necklaces help to elongate the neck (for people with short necks). The collar-type necklace is the shortest at 10 to 13 inches long while the longest - rope - can be more than 37 inches in length. If you're looking for a necklace to suit almost anyone, then one between 18 and 24 inches long will do.

The collar pearl necklace is worn high and above the base of the neck, and is suited for evening and casual use. Chokers, on the other hand are 16 to 18 inches long and worn around the neck's base. The princess is a very popular length (17" to 20") and can be worn with any type of neckline.

Pearls are grown in a variety of colors, from the more popular white and cream to pink, silver and even gold or yellow. The darker the color of the pearl, the more flattering they are when worn on darker skin tone.

One of the world's highest quality pearls, renown for their beauty and brilliance, are cultivated by Mikimoto. With fans from the British and Japanese royal families, a high-grade Mikimoto pearl necklace has been known to have an almost mirror-like reflective quality.

Pearls can even be found in black, gray and green-black. These are Tahitian pearls grown from black-lipped oysters. Choosing a pearl necklace of this sort will include looking out for its grades as well as its flaws. Graded from A through to D, grade A Tahitian pearls should be clear in color with a metal-like reflective sheen while flaws include looking out for discolorations, bumps or scratches.

A couple of pearl necklace buying tips include buying a set with a pearl necklace, earrings and bracelet or ring. This will increase the probability of you scoring a discount on your jewelry. Another way to buy a pearl necklace on a budget is to try finding an original supplier. Although these suppliers usually prefer to sell in large quantities, you may try to find people who are willing to combine their purchases with you so that you can all enjoy discounted rates on your timeless accessories.