Glossary

Opera Length refers to a single strand necklace which is 26 inches to 36 inches in length and hangs to the breastbone.
The Opera Length (Necklace) can be worn in various options. It can be worn as a single strand with high necklaces or doubled to create a fashionable two-strand choker. It can be knotted at the neckline or above the bust to create a stylish vintage look that is gaining popularity as a contemporary fashion trend. Opera Length Necklace are traditionally worn with eveningwear, although using them to accessorize more casual attire has become a fresh, cutting-edge fashion statement. Opera Length was the term coined as women flocked to the opera in long strands of pearls. Today the term can be used with any type of necklace which is 26 inches to 36 inches long that usually end at the breastbone and may consist of one or two strands or sometimes even more.


Actress Gwyneth Paltrow was spotted wearing an Opera Length Necklace at the premiere of "Iron Man" held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on May 30, 2008

Sara Jessica Parker's character Carrie Bradshaw had one signature piece in the movie version of Sex and the City, a long strand of pearls - an opera-length necklace is from pearl legend Mikimoto and features 8.5-millimeter Akoya cultured pearls in a 32-inch length, finished off with the brand's signature clasp in 18-karat gold. Carrie wears the strand while announcing her engagement to Chris Noth a.k.a "Mr. Big” while shopping in New York City, and even as she climbs into bed for an intimate moment with her fiancee. The strand is prominently shown in the scene where, while seated at her computer pondering feelings about love, she twirls the strand around her fingertips as if it held the answers to her endless questions and while opening a golden box of Louis Vuitton.

The models during the Vera Wang's 2009 Spring fashion show were sporting long, Opera Length statement Necklaces.