Miss Manners mentions her grandmother’s abhorrence on wearing a strand of pearls doubled in last week’s column. Has anyone else heard of this custom? I must confess, I’ve never heard of, or noticed the odd-strands-only-rule; but my mom doesn’t wear much jewelry.
(results from obligatory Google image search for pearl necklace jewelry double triple strands. All images on first page are work-safe.
When I have pearl necklaces (hehehheh), I get the long ones and wrap them a few times so I have a long, layered look. Can’t say I’ve ever considered how many times I wrap it, though I generally go for 3 more more layers.
I have apparently been disappointing Miss Manners’ Grandmother for a long time. Although, since I haven’t been using real pearls, perhaps the dictum does not apply.
I know I sometimes avoid doubling the necklace during a work day, because gravity slowly works on the lower loop, tightening the upper loop around my neck. Would having three loops slow that down? Make it less noticable? Just a thought. I won’t be trying for three loops because that necklace is too short.
I’ve heard the rule. I only have one strand of pearls (well, one traditional strand and one chocolate) so it’s not really an issue. 
I mean, I have a classic length and go for the classic look, so I haven’t really considered how to wear, say, a lavalier.
Now I’m curious about why. Was it a secret sign for how prostitutes identified themselves, or something?
Bizarre. I have never heard this rule, and I have many strands of pearls, singles, doubles and triples. I have been on the hunt for the perfect double strand ever since I saw Michelle Obama’s official portrait.
Only from Miss Manners.
Check out Nordstrom Rack and Off 5th Avenue (Nordstroms and Saks outlets) if you’ve got them near you. While they certainly sell higher end jewelry at good discounts, they also sell lower end jewelry that looks fabulous. They regularly have various pearls, in various lengths, in various colors, at various price points. Oh, and I regularly see things as cheap as $15 aaaaaand they have really great online coupons :).
In fairness, she admits she doesn’t know *why *her grandmother had the odd-only rule. Judith Martin was born in 1938, so her grandmother was citing some rule customary from her own youth probably in the early 1900s.
Huh. I never heard of it before. I would think that it would depend on how many pearls you had.
Interestingly, Miss Manners violated her grandmother’s rule in her wedding outfit (photo #1).
What a freaking hussy.
I heard of this custom from my mother, who could be certifiably weird. It’s just one of those rules, like not wearing white shoes before Memorial Day or after Labor Day (goodbye, white shoes!) unless you’re playing tennis or are a bride.
However, i think the rule is only for doubling a long strand. You can buy pearls in single strands, double strands, triple strands, and probably more. The rule as I understood it was to wear the long strand either as a long strand, or as three strands, not two.
Pearls are a lot of fun. I have a strand I paid a lot of money for, which turned out to be fake, but they look great. And another strand that I paid $6 for at an estate sale, which turned out to be real! I’ve worn the longest strands as a belt, with a clip.
Yllaria, there is a little pearl clip thing that will solve your problem and keep the strands in place. I think I got mine at some junk jewelry place. I use it when I wear them as a belt. It’s sort of like a barrett for jewelry.
PS–on that wedding photo? I got Marlo Thomas, not Miss Manners!
I’ve been meaning to get over to Nordstrom Rack. I will have to check it out.
There are nine photos there. Marlo Thomas is in #2. Scroll through, forward or backward, using the arrows at the top right corner of the photo area.
I swear I remember seeing a picture of Queen Elizabeth (II) wearing a double strand pearl necklace.
(I like the idea of knotting them, or making a choker look, but leaving a long strand as well)
I have my grandmothers pearl necklace collection, and i can layer all 9 [!] of them from choker to waist length on me …
I admit I have never heard of the never double the necklace, or wear 2 strands before … I would love to understand the reason behind that if it is ever discovered.
Sadly it seems like only Hilarity N. Suze’s mom might be able to tell us. Are you willing to try to get to the bottom of this for us, Hilarity?
I first heard (read) this rule from Eve.
:looks down on you all imperiously through her lorgnette:
Did Eve tell you why, o Queen? Please do tell. The SDMB has been so *adrift *since Eve’s been gone.