Actual Length of Pearls in a Strand

Q: I just received the 18 inch strand of akoya pearls I ordered and they are beautiful. When I measure the necklace, the pearls measure 17" and the clasp 1". Is this how the 18inches is routinely determined? I raise this inconsistency since 3 years ago I orderd from you another 18 inch akoya necklace and when I just compared the two necklaces, the 3 y.o. strand has 18" of pearls plus the clasp; 1 inch more of pearls. Please clarify the difference in the 18" from one necklace versus the other.

A: I am happy to hear that you loved the pearls. The industry standard for measuring a necklace is from clasp to clasp. This is done so that a standard can be maintained on how a necklace would lay on a person's neck. When you first receive the necklace, the silk knots between the pearls are still tight. After a few wears, however, the silk will start to loosen up. Therefore, after 3 years of wear, the knots would have loosened up to make the necklace longer than 18" (clasp to clasp).