Here's a crazier idea... how about dismantling the strand and use the pearls as drops on a long (say 30-40 inch) chain? The movement of the pearls would just let their play of color rock.
Here's my role model for this one:
LINK Not sure why that necklace of blue mussel shells was/is so fascinating... Pearls would not be quite so OTT, methinks - more wearable too.