OK, so the other day I finally got my pearl shortener. I bought the same kind in two different sizes. I really like how I can now wear my 18" strands shorter, and I can adjust them according to the top I'm wearing. I got them in sterling silver and they are from Etsy. Here's a couple of comparison photos with my metallic FWs (excuse the poor quality photos, but at least you can see the length) and another one showing how I attached it today. Thanks everyone for your input!