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Pearl Bracelets

July 24th, 2009

Pearl bracelets are a lovely fashion accessory that can add beauty and class to any outfit.  Genuine pearl bracelets make an excellent gift for any occasion.  You may find that pearl necklaces are too formal to give in every situation, but that you really want to say something nice.

You may really want to give a gift that can be taken in a serious way, while at the same time; you want to be able to back away and say it wasn’t meant to be serious if you have to.  In this situation, a pearl bracelet is very appropriate.  If you have to give a gift to a family member or friend, a pearl bracelet is an excellent choice for that as well.

Pearl bracelets give the wearer many style options.  If you want to go formal, then a pearl bracelet along with simple jewelry that is also made of pearl, or that is simple and elegant will go well.

You could for example wear a pearl bracelet and a pearl necklace and earring set that is accentuated with cubic zirconias or diamonds.  The bracelet can be different from the necklace and earring set, but because there is some pearl in both, then that outfit will work.

These bracelets also work well with a layering effect.  You can dress up these beautiful bracelets or make them casual in this way.  It all depends on the other bracelets you wear with your pearl bracelet.  In addition you also want to keep in mind that when you’re layering your jewelry that you are careful to wear other bracelets that don’t damage your pearl bracelet by chipping it or shattering the pearls.  Some materials will also scratch your pearls.

There are many reputable online sources where you can buy nice jewelry like this.  You can also buy it in fine stores in the brick and mortar world.  You have to choose the option that is best for you.   You can usually find a jewelry item like this to fit any budget.

If you’re buying your bracelet as a gift, remember to keep in mind that some people will have very thin or very thick wrists.  You want to make sure that you get a bracelet to fit the recipient well.

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Pearl Necklaces

July 21st, 2009

Pearl necklaces are the quintessential gift to give.  They are seriously beautiful, elegant and classic.  Every woman should aim to have at least one set of pearls—or at the very least a set of pearl look alike–in her wardrobe.  This is because pearls go with so many things.  Pearls also make a woman look beautiful without being overstated.  They are like the little black dress of jewelry.

You really should own a set of standard white pearls.  There are so many types of pearls on the markets these days.  It’s great to have a few different types of pearls.  But the first pearls that any woman should buy are a strand of simple white ones.  If you know of a woman that doesn’t have simple white pearls already, then buying them for her would be a wonderful gesture.

Standard white pearls can come in a few different shapes as well.  You can get rice pearls that are a little larger than rice but look like grains of rice, oval shaped pearls and a conservative strand of potato pearls.  Any other pearls will start to look non-traditional.

This is fine when you’re adding to your jewelry collection.  But when you’re trying to get that standard strand of pearls, then you want to go with the conservative ones first.

Genuine pearl necklaces cannot be dressed down.

If the pearls are old and beat up, this might work for a vintage type of look; but for the most part, trying to dress pearl necklaces down looks tacky and ridiculous.  You make yourself look like you stole the pearls or even worst, like you have no taste.  Even if you feel you can get away with it, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you’re going for an 80’s look it might be okay.  But, for the most part it isn’t.

Pearls look best with gold jewelry or high end, well polished silver jewelry.  Some people dislike the look of pearl jewelry and silver altogether and would never wear it.  This is understandable because overall most pearls look best with gold.  If you cannot afford 14kt gold jewelry or above, try gold-filled.

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Pearl Jewelry

July 17th, 2009

Pearl jewelry is one of the most popular and timeless types of jewelry. Versatile, elegant, and suited to a range of occasions, pearl jewelry is a fantastic gift or splurge that will remain a jewelry box favorite and become an heirloom.

When pearl jewelry is mentioned, most people think immediately of its most classic incarnation: a simple string of pearls around the neck, stud earrings, and perhaps a bracelet to match. This look can work in a variety of settings, from the formality of a wedding to the business environment of the office to a chic look for a night on the town. While most people think of round, smooth, white pearls in regard to this look, today a variety of colors of pearls are widely available.

Additionally, pearls come in many different shapes. Baroque pearls (pearls that are not round) most often result from being cultured, rather than wild. They are often conical in shape, and can lend a more unique look to jewelry.

Freshwater pearls also offer an interesting alternative to the traditional round pearl. Instead of being conical or spherical, they are very irregular in shape but still have the iridescence and color of saltwater pearls.

While the stud earring, strand necklace, and bracelet look is certainly a classic, many other types of jewelry make excellent use of the long-appreciated pearl. Designers like Coco Chanel have long appreciated strand after strand of pearl necklaces as the ideal accessory to bring a sense of luxury to an otherwise understated outfit.

In addition to stud earrings, pearl drop earrings are another classic, timeless incarnation of this type of jewelry. In the famous painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer, a single earring helps to transform a girl from a peasant to a work of art. Elegant pearl drop earrings convey the classic beauty of the pearl with the movement and interest of a drop earring.

Clearly, pearl jewelry comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and styles. However, its timelessness means that it makes a great jewelry investment.

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Different types of Pearl Necklaces and How to Care for Them

July 17th, 2009

There are many different types of pearl necklaces to choose from. Pearls have long been considered precious and symbolic, and are always classic, beautiful and appropriate. Taking good care of your pearls can give you a lifetime of use and a gorgeous heirloom to pass down to daughters or granddaughters to come.

Depending on your tastes, budget and outfit you plan to wear them with, choosing the right strand of pearls is something that takes a little bit of research. Here, from shortest to longest, I have described each style.

A “Collar” is usually three to five strands of pearls, all the same length, typically 12″ inches in length. It fits around the neck tightly, which is how it got its name.

A “Bib” is usually three to five strands of pearls in graduated lengths, creating a bib-like look.

A “Choker” is about 15″ in length and sits snugly against the base of the throat.

A “Princess” is about 18″ in length and is considered the standard or “classic” length for pearl necklaces. It sits just beneath the collar bone and suits low-cut gowns.

A “Matinee” is about 22″ in length and works well with formal or professional outfits.

An “Opera” is about 32″ in length and is considered the proper necklace length for wear with formal and opera gowns, hence the name it is given.

A “Rope” is typically as little as 36″ long, but often more. It is meant to be knotted or doubled and worn at half-length. It has also become trendy to wear it diagonally across the torso.

It is always important to take proper care of pearls. Always let perfumes and lotions dry before putting your necklace on. Do not spray hairsprays or perfumes directly onto pearls. When taking off your pearls, clean them with a soft cloth, slightly damp if pearls have somehow become soiled. Do not submerge your pearls or use strong detergents on them.

If your pearls get worn often, consider having them restrung and reknotted annually to avoid breakage and loss of beads.

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Pearl Jewelry

July 14th, 2009

Every woman should own a strand of pearls. However, it is important to know what you are looking for when you are buying pearl jewelry. Pearls come in a number of colors and shapes. Value is determined based on the luster, shape, size and source of the pearl.

Pearls can be either cultured and natural. Cultured means that they have been created with human intervention, and natural means that the pearl is formed in the wild with no human intervention at all. Most pearls on the market today are cultured pearls created on a pearl farm. Of course, pearl jewelry made from natural pearls is much more valuable due to the rarity of natural pearls.

Pearls also come from both freshwater and saltwater pearls. Saltwater pearls are the most valuable. Freshwater pearls come from freshwater mussels and are more common.

The larger the pearl, the higher the price, but the value of pearls and its use in jewelry is mostly determined by its shape. Perfectly round pearls are more valuable and are used in necklaces. Semi-round are also used in necklaces, particularly when their flaws can be hidden. Tear-drop and pear-shaped pearls are used as centerpieces in necklaces or in earrings.

Pearls also come in a variety of colors. White pearls are traditionally more sought after, but recently black pearls have become more popular, particularly the saltwater variety. Pearls can also be found in pink, green, blue, and champagne, but these colors are harder to find.

According to many jewelers, luster is the most important factor in determining the value of pearl jewelry. Luster is most simply defined as the way an object reflects light. The more layers a pearl has, the more valuable it is.

When you are buying pearl jewelry, be sure to ask your jeweler about the source of the pearl, and pay close attention to its size, shape, color and luster.

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Pearl Necklace

July 11th, 2009

When you are picking a pearl necklace it is important to think about where you will be wearing the piece and how you want it to look. Pearls come in a variety of colors and it is a good idea to pick a shade that goes with your skin tone. Pearls can be worn with dressy or casual clothing so you can get a lot of use out of one piece of jewelry. This makes them a smart choice when looking for a piece to add to your jewelry collection.

The other important things to consider when choosing a pearl necklace are the shape, size, lustre, blemishes and flaws of the pearls. When selecting a color you should avoid pearls that have green or brown tones, and look for black, cream, pink, or white. These colors are the most valuable. The larger the pearl the more expensive it will likely be, but sometimes a large pearl doesn’t mean it is of good quality. You should consider the quality of the pearls along with their size to get the best balance of size and quality. There are a wide variety of shapes of pearls as well. The most valuable pearls are completely rounded, but other shapes can be highly valuable as well. The shape of the pearls come from the manner in which they grew. The more perfectly round the pearl the more expensive they will be.

The type of pearl necklace you purchase is a matter of personal preference, but you may also want to consider what types of outfits you will be wearing and where you will be wearing the piece. Some lengths include collar, choker, princess, matinee, opera, and rope. The collar style is the shortest and usually includes more than one strand. The rope style is the longest and is generally 45 inches in length.

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Pearl Earring Classic Addition to Woman’s Wardrobe

July 10th, 2009

Peek into the jewelry wardrobe of any well-dressed woman and you are likely to find a pearl earring among her favorite classic pieces.  The pearl has been prized since ancient times for its perfection and absolute beauty.  This gem formed in the sea starting with a grain of sand within an oyster symbolizes all the best qualities human beings aspire to - honesty, integrity, purity, charity and wisdom.

Pearls used to create a pearl earring can be either natural or cultured, a technique of artificially stimulating the oyster to produce a pearl,  perfected by Kokichi Mikimoto whose sought-after brand is now known worldwide. The shape of pearls in their natural state are often not of perfect quality necessary for fine jewelry, so most people opt for the finest cultured pearls when making their selection.  There are a number of factors to consider when making a pearl earring selection.

Look at the body color or main color of the pearl, which can range from the very common white, cream and silver to the more exotic and highly prized black, gold, green and blue. In addition, there is an overtone of color called the translucent color atop this body color that adds warmth, luster and may even change a creamy white pearl into a pearl accented by green or blue.

Generally, the larger the pearl’s size, the more valuable it is, with sizing measured in milimeters using the pearl’s diameter. Select a pearl with high luster, its ability to reflect light. Shapes vary from round and symmetrical to the more valuable baroque or irregular style.

A pearl earring can represent a significant investment, so be sure to care wisely for these beautiful gems. Store them in a soft cloth or felt bag away from other gemstones or jewelry, as they can be easily scratched or even cracked.  Apply your make-up, hair spray or any other chemicals prior to attaching your earrings as these elements can quickly dull their luster. Clean your pearl earring with a soft dry cloth after every wearing, and occasionally wash them with a damp cloth and mild soap to extend their beauty.

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Pearl Bracelets

July 7th, 2009

Think about a piece of pearl jewelry. Generally, it is white or gold pearls, can be thought of as perfect, and is hard to get a hold of.  Pearl bracelets are highly sought after for their beauty and how fashionable they are.  Choosing the right string of pearls doesn’t have to be difficult, read on to learn more about pearls.

There is not an industry wide way to grade pearls. There are ways to know what to look for to know that you aren’t paying too much for something that isn’t worth your money. Most pearls these days are cultured because of how difficult it is to find the real deal in nature. They simply implant a tiny bead inside an oyster, and gradually over time the oyster coats the bead in many layers of natural minerals and proteins. The layers are referred to as nacre (Nay-Ker). It is nacre that gives pearls their beautiful luster and color.

When buying a pearl bracelet you should consider the color, luster, shape of the pearl and surface markings. Colors of a pearl can range from white, white rose, pink, gold, silver or black. They come in many shapes and sizes. Sizes can range from 5-5.5 mm. to 13 mm. There are five basic shapes that pearls can come in, including round, and off round, oval, teardrop, and semi-baroque.

Pearls produce a deep shine, which is intense. It’s called luster. It is created when light reflects off the many layers of tiny calcium carbonate crystals that compose the pearl. When choosing a pearl bracelet the larger the pearl the more nacre it has in it, so the more luster it produces.  The difference in luster is as clearly visible in the pearl sizes.  When pearls are cared for properly they can last a lifetime. The best way to care for pearls is to wear them as much as possible. Your natural body oils keep pearls from losing their luster. It is however, important to keep your pearls away from chemicals. Makeup, perfume, and hairspray are all things that can dull the luster of your pearls. You should put your pearl bracelet on last thing when getting ready, and take them off first thing when you get home. These tips will help you to find the pearl bracelet that is right for you, and to keep them in good condition for the rest of your life.

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Pearl Jewelry

July 6th, 2009

If you are looking for pearl jewelry, the best place to start you search is online. There are so many advantages of searching for jewelry online. You can begin your search by opening up any search engine and typing what you are looking for. You will come across a wide variety of results that can help you narrow down your search. You can pick out exactly what you are looking for by browsing the internet and different websites. Once you know the specific type of pearl jewelry you are looking for, the internet will help you find it.

Whether you are looking for a new pair of earrings, or a peal necklace, all you need to do is have access to the internet to get a great deal. You can compare different types of pearl jewelry and see what is the best for you. You will also be able to see what stores in your area sell this jewelry, and find the best price for the item you are looking for. You may even be able to order your pearl bracelet online in the convenience of your own home.

With so many advantages of shopping for jewelry online, it is hard not to find what you are looking for. Whether you are shopping for yourself, or a loved one, the internet will help you find the perfect piece of jewelry. You may even have the option of getting the new pair of earrings wrapped and sent to that loved one with a special message.

The options are limitless when it comes to searching for jewelry online. Whether you are just looking for a local jewelry store that sells the item you are looking for, or you are looking for the best deal to purchase jewelry online, the internet is the best place to start your jewelry search.

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Pearl Earrings

July 3rd, 2009

Pearl earrings are one of the most common ways to purchase pearls today, only comparable to a pearl necklace.  Pearl earrings can be found in many stores today, from discount stores to high end retailers.  All, or almost all, jewelry stores today sell pearl earrings.  But there are many other pearl products, such as necklaces and rings.  Earrings tend to be the most popular as more people can afford cultured pearls than completely natural pearls.

Pearls are a beautiful and natural way to decorate jewelry and other fine goods.  Pearls are created by mollusks.  All mollusks produce a substance that can be called a pearl, but not all are jewelry quality pearls.  Pearls can be produced in two ways.  Natural pearls are created by the mollusk when an irritant managed to get inside a shell.  Cultured pearls are man made by putting a starter material inside the mollusk to for it to create a pearl.  Pearls can also come in many different colors, ranging from a brilliant white to a deep black color that has a silver sheen.  Natural, high quality pears have been as highly valued as gemstones for centuries.  Most civilizations around the world know about pearls.  But only in the past one hundred years have people learned to cultivate pearls, only recently have pearls been used only for jewelry.  In the past though, pearls were often worn stitched onto clothing often worn by royalty.  Many medieval and renaissance era portraits of royalty show them with many pearls sewn onto their clothing.

The variety of pearl earrings available to consumers can be vast.  Not all pearls are round, creating tear drops or fused pearls, oval pears and pearls still attached to pieces of shell.  There are simple stud earrings to very complex multi pearl designs.  When choosing earrings make sure you are happy with the style and the shape, along with the complexity or simplicity of the earrings.

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