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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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Pearl Bracelets

July 3rd, 2009

Pearls are a common and (relatively) inexpensive way to add a bit of glamour to an outfit.  You can find many fake pearls today, but the real thing is always the best.  Pearl bracelets are a simple and nice way to wear pearls.  You can find them in many different styles and colors, from huge pearls (or fake pearls) to small delicate strings of freshwater pearls.  Cultivated pearls tend to be larger, as the seed they are started from tend to be larger than the grain of sand that can start a natural pearl.  The bracelets can also be found in many places, from department stores to high end jewelry stores.  Because pearls can be cultivated rather easily it helps keep the price down and easier for the average person to afford.

Pearl bracelets tend to be simple affairs, usually a single strand of large or small pearls.  The sizes of pearls are almost never mixed because as a bracelet, having pearls not uniform can make the piece look off.  Sometimes the bracelet can be 2 or 3 strands connected together to either fall loosely around the wrist, or tightly in organized rows.  There are also fake pearl bracelets out there that have five or more strings of the fake pearls, that all fall loosely together.  The fake bracelets also may have larger pearls that you would not be able to find either natural or cultivated.

When looking at pearl bracelets you need to take notice of the size and shape of the pearls, along with the color.  Pearls come in many colors, from white to black and other colors as well, such as pink.  White pearls are the most common and could be considered the classic pearl.  But black pearls are almost just as popular.  Today pearls are used almost exclusively as jewelry but they used to be sewn into the clothing of royalty, but today pearls are starting to make a comeback in more and more accessories.  Overall pearls are a nice way to add a bit of something to anything you wear.


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Pearl Necklaces

July 1st, 2009

Pearl Necklaces are one of the most common ways to accessorize an outfit.  Pearls come in many sizes shapes and colors that can be perfect for any attire.  Pearls are formed inside the shells of mollusks, usually oysters, created from secretions that coat an irritant within the shell.  There color may be anything from the familiar white, to black with an opalescent sheen.  The pearls may either be natural, where they are formed naturally over time within an oysters shell.  Cultured pearls on the other hand, are forced.  The farmer inserts a round seed into the oyster, and the oyster creates a pearl around the seed.  Most oyster farmers have large beds where they hand the oysters from string in the water.  Most farms are also located in tidal areas to mimic the oyster’s natural habitat. Pearls have become one of the easiest things to find, with the farming of oysters.  Most gemstones cannot be made easily or cheaply, but pearls can be cultured in a relatively short time with only a fair amount of work and no high technology.

There are many designs of pearl necklaces.  Anything from a simple uniform string of pearls all the way around, to a string that gets larger in the middle, and smaller towards the ends, or even a multi string necklace where pearls are draped in loops or multiple strands around the wearers neck.  But pearls were not always used exclusively for jewelry, they could, in the past be sewn into clothing in elaborate designs.  Most pearl necklaces today tend to be simpler in nature, the most common being a single string of same sized pearls.

Pearl necklaces are also available in many retailers today.  Many department stores, along with jewelry stores carry pearls.  Even some lower end stores now have jewelry counters where you can by real pearls.  Though many lower priced pearls tend to be cultivated, they can be just as beautiful for the wearer as natural pearls.

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The Pearl Necklace, Classic Beauty in a Single Strand

June 30th, 2009

Nature’s only animal produced gem, the pearl has been a symbol of purity, honesty, and wisdom for ages. With painstaking precession jewelry designers hand select matching pearls to create the timeless beauty of the pearl necklace. Coming in so many varieties and colors pearls are amazingly diverse. From the pure white to the deep blacks and greens of Tahiti, you will never be disappointed by the array you may choose from. Perfect for any occasion, pearls are always a statement of elegance.

When you are looking for a pearl necklace you will want to be sure you are using a reputable jeweler. Someone you can trust and has been in the business of handling such delicate beauties as the natural pearl. You will want to look closely and note that there is a tiny knot nestled between each pearl on the strand,  this allows separation between the gems so that they do not rub together and damage the necar which gives the pearl its’ luster and shine. If the knot is missing over time you could essentially ruin your investment. Be careful with cleaning solutions as well with your pearls. It is best to allow your jeweler to clean and condition your pearl necklace for general maintenance. Many general jewelry solvents and soaps can cause extreme wear and damage to the pearls. That’s why it is best left up to the experts. Having them appraised and insured is also always a wise choice. This adds peace of mind knowing you have protected both your pearls and your investment.

The presence of the pearl necklace has graced leading ladies, queens, and housewives’ necks and shown a quiet beauty for generations.   If you give them the care they deserve you will have an heirloom to pass on and an investment that will last.

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