The Pearl Jewelry Blog

Necklaces are a great way to accentuate your features and bring out the glow of your skin. Nowadays, there are many kinds of necklaces you can choose from meaning that you may have a difficult time in deciding what kind of necklace you like best. Necklaces can usually be differentiated according to their lengths and widths. For example, the choker is the shortest necklace at fourteen to sixteen inches long, it is followed by the princess necklace which is eighteen inches long.

Meanwhile, still another type of necklace is the matinee necklace which is at twenty two to twenty three inches long; this type of necklace is usually above the cleavage area. The last type of necklace is the longest one, the opera necklace; this type of necklace is below the cleavage and is placed at the breastbone.

Necklaces have been popular since ancient civilizations; you have probably already encountered the image of Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen, wearing different kinds of jewelry. But in fact, necklaces have been used even before that time because there are some discoveries that suggest that necklaces were used even during the time when the Israelis evacuated Egypt. Also note that from the painting of Thebes, necklaces have been used by people in that era. Both men and women from the ancient civilizations used necklaces whether as a sign of their religion or for cultural purposes.

Right now, necklaces are still being used by both men and women but it is no longer for any religious or cultural purpose; rather, necklaces are being used more as a fashion accessory to be trendy and stylish. In line with this, manufacturers of necklaces have come up with all sorts of designs to suit their varied clientele. For example, one necklace can be made from diamonds and gold while another can be made by simple stainless steel.

Meanwhile, pearl necklaces are especially popular to corporate users because it provides a sophisticated and chic appeal that is especially suited for the workplace. However, the pearl necklace can also be worn for gala events and concerts so the flexibility of this necklace is countless. But, whatever material the necklace is made from, it is sure to be appreciated by its wearer.

Precious gems can also be placed in a necklace setting to give a sense of luxury and elegance to the user. The gems can come in all shapes and sizes and the necklace will give the background it needs to make things even more beautiful. On the other hand, fashionable and individual style choices should not be left out in selecting beautiful necklaces; there are bead necklaces, pearl necklaces, and even fake necklaces to suit a multitude of moods.

There is no limit to the innovations being made to the once traditional necklace. It is really no wonder then that aside from the ring, the necklace is the most preferred type of jewelry being given to your special someone when an occasion arises.

By Eric Hartwell

Jewelry in general is a very popular shopping category among consumers but even more, people seem to be really interested in buying genuine and authentic jewelry from other cultures. This is actually very easy to understand, considering the beauty that some of these cultures put into their work, as well as their passion.

The Chinese were one of the first first cultures to start making jewelry, well over 5,000 years ago. And after that everyone else followed along and decided to do it as well. The Chinese make some really love rings as well. You can find these rings on many sites by searching on your favorite search engine or even your favorite Oriental site. Here are a few examples of the type of rings that are offered to men and women when it comes to Oriental Rings.

Men -

Tibetan Mantra
Dragon And Phoenix
Red Dragon
Jade
Chinese Ban Zhi Ring
Opal
Carnelian
Tibetan-Style Elliptical Dragon
Black Onyx
Eagle

Women -

Floral Cloisonne Ring
Black Pearls
Pearl
Jade
Tibetan Style Ring—Giving You My Heart (looks sort of like the Irish Claddagh)
Tibetan Mantra Ring
Quinquangular Ring

Of course there are more options, if you would like to find these options take a look nline. You can also try some of the sites below and see what comes up for you!

- Oriental Jade Jewelry - Obvious to the name, this site specializes in Jade jewelry and necklaces. Very honest prices! Good source of all sorts of jewelry items! They have a lot of really nice items on their site so make sure you check these out!

- Asian Pearls Net - This site has products like Lavender jade, black pearls, turquoise and coral and much more.

- World Jewelry Store - Chinese Jewelry, Necklaces, Pendants, Symbols, Characters

- Titanium Era - This site is actually a regular jewelry type site, but they also have some really nice oriental rings and some really good prices. I bought a ring here a few years ago for a few hundred dollars, and they had the best price by far. Check out Kanji Mom, Kanji I Love You, Double Happiness, Buddha, etc.

Some of these rings are very elegant, with white silky pearls, and silver. Others have a more Oriental flair to them, with dragons, peonies, or other floral designs. They also come in virtually any color. From blacks and whites to purples and blues to reds and oranges, you’re sure to find the ring that suits your needs as well as your style.

By Kristi Ambrose

Pearl stone is considered as the symbol of purity, class and feminine charm. They are among the oldest and most universal of all gems. They are the oldest jewels known to man, and the only gem made by a living animal.

It requires no cutting or polishing. Their beauty is evident from the moment they are removed from the shell. In many countries pearls were worn as a declaration of wealth and power, and were used to bring good fortune, to ward off evil spirits and to cure illnesses.

Various forms of Pearls:

Nugget Pearls

“Nugget pearls” also called “baroque pearls”, are available in various organic shapes that are irregular. They looks amazing when given an artistic look because they are not artificially round, the nacre pools in certain areas while loosens in other areas, just as it would in nature. They have a unique quality of asymmetry with one side relatively flat. Due to the fact that they are non uniform.We can try many design combinations with them .

Button pearls

Button pearls exists in rondell or wheel shape which are usually drilled through the center, just like a tire with an axle. These pearls will have one edge that is flatter than the other. We carry these button or flat pearls in all sizes, from 1mm seed pearls all the way to 10mm huge sizes in White, Mauve, Pink and Black 4 Colors.

Coin pearls

Coin pearls as the name suggests looks like a coin . Today coin pearls exists in many forms. Now a days these Pearls are present in rectangular, square and round shape. The color ranges from black, pink, peacock etc. The coins are drilled either centrally or sideways.

Keshi Pearls

In Japanese, Keshi is known as “poppy seed”. It was used to explain tiny seed-sized pearls found as the end-products of pearl formation process. Keshi pearls are formed when entry of debris takes place in oyster during the process of harvesting. These are available in many shapes and colors.

Potato Pearls

They are off-round shape. These are known as potato pearls because they have plump oval shapes that are drilled from its short side. These off-round shaped potato. Its prices are very less in comparison with other pearls.

Rice Pearls

These pearls are oval or rice shaped and are drilled lengthwise. These are also known as drop shaped pearls. These are available in a wide range of colors and variety.

By Pattrick Jhonson

Bridal jewelry sets made with pearls are not only a nice addition to the jewelry collection of one generation, but they are a nice hand me down or heirloom to give to future generations. Many mothers will share one of their pearl sets with their daughters or daughter in laws on the day of their wedding or at the birth of a child. This is a special gift that will make the set all the more meaningful.

When buying wedding sets you should make sure that you buy from quality jewelry stores. They should be able to provide you with information on where the pearls came from, what kind they are, and perhaps even provide you with some sort of certification. Ask about the grading of the pearls to make sure that you are getting a quality product in each piece of the set. Even the most affordable pearls are an investment, so you want to make sure that you are getting a satisfactory product.

If you buy your bridal jewelry sets locally you will want to make sure that you are buying pieces that are attractive. When you are shopping for sets you should look at each piece and ensure that each pearl is round, has uniform color, has medium to high luster, and is free of surface spotting or rippling. If you would like, you can even ask to see pearls under a microscope.

Wearing your pearl jewelry is a lot of fun, but you should remember that you do not need to wear it all at once, in fact there are going to be some instances where you may not want to wear it all. If you are in the office you may not want to wear five pieces of set but if you are at a dinner party it may be perfectly acceptable.

It is easy to forget when you have several pieces of jewelry on, such as when you have sets, how fragile pearls can be. Remember not to put on any of your jewelry until you are completely dressed and all makeup, lotions, and hair sprays have been applied. Putting on your bridal jewelry sets last will preserve your lustrous pearls and allow you to wear them well into the future.

By Kheri Chawla

Mysterious and exotic, they evoke images of distant blue tropical waters, warm breezes, sailing ships and romance. Whether the black pearls are freshwater, akoya or Tahitians, all of them glow with color.

Freshwater black pearls are the best bargain in this category. The beautiful luster, of the Akoya black pearls, creates highlights of green and or blues. And, the rainbow of light that radiates from the Tahitian Pearl is legendary. Their rich dark body colors of black, deep green or silvery gun metal and the highlights of green, rose / pink / red, aqua, silver,blues and every variation are the reason why Tahitian Black Pearls are so popular.

There is something special about each type, the Freshwater type is very affordable, Akoyas have beautiful luster, and Tahitians with their large size are dramatic, exotic and gorgeous.

Freshwater pearls are amazing; you can buy true good quality pearls for what you would pay a few years ago for fake pearls or costume jewelry. If you are looking to buy a very affordable and beautiful gift, then look at Freshwater Pearls. You may not believe your eyes when you see their prices.

Akoyas Pearls are perfectly round with fabulous luster. Our Akoya Black Pearls include necklaces, bracelets and the most beautiful earrings.

Tahitian Pearls are the “Queen” of Pearls. Tahitian Black Pearls are dramatic and stunning; their sizes start at 9mm, and go all the way to 19mm which is 3/4″ in diameter. Tahitians glossy surface and the rainbow of color that glows from deep inside them makes them alive with their own inner light.

Black Pearls are new and yet they are old. Black Pearls have been around forever, and yet as a popular addition to today’s fashion they are very new. Their deep colors are a dramatic departure from the conservative white pearl, and yet they are not over the top extreme in appearance.

Pearls of any kind shape or color are always classy. Black Pearls are a solid investment in a woman’s jewelry collection.

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Ever since Mikimoto began marketing pearls, he did not actually invent pearl culturing; the Japanese have been the controllers of world pearl culture. For the longest time the trade secrets were kept to the Japanese under “lock and key” so to speak.

The akoya pearl may have the finest luster of all the pearl types, and so is in great demand. The Japanese pursued perliculture to its peak as they do with everything and made much wealth from this gem. The Chinese seeing their neighbor pulling in the yen decided to copy their success and began to grow akoya saltwater pearls. Their success was at first nonexistent. Slowly they turned their attention from the vast quantity of pearls to a higher quality of pearl.

The Japanese took an immediate interest in the Chinese culturing of Akoya pearls. When the Chinese began to grow better quality pearls, Japan began buying them. One of the reasons for Japanese interest has to be the low cost of things Chinese vs. the high cost of things Japanese. Japanese pearl farms have been hit hard by weather, red tides and the economic stability of the akoya pearl.

So buying akoya pearls from China is cheaper than producing them.

Japan has been using Chinese akoya pearls, at first in the smaller sizes, and probably in the larger sizes as China developed the ability to grow the larger up to 9mm akoya pearl. Probably all the smaller sizes are Chinese akoya pearls and some of the larger sizes of akoya pearl necklaces are.

So it’s kind of a moot point anymore, and Japan still controls the akoya pearl market, even though not from the pearl farm up, but by being the largest purchaser of Chinese Akoya pearls, Japan is still the king of akoya pearls. And if you bought an akoya pearl necklace within the last 10 years, the chances are very good that it has some akoya pearls in it. The good thing is that they are true akoyas and their quality is indistinguishable from Japanese Akoya Pearls.

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Who would think that something as beautiful as a rich and lustrous pearl would get its start as something very irritating? That beautiful necklace pearl that was a product of the oyster or mussel, has at its core something that was so unhealthy to the mollusk that it might really injure its delicate insides, unless something was done to protect the delicate creature that has to hide inside of a hard stone-like shell. So delicate that it couldn’t live without this protective shell.

The folklore has it that a grain of sand gets into the soft delicate inner life of a mollusk, and it instantly noticed and a nacreous coating begins to coat this irritating grain. More than likely, a grain of sand is not the irritating object that becomes the core of this pearly stuff that the mollusk secretes as a defense. How can that e so? Think about it. These creatures feed and breathe underwater by passing water through a filtering system inside of the soft body. If you have ever been in the ocean you know that sand is always present, even high up in the water column, away from the sea bed.

It still makes sense that sand is the culprit, or to us pearl jewelry loving humans, that sand is the means to bring us the gem that we love the pearl. Sad as it is to destroy myths, most natural pearls are found to have a tiny parasite, often times another tiny mollusk who bore through his cousins shell in an attempt to live out its life in a very secure environment, but probably killing its defenseless host. I have seen tiny fish that died inside the mollusks shell and were encased in the most beautiful pearl fish shaped coffin.

The gem that we make our pearl jewelry from is made from substance called nacre this is the mineral that the mollusk uses to coat the inside of its shell and any foreign object. Once the threat is coated with nacre, it becomes harmless to that soft little creature; all is now covered with mother of pearl, perfectly smooth, round, and unable to hurt the animal.

Cultured pearls are grown by either inserting a tiny bead made from the shell of a mussel, when done this way the pearl is either an akoya, Tahitian pearl, or South Sea Pearls. Another way is when a piece of the mollusk, the soft part that lines the shell, called the mantle, that has the most amount of the nacreous producing cells, these are the freshwater pearls.

As they say someone’s pain is another’s gain. And oh yes sometimes it is a grain of sand that starts the pearl. Whatever the direct cause, we love pearls and all the pearl necklaces, pearl earrings and other pearl jewelry that can be made from the little necklace pearl.

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Whether you are looking to commemorate an exciting event, like a job promotion or a new business enterprise, or you wish to tastefully announce your status to those around you, men’s jewelry can be one easy way to accentuate your sense of style and flair. Men have many choices today in terms of finding jewelry that is right for them. You might select from mens gold jewelry, mens silver jewelry, or timepieces including mens’ diamond watches.

Shopping For The Man In Your Life

If you are looking for the perfect gift for a special man, it can be challenging to find the item that will bring a smile to his face. It can help to observe the styles of clothing he likes to wear, to give you a clue about what might work as a men’s jewelry accessory. Casual clothing can be accessorized with mens gold jewelry such as a necklace or bracelet.

Men who wear suits daily to work offer a wealth of possibilities for jewelry options. You might start with a lovely tie tack. Adorned with diamonds or other fine gems, this is an accent that he is sure to enjoy wearing.

Diamond studs show a sparkle every time you put on your shirt. Mens silver jewelry such as studs are entirely appropriate when worn with a tuxedo, and are often seen worn at weddings and other gala events such as awards ceremonies.

Other pieces of men’s jewelry can include a stylish pair of cufflinks. Cufflinks add a subtle bit of sparkle that adds a distinctive touch to any suit or tuxedo ensemble that your man may don.

Rings are a symbol of love, and a ring might be the perfect gift for a man. There are as many widths, metals and styles in which stylish rings come that you can be very selective about your choice. Several metals are now available, including the well-loved gold, silver, and even palladium, tungsten and platinum. Something with Celtic knotwork or Greek key designs can be engraved into the ring, as can words onto the inner part of the ring. A special sentiment can be remembered and forever immortalized in the walls of a beautiful ring.

Mens Watches

Timepieces make a great gift for yourself or for that special masculine someone. Watches embellished with tiny diamonds encrusted around the face, on the face itself and on the top of the crown add glitz and glamour to your wardrobe.

Men’s accessories and watches are just some of the beautiful men’s jewelry that you will find offered at better online jewelry retailers.

By Wayne Hemrick

Besides beach attire, what manner of dress do you favor wearing in summer? Shorts, jumpers, skorts, capri pants, and skirts are fashion favorites, the ideal look while staying at a humble beach house, rustic mountain cabin or lodge, or just flitting around your own home.

As far as jewelry choices go, pearls are a year ’round favorite but more so in the summertime’ after all, the birthstone for the month of June is the pearl.

Worn at formal occasions throughout the year, pearls complement today`s woman who is entertaining at home, dining out on the town, shopping, or meeting with friends. Pearl drop earrings or studs, pearl necklaces or strands, and pearl bracelets can be worn with just about any summer wardrobe, providing a level of elegance and sophistication favored by the royals but within reach of most consumers.

What exactly makes pearls so popular during the summer months? Many things including thoughts of romance, elegant living, and perhaps the most common of all: quiet walks on sandy beaches.

After all, who hasn’t picked up a surf washed oyster, pried it open, seeking but not finding a prized Akoya pearl? It really doesn’t matter to you that you aren’t even on the right beach to find your pearl of great price as your imagination carries you from shell to shell, dreaming of finding that one pearl to add to your collection.

When the dream ends, what will you do? Will you be satisfied with your search or will you seek out ways you can turn your dream into a reality?

Your good fortune today is that pearl harvesting methods have improved to the point where pearls are no longer just the purvey of the rich and of royals. Up until the beginning of the last century, pearl hunting was the chief way that pearls were harvested, a costly and labor intensive method of locating pearls by accomplished divers.

By the early part of the 20th century, pearl farming came into vogue, a way for pearls to be harvested through controlled means. Japan was at one time the leading producer of freshwater pearls, but has since been overtaken by China.

The increased production and ease of harvesting has sent prices plunging to the point where beautiful pearl strand necklaces can be found on-line at prices starting around $100.

Of course, not all pearls are the same with some having great value, while others less so. What gives any pearl its value is a combination of several attributes including its color, luster, size, symmetry, and lack of surface flaws, with luster being of greatest importance.

However, a pearl’s size is also important when setting its value as larger, more rounded pearls are more expensive and highly prized.

Keep in mind that there is a difference between saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls though they may seem similar in appearance. Saltwater pearls grow in pearl oysters which live in oceans, while freshwater pearls grow in mussels which can be found in ponds,rivers, lakes, and other freshwater sources. Both are equally attractive with freshwater pearls marketed as freshwater, while saltwater pearls are sold as either Tahitian, South Sea, or Akoya pearls.

No matter which type of pearl you choose and what accessory you like, pearls add a special touch to most any summer wardrobe. The right look, at the right price, for your wearing pleasure.

by James Allen

A pearl is a hard object that is produced within the soft tissues of a living mollusk. A pearl is composed of calcium carbonate in small crystalline form, which gets deposited on a piece of grit or other foreign materials.

Pearls are called organic gems as they are formed inside the living bodies. The creation of a pearl starts when a piece of grit or other foreign particle enters into the shell of a marine or fresh water mollusk such as, clams and oysters. Thereafter, layers of a substance called nacre get deposited on the grit. This further culminates into the formation of a pearl.

Pearls come in different colors such as white, blue, red, salmon pink, green, brown and tinge of yellow on black. Pearl is also called the queen of sea. The ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth. Pearls are categorized into different types as per their shapes and origins.

The Shapes

Baroque pearls are irregular in shape. These pearls are not preferred much as gems in the jewelry. Hence, the cost of these pearls is less as compared to other types of pearls. However, irregular shapes give these pearls a unique look.

Spherical pearls are the most wanted variety of pearls. They are expensive and their prices vary depending upon the quality of the curve of their surface.

Symmetrical pearls are pear shaped pearls. Pearls that have symmetrical sides also belong to this category.

Natural or Cultured

Natural pearls are formed when a foreign particle accidentally intrudes inside the shell of a mollusk and several layers of nacre grow like onion skins around the particle.

Natural pearls vary in shape depending on the shapes of the grits wearing the coats of nacre. They could be either Saltwater Pearls or Freshwater Pearls. These pearls are rare and hence quite expensive. They are called vintage pearls in the market.

Cultured Pearls are cultured inside the mollusk artificially. An object is placed inside the shell after opening it. The object gets coated with several layers of nacre. The depth of coating of nacre depends on the kind of mollusk used. It also depends on the quality of water in which mollusk lives and the time span of the process of culture.

The quality and the durability of the cultured pearls depend upon the thickness of nacre coating. Cultured pearls can be differentiated from the natural pearls with the help of X-rays.

Saltwater Pearls are found in the mollusks living in salt water. These pearls can also be cultured.

Freshwater Pearls grow inside the mollusks found in the fresh water of rivers or lakes.

Pearls look elegant and every piece of pearl unfolds the unique method of nature to create.

by Pattrick Jhonson