The Pearl Jewelry Blog

Teenagers have different fashion requirements that make them cool or otherwise, therefore, teenage jewelry is different from what adults would want to wear. Teenage jewelry signifies coming of age and combines the bouncing hormones with funk. 

There is little wonder that there are several manufacturers that target teenagers and youngsters alone. 

Jewelry is no more about girls anymore, jewelry is favorite among boys too, to look ‘IN’ these guys are ready to wear just about anything that looks different than the rest of the crowd. Teenagers have a variety of choice in jewelry; they have jewelry ranging from plastic to precious metals and semi-precious or precious stones. 

It all depends on your tastes and definition on how you choose jewelry, and for teenagers everything cool is almost everything that is not normal. Who would want to wear normal similar earrings in both ears, when there are so many choices available? Teenage jewelry signifies youth in its very beginning therefore the colors are attractive and designs -rebellious. 

Apart from the normal chains and earrings, teenage jewelry also showcases a number of different types of rings; these rings can be used for different body parts. Huge range of course is available for belly button rings, which does seem to be the thing to wear at present. Belly button rings are not just rings but lovely looking ornaments, which are designed to draw attention to waists. 

In the hip-hop collection specially designed for teenagers, you will find a variety of other types of rings namely nose rings, eyebrow rings, nipple rings (ouch!!), yes those too. All the jewelry happens to be well designed and light to wear so that the skin does not get stretched. 

You thing precious metals are for adults only? You can check out the jewelry that has been given a 24-carat gold plating or those small pieces of jewelry that have been made from silver further treated to look funky and attractive. You will also find teenage jewelry in made from semi precious stones, to fancier and expensive ones like Swarovki crystal. 

This is no wonder that teenage jewelry is a rage and is also attracting quite some amount of business for the manufacturers. When it comes to teenagers, it seldom happens that whatever mom buys is acceptable, they would like to choose and pick, partly to show independence and partly because they want to wear something different. 

You are in a situation where you do not want to hurt your child by refusing credit cards nor do you want to buy something for her yourself which she later will accept with reluctance. You can visit several teenage jewelry stores online that will make it possible for you and your daughter to sit together and choose and pick the best one she likes and you don’t even have to let go off your credit card. Ideally buying on the Internet will be a good choice if you are assured about the quality, you can visit hordes of jewelry sites and choose and pick those, which have been doing business for years and have been voted by their customers as absolutely trustworthy. 

Cultivation Pearls are produced naturally in the body of salt and freshwater mollusks, such as oysters and mussels. When these animals sense an irritant, such as a grain of sand, they produce a soft coating of calcium carbonate substance around it. The result is a pearl. Because perfectly round, naturally produced pearls are so rare, a process known as cultivation was developed by Kokichi Mikimoto in the early 1900s. A small bead of polished shell, the nucleus, is used as an irritant and delicately inserted into the mantle of a mollusk. It takes approximately 20-24 months of intensive husbandry to cultivate a saltwater pearl and somewhat less time to cultivate freshwater pearls. The harvest usually takes place during the months of June and September. 

Color

Mollusks produce pearls in a variety of colors, accommodating most personal preferences and budgets. The general color of a pearl is also known as the body color. Pearls typically range from white, cream, and yellow to pink, silver, or black. An overtone of secondary color is sometimes seen. For instance, a pearl may appear to be white, but upon closer inspection a rosy hue is detected. The body color would then be termed white-rosé. Color variation does not affect the quality of the pearl, though it should be noted that color matching is important when choosing pearls for some necklaces, earrings, or bracelets. In fashion jewelry, pearls can sometimes be dyed to achieve the desired color, which should be mentioned in the product description or specifications.  Pearl colors 

Lustre
The appealing, deep shine of a pearl is often what defines its beauty. This shine is produced by multiple layers of semi-opaque calcium carbonate crystals, called nacre. The nacre reflects light on the surface of the pearl, producing brilliance and sheen. Lustre is an integral feature in determining the quality of a pearl. Large pearls have a thicker nacre and, therefore, a higher lustre. When comparing a small Freshwater pearl to a large South Sea pearl, the difference is clearly visible to the untrained eye and should be considered when purchasing pearls. Shape
While pearls come in many different shapes, the rarest and highest-quality are round. Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea oysters tend to produce the roundest pearls, while those of Freshwater mollusks can be oval to slightly off-round. When considering a pearl purchase, whether it be a necklace, bracelet, or earrings, look for consistency in the shapes of the pearls. Many of the less symmetrical shapes are used in stylish jewelry which can be quite beautiful: the drop pearl’s shape lends well to earrings, and the baroque pearl features irregular shapes that work well as necklace accents. In addition, a half sphere pearl called a “mabe” is often used in earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. 

Size
An oyster’s particular type and size has a direct effect on how large the pearl it produces will be, and pearls do come in a wide range of sizes. Round pearls are measured according to their diameter, while baroque pearls are measured by their length and width. A pearl’s size does not necessarily affect its quality, but it does affect its price. Large, round pearls are rare and their lustre is usually high–this beautiful combination of traits is often reflected in the cost of such pearls.  Average pearl sizes (in diameter):
Akoya: 6-8mm
Freshwater: 5-6.5mm
South sea: 11-13mm
Tahitian: 11-12mm 

Surface Markings
Often when an oyster creates a pearl, the nacre does not develop smoothly. The surface of a pearl is judged by how many marks are visible in the nacre. These imperfections can be small and unnoticeable or quite large and distinct. Like diamonds, pearls are rarely flawless. However, high lustre or the way pearls are strung and set can help conceal surface markings. Akoya Cultured Pearls
Akoya pearls are produced in several varieties of saltwater mollusks in Japan and China. They were the first to be cultured in the early 1920s and are the most popular pearls used in strands and earrings. They produce the most consistently round pearls with high lustre and very slight imperfections. Their colors range from cream and white to white-rosé. Initially, they look similar to round Freshwater pearls, but compared side-by-side, the difference in lustre and color is obvious. 

Freshwater Cultured Pearls
These pearls are gathered from freshwater lake and river mollusks. Most Freshwater pearls come from China and they can be mostly round to off-round, or rice-shaped to baroque. They look similar to Akoya pearls, but are the perfect gift when on a budget. They might be slightly less symmetrical, smaller, or not as easily matched, but these minor differences provide a major value for the price.  South Sea Cultured Pearls
South Sea pearls are primarily cultured in the northern waters of Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. They are either white or black with silver overtones. Because of their size and high lustre, and the sensitivity of the oyster to culturing, they are quite valuable and rare. They average from 11-13mm, but can even be found as large as 20mm. The oyster that produces these pearls is considerably larger than those that produce Akoya pearls, and is extremely sensitive to the cultivation process. Gathering acceptable South Sea cultured pearls from these oysters is difficult, and makes them more expensive than Akoyas. 

Tahitian Cultured Pearls
The natural black color of the Tahitian pearl comes from the black-lipped variety of the pinctada maxima oyster. These oysters are farmed on the volcanic atolls of Tahiti, where the mixture of nutrient-rich ocean water mixes with warm lagoons creating an ideal environment for them–and the only place where Tahitian pearls can be found. Like the South Sea pearl oyster, the black lipped pinctada maxima is sensitive to the cultivation process, making the Tahitian pearl rare and expensive. Though they are, on average, slightly smaller than the South Sea pearl, Tahitian pearls are larger than Akoyas and their black color adds a dramatic touch. 

Care
Proper care of pearls is not difficult if you remember that they are organic and produced by a living thing. Pearls are soft and delicate, but when cared for with common sense, they will maintain their lustre for centuries. The pearls should not come in contact with cosmetics, hairspray, perfume, chlorinated water, or other harsh chemicals. To keep them clean, let them be the last item put on when dressing, and the first item taken off at the end of an evening. The best way to maintain their lustre is to wear the pearls often, and wipe them down with a soft cloth afterward–pearls absorb the oils from skin, which helps keep them moist. Pearls should be stored in a cloth pouch or jewelry bag, separated from other jewelry to prevent nicks or chipping. Periodically, pearl strands should be restrung since the silk thread used to tie the pearls together breaks down over time. 

Pearls can be categorized as either freshwater pearls or saltwater pearls. They may be natural pearls or cultured pearls. As is evident from the name freshwater pearls are formed in freshwater mussels that live in fresh water bodies such as lakes, rivers, ponds. Most of the freshwater cultured pearls sold today come from China. In contrast to this, saltwater pearls grow in oysters that live in the ocean, usually in protected lagoons. Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian are the three main types of saltwater pearls. The basic process of formation of all real pearls is the same. Based on their manner of origin, their place of formation and the species of the mollusks in which they are formed, pearls are categorized as natural pearls, cultured pearls, freshwater pearls or saltwater pearls. All the factors such as the environment, size and species of the mollusk affect the shape, size and luster of the pearl. 

Natural pearls as the name suggests are pearls that are formed naturally without any human interference. Natural pearls are created when by some chance in nature an irritant gets lodged in the tissue of a pearl bearing mollusk. As we know the shape of the pearl is influenced by the shape of the irritant, therefore finding a perfectly round natural pearl is extremely rare. This is the reason as to why the majority of pearls sold today are cultured pearls. In a natural pearl all the characteristics –shape, size, color and luster are controlled by nature. They are only to be discovered and harvested by man. 

Cultured pearls are logically speaking identical to natural pearls. They differ from natural pearls only in the manner of their origin. In case of cultured pearls, the irritant does not enter the mollusk by chance but is deftly planted by the pearl farmer into a pearl bearing mollusk, thus causing the formation of the pearl. The rest of the process of the actual formation of the pearl is the same as a natural pearl. The irritant gradually gets coated with nacre released by the mollusk and a pearl of a desired shape is formed. In this case, by controlling the irritant, the pearl farmer can influence the shape, size, and color of the pearl created. 

Freshwater pearls are pearls that are grown within mollusks found in freshwater bodies such as rivers or lakes. These are the most popular variety of pearls. The reason for this is that they are not very expensive, are genuine pearls and are extremely durable. Freshwater pearls can be either natural or cultured, although the majority on the market is cultured. On comparison with saltwater pearls we find that are marginally less in luster and perfect roundness. 

Saltwater pearls are the pearls that are grown in saltwater seas and oceans. These pearls are typically more valuable than most other types of pearls because of their greater luster and beauty. Popular types of saltwater pearls include Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls. Here again saltwater pearls can be either natural or cultured, although nearly all of the market is cultured. 

Imitation pearls are not genuine pearls at all. Sometimes referred to as faux pearls, these are man-made pearls. These pearls are manufactured from glass, plastics, ceramics, or other similar materials. Imitation pearls are not gems at all and are used in costume or designer jewelry. They are not precious by any standards.

Ever get tired of searching through endless mall shops, trying to find high quality jewelry at affordable prices? How about attending big jewelry sales that just fail to deliver? If this sounds familiar to you, you should join a growing crowd of millions of consumers who are finding affordable, high quality jewelry online. Everything from wedding bands, engagement rings, diamond anniversary bands, watches and more can all be found online and purchased from the comfort of your own home.

Nowadays, internet shopping has become appreciated and used by all social and age groups, as an ideal alternative to crowded, schedule restricted jewelry shops. And why shouldn’t it be so popular when it saves you precious time, effort, and money? Imagine having to find a special ring or a wedding band just a few days from such holidays as Valentine’s Day, when all the jewelry stores are invaded by hundreds and hundreds of people just as busy as you. Senseless hours being wasted perusing through overprice jewelry being sold by commissioned sales associates. It’s time to find a better way.

Online jewelry shops offer a varied range of products, from earrings to gemstone jewelry, from rings and bands to watches and special products (for special occasions). Also, you can find pieces of jewelry made from white or yellow gold, platinum, stainless steel, tungsten carbide, and precious gemstones - including rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and more. A variety of products, for all tastes and fit for every occasion, lie waiting to be discovered. You can easily find the most amazing pieces of jewelry, from diamond anniversary bands to golden or pearl rings and earrings. And online selection cannot be beat. There are literally millions of pieces of jewelry available on the web - far more than any one store could ever stock.

Of course, the best feature of online stores is that the prices are usually much lower than brick and mortar shops. Online stores do not have to invest in costly showrooms and have a much lower overhead. This savings is passed on to you, and you benefit by having the same jewelry items at reduced prices. Moreover, many online jewelry stores offer free shipping and money back returns so you can buy for less, but still buy with confidence.

Online jewelry shopping is a booming industry as more and more people are feeling comfortable with making larger purchase online. Buying jewelry online just makes sense for so many reasons - the time saved, the virtually limitless selection, and affordable prices. It just can’t be beat.

So the next time you are planning on surprising your loved ones with a piece of jewelry you know they’ve been craving, remember to first check on online stores for the best prices and offers. In doing so, you’ve assured yourself a way to a satisfactory shopping experience and have saved yourself the trouble of waiting in line at a big store. Once you’ve experienced the simplicity and effectiveness of online transactions, especially on luxury products like gemstones and jewels, you may never want to go back to brick and mortar shopping again.

Affinity Jewelers is committed to offering the absolute highest quality jewelry at the guaranteed lowest prices. You won’t find a better deal on wedding bands, diamond anniversary bands, diamond necklaces, pearl rings, earrings, bracelets, and gemstone jewelry anywhere on the web. At Affinity Jewelers, quality jewelry can be affordable jewelry.

By James Mosley

Pocket Watches - Elegant and Classy Timepieces   

A silver pocket watch is a fine piece of practical jewellery. Pocket Watches are both elegant and timeless, exuding charm and distinction. One can pay a handsome price for a genuine antique model, but fortunately there are models available for the more price conscious buyer.

Replica pocket watches are a popular gift, given by younger people to their parents or grandparents. These are mass produced with “quartz movements” and are inexpensive.
As the name suggests, pocket watches are carried in a pocket, often with a chain that either links to a waistcoat, belt loop or button hole with a unique fastener. The face of a pocket watch may have either normal numerals, Roman numerals, or indications where the numbers would be. Pocket watches have either a hinged lid or are open faced. When buying antique pocket watches, always check the face locking mechanism, as it often is quite worn. Normally the stem is placed in the twelve o’clock position, except for hunter’s pocket watches, where the stem is in the three o’clock position.

Modern pocket watches are either silver or gold with many different designs on the cover and the back.
During the 19th century, most US states issued their railway workers with silver pocket watches in order that all rail workers had the same time and that disasters could be avoided.
There were many manufacturers of pocket watches during the last 200 years or so, with not many surviving because of the take up of wristwatches in the second half of the 20th century. Some manufacturers still being sought after by collectors include Waltham, Illinois, Hamilton, Elgin, Ingersoll and Verge – all showing excellent craftsmanship.

It is an interesting fact that Mahatma Ghandi, the Indian pacifist leader did not have many possessions; however he did wear an Ingersoll pocket watch tied to his waist and bound by a cord.
The pocket watch, is still a survivor. They are still being used by many people and those who do wear them, wear them with charm and distinction. The pocket watch will continue as an accessory to their dress.  Add pearl designs be fashionable dress wathes.
By David Nivala

Knowing the time, has long been a desire of many people. The pocket watch is only one of a number of different instruments that will satisfy the need for telling the time. We are well past the time when the position of the sun alone gave us a clue, or that hourglasses needed to be turned on the hour and other such devices.

The pocket watch did not come about until after many other devices were invented. The main challenge for the early inventors was accuracy, and it could only be achieved with large moving parts and weights until coil springs were invented in the 16th century. These timepieces were also hand made, and only really available to the very rich. The ownership of any timepiece meant status, wealth and authority. The watches that were usually square in shape and able to be moved, were originally hung around the neck.
During the 17th century, slimmer and rounded shapes for these watches were designed. They fitted neatly into pockets of the waistcoat. Designers tried many different designs and shapes and the accuracy gradually improved. Some of the early pocket watches had alarms. The invention of the pendulum clocks also contributed to the body of knowledge needed to improve the pocket watch.
The 18th century saw a growth in technology with pocket watches and a greater acceptance (and affordability) amongst less wealthy folk. Lubrication systems were developed, better materials became available and decorations were added to produce a more accurate and more wanted product.
The 19th century saw the largest growth in pocket watch sales across the world. They were now being mass produced and some authorities (like US railway companies) made them compulsory for workers. The accuracy was getting better and better and reputable manufacturers provided a certificate (for accuracy) with each pocket watch. Mass production techniques did not seem to effect the reliability, according to some historians.

These good times for the pocket watch makers came to an end after WW1, when wristwatches started to become more and more popular. They were both cheaper and easier to read whilst working.
There is till a place for a pocket watch in many peoples hearts, be it for nostalgic or traditional reasons, or some people only the wish to look more distinctive. Modern pocket watches are made with “quartz movements” and are sold for the fraction of the price of the “wind-up” models of yesteryear.

Get into it and see how you feel!

By David Nivala

While in WWII my father sent home a necklace. On the box it says “Handmade black pearl necklace, purchased while he was in Italy.” It is black with ginger beads between pearls shapes. It looks more like mother of pearl to me, but the black incline throws me off. The pearls could be open, but to be certainly you actually indigence to get a professional evaluation each by an estate jewelry evaluator or gemologist. 

Another way to tell if they are open is to rub a pearl against your teeth. If it is even, it is not open. Pearls will forever have a force that you can’t perceive visually. The ginger beads could be coral. If they are open black pearls, their treasure would depend on mass, worth and incline. Something only somebody with a “hands-on” examination could govern. 

I’m departure to advertise an antique tress of pearls and a budding buyer asked to know how the pearls were “billboarded”. Normally in old stuff and even some new, billboarded plainly means some means of identification of the maker or debillboarder. On antique flute ware for example, a billboardature feature may be pushed or cut into the flute. Some antique costume jewelry is “billboarded” with a makers feature and that does augment the treasure if the maker is among the common ones at the time. 

For pearls, a “billboard” is grim. The only place for a billboardature or makers feature is usually on the popper zone. This will be each on the popper or the “tongue” that goes into the bigger popper body. Clasps can be tainted when pearls are restrung and a billboarded popper can forever be deducing as to the very “maker” of the pearls. If these are open or refined pearls, the treasure is probable more in the pearls than in the “billboardature”. 

If these are costume pearls, the treasure is partly in the billboardature and then in the state of the tress. The state of the pearls is more important than the state of the control hurt for stringing. Stringing can be and should be done evenly for pearls hurt regularly. 

I have not seen pearls “billboarded” very regularly and as I said, that can be deduced as to accuracy. Look for some feature on the popper parts to see if any names or “tradefeatures” are stamped there. That will be the only billboardature you will have.  Could be the budding buyer is looking for a particular make of costume pearl or then again might be asking and not actually aware what the buyer is asking for! The best thing is for the buyer to look at the pearls and to urge you a worth. If not blissful with the worth, just waste it. Some buyers are in the topic to readvertise the stuff and only urge worth’s way below featured treasures. 

It is feasible to take the tress to a trained jeweler for an appraisal. If the pearls are costume, the jeweler should be able to tell right away and urge against a round appraisal. If they are very pearls, the jeweler can evaluate the tress pedestal on the pearls, not on the antique treasure. That is at slightest a first place. 

I cannot see your pearl ornament but believe the pearls emit in some flowery pattern, perhaps on individual “stems” or as part of “plants.” If this is the enclosure, you have some hole between the pearls which will make vacuuming easier. If the pearls are starkly grouped cover greatly of the gold, vacuuming will be more dull and grim. 

I will get into point vacuuming in an instant: First, deem attention and vacuuming of pearls in common. In nut armor, vacuuming the ornament manually will come down to baking beverage, a good jewelry polishing cloth and a mild detergent. You may opt for a jeweler to do the vacuuming. I will get into the points later.  

“Pearls.” Composition of a pearl and why attention must be exercised in vacuuming and abrasion.  Pearls form artlessly in both original and brine mollusks.  The most well known pearls are brine pearls shaped inside numerous forms of pearl oysters. While “oriental” or wholly relaxed pearls were the jewelry in ages gone, pearl rural has led to a supply of refined pearls which would be infeasible from liberated ranging oysters and the pains of pearl divers. 

Only venture will pass a liberated swimming oyster to products a pearl and only fortunate environment will control to a relaxed pearl being well-shaped, even surfaced and stunning. In pearl farms, many states are controlled to help incertainly a good crop but nowadays pollution in the waters is negative the tumor and supply of fine refined pearls. 

The pearl forms around some variety of overseas point inside the oyster armor. In refined pearls, the point is a bead of mother of pearl (pearl armor) sited into the oyster by pearl farmers. Since the point as an irritation, the oyster covers the point with layer and layer of a data called nacre. This is essentially the same data making the shiny and shiny lining of the armor.   

Pearl nacre is made of aragonite, a variety of calcium carbonate. A organize of “pearl glue” holds together microscopic plates of aragonite. As long as the oyster is stark, the nacre forms and becomes thick over the middle, developing the patina and shine we concede as a pearl.  Why all of that information? There is one object: aragonite or calcium carbonate. This is the substance of the pearl, the nacre. This data is squashy compared to earth shaped jewelry tones. This data is certainly hurt by acids, certain chemicals and abrasive substances. The common vacuuming methods hurt for limestone jewelry tones cannot be stability hurt to vacuum the marked metal and pearls at the same time. Where a plain gold article may be sited into a mild acid to delete dirty and glossed to repair shine, that same mild acid will carve the pearl and can actually liquefy it.   

When you are looking for bridal jewelry you may be wondering what exactly you should choose. There is a vast array of bridal jewelry styles available for purchase. Consequently, it is important for you to research the different styles on the market and decide what you like best. Keep in mind that what you like the best may not necessarily be appropriate for your dress. It is in your best interest to select styles that will complement both your wedding gown as well as your personal taste. 

Women love jewelry. It’s as simple as that. The thing most men don’t ever really understand is why. To men, it’s a shiny bauble that can cost a fortune and many times is only worn a few times a year. So, what do women want in fine jewelry? They don’t want a super expensive ring being given to them randomly; they want something thoughtful, well timed, and emotionally charged. Women associate a lot of their jewelry with special events. 

The woman in your life probably has a story behind every single piece of jewelry she owns but when she tells it, we just nod and go “Uh-huh” or “Wow”. This is what women want in fine jewelry. A special memory that reminds them of a certain thing you did for them and how much love you put into making that occasion special. Many women are brought to tears when presented with fine jewelry in a well planned and timed situation and that memory only gets stronger with time. 

There are some women that just want to get their hands on as much fine jewelry as they can get so they can impress and show off to their friends, coworkers, or other people. The majority of women aren’t like this luckily. Many women know how hard it is for a man to pick out jewelry and love and appreciate it that much more when you select the perfect piece of fine jewelry for them. This can be difficult as men don’t pay an enormous amount of attention to women’s jewelry. This may require a little bit of thought or even some sly questioning making sure you get the right jewelry. 

Women like to talk about jewelry and a great way to find out what their ultimate piece of fine jewelry is requires talking to their closest friends. Women share information like this regularly while they are shopping, browsing ads and websites, and admiring another woman’s new jewelry. Their friends should be able to point you in the right direction. While one woman may want a beautifully made cross necklace, another might want a ring with a particular type of gem or gems in it. If you can, take your loved one to a shopping area that just happens to have a jewelry store in it and look around in there. You should be able to get a great deal of information by her comments and expressions as you browse around the store. Does she love the pearls, the rings, the necklaces, or something else? 

The most important thing when giving a woman a piece of fine jewelry is the setting and the amount of emotions that are being displayed. You want to take her to her favorite place or set up a romantic night that you know she will love. You want everything to be as perfect as possible because this memory will be entwined with her piece of fine jewelry forever. You want it associated with love, romance, and joy and not something like running into an ex, getting food poisoning, or anything bad whatsoever. If something unexpected and undesirable does happen, save that piece of fine jewelry for a better time. She will still enjoy your special time together. If everything goes wonderfully, and you are both happy and loving each other, now is your chance to present her new fine jewelry. 

Your gift of fine jewelry has just made the woman you love the happiest person in the world. That memory will stay with her and that piece of fine jewelry forever.

By Chloe Grace 

The corporate world is a competitive field that not only scrutinizes a person’s skills and capacities but also the way a person presents himself or herself as an active part of the economy.

This is so much so with a career woman in large companies and business enterprises - dressing up properly can make or break a woman’s success.

If your wife or girlfriend is a career woman who wants to appear elegant and confident at work then pearls could probably be a perfect gift for her since pearls are considered the pinnacle of good taste and sophistication.

They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but for a career woman, pearls are their wise partners. Wearing garish jewelry such as large diamonds, dazzling gold, or blinding platinum is always considered a no-no in the corporate world because they are often thought as impractical is such a very practical setting.

However, wearing no accessory may be considered to plain and boring for such a dynamic atmosphere. As such, a career woman is advised to wear pearl jewelry in the office instead.

Pearls are not as flashy as those glittery stones that are only appropriate for the evening but are elegant enough to impose a commanding and sophisticated aura which is needed in the world of business.

Pearls are complex fruits of nature that result from oyster’s subtle, yet effective defense mechanisms. When an irritant implants onto an oyster’s sensitive flesh (whether accidentally as in natural pearls or intentionally as in cultured pearls) the mollusk secrets special coatings known as nacre to make the irritant more tolerable. The end product is a luscious and smooth gem that people refer to as a pearl.

The very complex mechanism involved in producing pearls very well reflects the way in which career women works her way to the top of the corporate - subtle yet effective. Thus pearls can be the perfect gift for a career woman.

There are two general options when buying pearls: natural and cultured pearls. Natural pearls are those formed by nature through oysters in the ocean, without the help of humans. These pearls are deemed more valuable as they are quite rare and not readily available.

Cultured pearls are those formed by oysters assisted by humans. These pearls undergo the same process as natural pearls but they are more abundant and more controlled. Both natural and cultured pearls are esteemed for their high value and both are thus appropriate as gifts for a career woman.

When buying pearls it is important to scrutinize its quality to ensure that good pearls are brought. To know that a pearl is authentic, you can rub it against your teeth or another pearl - if the pearl feels rough, it is real and if it is smooth, it is made of plastic.

Apart from authenticity you have to watch out for other markers of quality for pearls such as shape, size, luster, color, and surface because a pearl may be real but not necessarily beautiful enough as a gift.

Here are important things to look for when buying pearls:

1. Nacre - this is what oysters and mollusks secrete to help them fight irritants. The nacre should be thick enough so that it does not easily peel or chip. Generally, the thicker the nacre, the more expensive the pearl.

2. Surface - the pearl surface should be very clean, having little or no blemishes in the outer layer. Pearls with good surfaces have mirror-like shimmer that makes them a perfect accessory for the career woman.

3. Size - generally, bigger pearls are more valuable than smaller ones. Pearls are measured according to their diameter in millimeters. Even as little as 1 millimeter can make a lot of difference in a pearl’s value.

4. Color - most people think of pearls as having white or creamy color, but there are other pearl colors such as gray, champagne, aqua, green, black, or gold. When choosing pearl colors it is important to consider the wearer’s personality and taste to make sure that it complements them.

5. Shape - perfectly round pearls are usually valued very much than those with oblate or irregular shapes.

There are also pearls with novelty shapes such as crosses, Buddha, among many others. Pearls can be the perfect gift to a career woman. It is elegant and valuable without being gaudy or showy - perfect for a woman who wants to present herself with sophistication and boldness in the corporate world.

By Jean Simmer