The Pearl Jewelry Blog

A pearl is the epitome of class and elegance. Since ancient times, pearls have been playing a pivotal role in jewelry setting. Pearl’s everlasting value and its unblemished superiority make it the most fabulous stone among other stones and its flawless and higher luster always compliments any kind of attire. In simple words, it is a great treat for someone who appreciates beauty and superiority.

Pearls are also known for their special spiritual powers and healing qualities. In ancient times, pearl was used therapeutically to heal eye ailments, heart trouble, ingestion, fever and bleeding as well as it was believed that it gives peace of mind and strength to body and soul.

Roman women are believed to have slept with pearls to sweeten their dreams, as well as embroidered them tirelessly into their clothes and upholstery. Europeans also believed that the powder of the pearl, as well as swallowing it whole, cured matters of the mind and heart, and strengthened nerves.

Now, pearls are more worn for beautification and are used in making every type of jewelry like necklaces, earring, bands and rings. And when it comes to gifting, these pieces of pearl jewelry have been considered as ideal gifts for occasion like wedding day, anniversary day, valentine’s day and birthday because their gorgeous and sleek look symbolize great purity and innocence.

Whether you wear or give gifts, the choices in pearl jewelry are endless because pearls come in a variety of colors like gold, cream, black, blue, pink, and green. But, usually most people think of a creamy white, luminescent coloring. You know white body with pink hues is one of the most expensive and most popular pearl colors.

Moreover, pearl jewelry also comes with an array of metals like gold, silver and platinum in different shapes and sizes. And among all pearl jewelries, perfectly round pearl studded jewelry is considered as the most valuable shape and these pearls are mostly used in necklaces and rings. However, other beautiful pearls may be tear-dropped in shape, which is a common choice for pendants and earrings. The pearls which are uniquely shaped are commonly referred to as baroque pearls.

The other best thing about pearl jewelry is that pearls are less expensive than diamonds and still are very famous among all class of people. However, the final cost of pearl jewelry is determined by many factors, including the quality of the pearl, the design of the setting, value of the metal, and any other desired customization.

Pearls are said to be the perennial classics, they always look elegant and never go out of fashion. They could be part of necklaces, rings, bracelets or earrings, but they have a singular knack of reinventing themselves. But not all pearls are for everyone, and this is why we need to be careful while making our choices. 

Almost the only pearls that suit almost everyone, are the Akoya whites from Japan, no matter what complexion, these look stunning anyhow. But then, they also cost an arm and a leg, because they are the best quality salt water cultured pearls, with the best rounded shape and luster. They come in white, cream, pink and yellow with overtones of light pink and green, but the whites go along with all skin complexions from very fair to very dark.

They work to bring out skin radiance and attract positive attention to your smile. Maybe white pearls are also similarly apart for earrings and pendants for any type of skin. 

Black pearls are usually Tahitian, and the clearer the skin complexion the better they look, they provide a natural foil to fair skin. The midnight black Tahitian pearls tend to do the best on fair brunettes with dark eyes, where they bring in a sense of mystique and dark sophistication. It helps that they come in all sorts of shades of gray, and make the best ever necklaces and earrings for those with gray eyes. The uncommonly beautiful pistachio, aubergine and pale blue Tahitian pearls add glamor to a dusky skin, and look great on almost all women, even those with ebony skins.

If you have blue-tinted hair or magenta highlights, you could go for the colorful Tahitian pearls, and you could possibly carry off black Tahitians with aplomb if you are fair into the bargain. 

In general, while buying pearls the rule of thumb is to select pink pearls for fairer skin tones, so a pink Akoya or Majorca would probably highlight the blushing paleness of a fair blondes or brunettes. Pink freshwater pearls are ideal for such skin complexions and conjure up an aura of youthful freshness.

But fair beauties with red or red-dyed hair should possibly try and avoid them, and pick cream-toned pearls instead. For darker skin tones, silver or golden pearl tones are ideal, giving the complexion a bronzed radiance, South-sea pearls would probably be a good idea. 

Pearls usually tend to be worn for formal occasions but with more and more different shades of pearls available every day, fashion mavens are having a field day experimenting with pearls on a day-today basis.

The tips shared here are not the last word, and you can try on different color to see what they can do for you. But you can sure be clued in to the color of pearl that would do your complexion the greatest justice, and shop with confidence! 

Pearls are highly treasured gems and require proper care in order to ensure a beauty and luster to last a lifetime. Here are some tips for identifying pearls and for taking care of them.

Identifying Imitation Pearls

Imitation pearls are manufactured to simulate both saltwater and freshwater pearls. They are made from glass, plastic, wax, or shell, and coated to mimic the appearance of natural and cultured pearls.

If you are not sure if you have the real thing try the “tooth test”–gently rub the bead across the biting edge of your front teeth. Imitation pearls will feel smooth; natural and cultured pearls will feel gritty. But here is a word of warning–coated natural and cultured pearls can also feel smooth.

You can also examine the surface using a magnifying glass. The texture of imitation pearls look smooth and even when compared to cultured pearls.

Storage of Pearls

Pearls are a relatively soft gem. They are best stored separate from other jewelry types such as metallic chains or diamonds. If stored together, there is significant risk that the pearl nacre could be marred due to rough surface contacts. This can be avoided by storing your pearls in a separate jewelry box, soft bag or satin pouch.

Pearls can also be sensitive to long periods of heat, resulting in drying and discoloring of the natural nacre. So never store your pearls in locations such as safety deposit boxes etc.

Harmful Chemicals and Pearls

Natural pearl nacre consists primarily of calcium carbonate and it is quite sensitive to various types of acids. When wearing pearls, be aware of typical harmful chemicals that your pearls may commonly be exposed to.

These chemicals include: vinegar (salad dressing), alcohol, ammonia, hair spray, bleach, perfume, chlorinated water and a variety of cosmetics. Try to apply cosmetics prior to putting on pearl jewelry. Natural sweat is also mildly acidic. Use a dry or damp cloth to wipe down your pearls before putting them away.

Cleaning Pearls

If harmful chemicals have come in contact with your pearls, clean them with water and a very light detergent such as baby soap. Make sure you rinse clean and wipe your pearls with a dry or moist towel after cleaning. While the pearls are still wet, do not wear them as wet silk strings are more likely to stretch and weaken. In addition, wet silk strings will attract dirt, which is quite difficult to remove.

Restringing your pearls: If you wear your pearls a lot, you should restring them once every 1-2 years. Most jewelers will perform this service at a nominal cost.

Since pearls are organic gems, they benefit from fresh air and moist environments. Pearls should be worn at least once a month to ensure healthy nacre and a beautiful shine. 

Currently, trend and fashion of pearl jewelry are often changing from one season then to another in a year. The changes look a little similar with that of costume fashion. It seems to be very hard to predict what is the coming trend or fashion. But it is not an absolute fact, as we have learned why do the customers buy a pear jewelry and what pearl jewelry is the favorite of different customers. 

For answers to the above questions, some mental or psychological motives of purchase must be further concerned about, i.e. what are Pearl jewelry consumer thinking? How can the designer seize the ideas and lead them to a new tide? 

Then some hints and clues of design affected pearl jewelry trend are still able to be found from the following factors: 

Value: Many people have a popular idea that pearls, as one sort of gemstones can be used to keep value for long time. Moreover, high social status of a VIP may be balanced by a jewelry piece of luxury, elegance and dignity to some extent. That kind of value style of pearl jewelry lasts for ever. 

Personality: When people are always getting sick of an old style, they hope for a completely fresh one. They also like to make themselves great different from others while they are choosing a pearl jewelry. They just want to find a unique and novelty piece reflecting their personality and lifestyle. 

Commemoration: Birth, marriage and death are naturally essential to the course of a man’s life. His or her birth or birthday should be honored by a jewelry gift. Furthermore, promise ring and wedding necklace can witness the romance of a man and a woman’s love and marriage. When an old man has known his last days before he pass away, he likes to leave something wishful to his children. Also, a man may have some successful moments that worth memory. In such cases, Pearl jewelry should play as meaningful or precious souvenir. That kind of meaning may be source of inspiration for pearl jewelry design. 

Aesthetical appealing: It is nature that people are pursuing beauty. Especially, the female are really sensitive to their images or impression that they give to the public or the male. So that pretty pearl jewelry is simply a feminine pet to enhance charming. Morality: Sometimes people may be little puzzle with new changes of future life. Moral tradition, as product of history, must be rethought to be a guide, although it may have been missed or ignored for a long time. 

That is what ideas occur to the designer, a new trend or fashion is coming. 

A blossoming romance - purity and fragrance When a new trend can cater for customer’s demand, it will lead a fashion or tide. It requires that the elements of fashion must be derived from customer’s metal pursuit. The elements of fashion may come from the classic style, and then something new be added to them. They can also be a combination or compromise of traditional elements and up-to-date ones. 

In times of peace and development, more or less, the world has departed from war and disaster. Love, great or selfish, is inevitably a thesis of life. But modern sex revolution has set much unrest to true love, and purity should be called on back for love. Permanently, purity is a sound promise for love and marriage. Thus Pearl jewelry like pearl ring that comes out with a pure and holy tone will gain mother, girl and lady’s favor again. 

Stressed and depressed urban dwellers are yearning towards nature. Of pearl jewelry, fragrant make or figure of living creatures can be created by precious metal piece with more exquisite modern crafts. The natural things enlighten the designer’s idea, then customer’s needs.

Traditionally, the standard for pearl jewelry has been to use white or near-white cultured pearls, freshwater pearls, or natural pearls that are perfectly round. The white, round beauties have been treasured because, in the world of pearl jewelry, they are rare. Increasingly, however, women are appreciating the uniqueness and versatility of pearls in a variety of shapes and colors - just as nature makes them. If you’ve always thought of pearls as white and round, it’s time to think again.

Pearl Shapes

Round - Traditional round cultured pearls are often used for pearl bridal jewelry, the traditional pearl necklace, and other cultured pearl jewelry, like pearl stud earrings.

Rice - Rice pearls are small and shaped irregularly, and have crinkled surfaces.

Potato - As its name implies, potato-shaped cultured pearls have irregular oblong shapes.

Oval - Shaped like an egg, these saltwater or freshwater pearls are usually white.

Mabe - This pearl is flat on one side, giving it a dome shape.

Keshi - Also known as poppy seed pearls, these are tiny freshwater pearls.

Button - This round freshwater pearl is flat on one side.

Coin - Like the button pearl, except it is flat on both sides.

Baroque - These freshwater pearls are completely free form, having no pre-determined shape.

Circle - Also called the ring pearl, this saltwater pearl has concave, concentric lines.

Pearl Colors

Freshwater pearls, which are often used for fashion pearl jewelry, grow in virtually every color of the rainbow. They are an affordable - though no less beautiful - alternative to traditional white, round saltwater Akoya pearls. Black Tahitian pearls, which are also saltwater cultured pearls, have overtones of peacock and silver and are most often have semi-round, baroque, and circle shapes.

Pearl Fashion Jewelry - What’s Hot Now

Freshwater pearl jewelry offers women an incredible variety of accessory options. This season, look for multi-strand keshi (seed) pearl necklaces that combine different colored pearls, such as pink, peach, hazel, and brown for a stunning fashion statement. For formal occasions, multi-strand necklaces featuring a single color of keshi pearls - such as gray or black - are the perfect accessories.

Black Tahitian pearl bracelets and shimmering oval freshwater pearl bracelets are adorning the wrists of fashionistas this season, while brides are selecting classic Akoya pearl stud earrings as well as fashion forward freshwater pearl wedding jewelry that incorporates light pink or golden pearls.

The next time you treat yourself - or someone special - to the gift of pearl jewelry, remember that the beauty of pearls comes in many shapes and colors. 

Wearing multiple strands of pearls around neck and wrist has become one of today’s hottest fashions. This classy and stylish fashion secret has made pearl bracelets popular and trendy among people of all ages.  And this multiple-layers-pearls accessory takes your look from demure to dramatic position and you simply do not need any occasion to embellish your wrists with these bracelets. But, their classy and exquisite look can be perfect for any occasion and definitely help you in redefining your beauty. The great beauty and innocence glow of pearls can lighten your beauty and personality in any wardrobe. The elegance that you can carry along with you by putting a pearl studded bracelet on your wrist can definitely make you the center of attraction. Pearl bracelets can drive any body crazy especially women. It is perfect adornment for women of all ages.

They all have great appreciation for classic pearl bracelet because it honors their beauty and charm In addition; the children of today are also fond of decorated small pearl bracelets since they have also recognized the importance and the prestige of the pearl at tender age. In simple words, pearl bracelets are for all those people who appreciate beauty and charm.  Besides that, the range of variety in pearl bracelets is simply phenomenal from pearl studded gold bracelets to silver studded bracelets. You’ll definitely love all these contemporary pearl bracelets, with metal chains and links, pearls alternated with little gold beads and pearls stacked on stretchy strands.

And pearl bracelet like tin cup bracelets, cultured cup bracelets, stretch pearl bracelets, and simple pearl bracelets are gaining a lot of distinction in the market. The strand of decorative white pearls or three rows of multicolored freshwater pearls contrast with polished sterling silver make this a striking bracelet suitable for just about any occasion. All these pieces of pearl bracelets can drag anybody’s attention and has an ability to add extra charm to your beauty.

So, if you have made up your mind to buy the pearl bracelet online of offline, make sure you have done ample research on the different legitimate companies that advertise pearls. Know everything about the products, the company’s background and return policies. Get the address or phone number that you can contact in case a problem arises.

Once you have chosen the company you want to buy from, view all their designs. There are so many designs from which you can choose your favorite piece.  Select your latest trend matching pearl bracelet that makes you to indulge in its beauty. 

Every girl deserves the best gift in this world, especially when it is called for by a special occasion. For one, your once little girl may now be graduating from school after years of hard work and study. Make sure that you give only the perfect gift on that graduation day when all her efforts is recognized and a new chapter in life awaits.

One perfect gift to give to your beloved graduating daughter is the pearl jewelry. Why Is Pearl the Perfect Gift to Your Daughter?

1. Elegance in Pearls A pearl can bring so much class to any girl who will wear it. There is something very regal about them that make them so attractive. A simple black dress can be made more elegant by white pearls. Even the cartoon character Marge Simpson has a very noticeable pearl jewelry in her neck.

2. Every Lady Must Have One The pearl will surely bring delight to the heart of any lady, especially your beloved child. Almost every lady in town will have her own set of pearl jewelry to sport for special occasions. Make sure that your daughter gets her own set. 3. Pearl Jewelry Is Affordable Pearls are so elegant that they look like something to be worn only by the wealthiest people in the world. Pearls now can be affordable. Due to the onset of the pearl farms, this type of jewelry can be taken for less the price than they ordinarily would do. There are of course the expensive types for the especially rare ones.4. A Pearl Is Special Every pearl has a story to share that makes it special and desirable. It is different from the other jewelry because it is not mined in any soil deposits. A pearl is created by the natural events that take place inside an oyster. The select oysters that happen to be entered by a foreign substance will be able to develop into a pearl after the passage of time. How to Give Your Daughter the Perfect Pearl Gift?Now that you have learned the many reasons why giving the pearl is the most deserving gift your daughter can have in her graduation day, then you must decide to buy right now. Buying a piece of pearl jewelry is not difficult nowadays. All you have to do is to go out to the market and look for the perfect kind. This task, though it sounds simple, may require some good amount of evaluation on your part. Here are some guidelines to make sure you only get to buy the perfect item:

1. Avoid Fashion Jewelry Ordinary people may not care for what they buy, but you are buying your gift to your daughter, there is no room for you to make the mistake of buying the imitations. Imitation pearls are very cheap because they are man-made. They only imitate the round shape and texture of the pearls but they do not possess any of the history a valuable pearl possesses.  2. Know If You Are Getting the Right Bargain the real pearls that are naturally and freely grown in the sea are the rare and more expensive type. This will definitely go at a high price. So do not expect to get a lower price for this type ordinarily. The cultured pearls can be the more affordable type. They are not imitation but they are grown with human intervention. Pearl farm owners deliberately introduced foreign substances so that pearls will grow in the oysters.

3. Factors Affecting Costs The cost of a pearl will depend on the specifications of the pearl that you plan to buy. The smaller ones can go cheaper than the larger ones. The price will increase or decrease depending on the millimeter size indicated. The coating or nacre of a pearl will also give a distinct iridescence that will set it apart from the rest, especially for the imitations. Conclusion Your beloved daughter will be closing a chapter and will face entirely new challenges on the day of her graduation. Make sure that you give her the perfect gift that will make her feel special.

Unlike cultured freshwater pearls, natural freshwater pearls of excellent quality are extremely difficult to find or create. That’s because everything is left to nature. As such, maybe it’s not too hard to understand why freshwater pearls, in spite of its imperfections, are still incredibly more expensive than the best cultured pearls.

How Natural Freshwater Pearls Are Made The process of making natural freshwater pearls is exactly the same with the process of making natural seawater pearls. Firstly, a foreign object finds its way inside the mussel or oyster. It can be anything from a parasite to a tiny pebble. If the oyster isn’t able to take it out of its system, it will begin to feel irritated. To reduce its discomfort, it will start secreting nacre - which is the stuff that pearls are made of.

How Cultured Freshwater Pearls Are Made Pearl divers or makers will create a small opening in the oyster’s shells in order to insert mantle tissue from other oysters. The insertion will cause the freshwater oyster to start producing nacre. Pearl manufacturers can guarantee the outcome or quality of their products by taking control of factors like water temperature, the oyster’s health, and so forth. History of Freshwater Pearls Japan used to be the dominant figure in the cultured pearl industry. Having met success in their attempts in culturing pearls from saltwater mussels, they decided to conduct the same experiments with freshwater mussels from Lake Biwa. Their attempt was successful as well, and people were delighted to see new colors, colors that were never produced in saltwater pearls. As such, cultured freshwater pearls of Japan became so popular that all cultured freshwater pearls were referred to as Biwas in those days regardless of their origin.

Unfortunately, pollution caused great damage to Biwa cultured pearl production, and it was during this time that a new dominant figure emerged in the market: China. The country was blessed with numerous natural resources that the space-challenged Japan didn’t have: acres and acres of open land, innumerable lakes and other water bodies, and thousands and thousands of available human resources willing to work for less than minimum wages.Although the first few experiments of China in cultured freshwater pearl production were pretty much unsuccessful and understandably unappealing to the public, China was soon able to master the necessary techniques to create pearls that could not only surpass the quality of the best pearls produced by Japan but were also sold cheaper compared to other pearls. Chinese cultured freshwater pearls also came in a variety of colors, some of which Japanese cultured freshwater pearl makers were unable to reproduce.

Not only are pearls the birthstone for the month of June, but they are also very popular accessories for both a bride and her wedding party. And, coincidentally, June is the most popular month for tying the knot. Pearls are thought to symbolize health and longevity, which make them the perfect gemstone for celebrating either a birthday or a wedding. 

By definition, a pearl is a highly prized gem formed within the shell of an oyster or other mollusk. Although they are available in many shapes, sizes and colorations, pearls are classic in any form. In today’s jewelry market, pearls can be both classic and modern. At Almost Diamonds, a popular online retailer specializing in sterling silver jewelry, buyers are sure to find a ‘pearl’ of a design. From the classic stud style to dangle earrings and breathtaking necklaces that include a cubic and pearl cross set in sterling silver, there is something for everyone and every style. 

When it comes to shopping for pearls, affordability is a big concern. Because Almost Diamonds offers beautiful designs set in sterling silver and a variety of both freshwater and faux pearls, the designs remain just as easy on the wallet as they are on the eyes. For the bride who wants ’something new’ or the mother of the bride who wants to start a new tradition by purchasing a piece of jewelry and lending it to her daughter as ’something borrowed,’ pearl jewelry is ideal. For the birthday girl who celebrates in June, pearls are the perfect gift to give as you wish someone another healthy year and a long and happy life. As mentioned earlier, pearls do symbolize health and longevity. 

Although white pearls remain the classic when it comes to pearls, a more modern approach to jewelry design now includes black, pink and even peach colorations. These pearls offer the same shapes and sizes as the white pearl, but are created to spruce up a jewelry wardrobe through colors and trendsetting fashion. Speaking of fashion, pearl jewelry can be worn with practically any outfit. Whether you choose to pair your favorite pearl necklace with a white shirt and jeans or you enjoy a more dramatic look with a turtleneck and a pair of dangle earrings, you can’t go wrong with a classic. If you have dinner plans or are spending the evening on the dance floor, pearl jewelry will look ideal with your favorite black dress or business suit. From the boardroom to the dance floor and even the grocery store, pearls are always in style. 

As women, we enjoy purchasing jewelry that will make us look great and still allow us to stay within our budget. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to spend your money where you know the design is not one that’s here today and gone tomorrow. Pearls have been in fashion for years and they continue to be a staple in every collection. If you want something that will not go out of style, but is still set in a precious metal, such as sterling silver, give the gift of pearl jewelry to someone else or treat yourself to one of the most traditional gems in existence.