The Pearl Jewelry Blog

Pearls are very popular items to include in jewelry, they are commonly found in earrings, bracelets, and even in a ring. If you are bored with the normal pearl jewelry and want a change then perhaps you should check out some of the most popular jewelry designers. By far the best place to find beautiful pearl jewelry is in Japan, there everything is completely different to the normal types that you find here. 

Locating reliable pearl jewelry designers.

You don’t actually have to travel all of the way to Japan to get great unique pearl jewelry. If you are planning a family vacation to Japan anyway then you should be on the look out for some nice pieces. As not everyone will be planning to go to Japan you will probably be interested in finding other sources for great value jewelry. It may seem difficult to track down a reputable, reliable jewelry designer, however it’s not actually an impossible task!

It doesn’t even have to be that difficult, it can actually be pretty easy. You should first decide whether you want this to be completely unique, or just a little. If you want something that nobody else has then you should be willing to pay much more. If you do want a totally unique product then you should track down some custom jewelry designers. Before you visit these designers you should try to learn something about pearls, this way you actually know what you’re talking about.

Ideally you should know about the pearl quality as you don’t want to waste time discussing this with your designer. The pearls are given a grading which depends upon the size, color, luster and smoothness. Luster is one of the most important properties that is held by a pearl. If the pearls seem flat and don’t have luster then they aren’t going to look that great. The size isn’t actually as important as the luster.

Any good pearl designer will tell you that the cost of a piece of pearl jewelry will depend on the size. But that doesn’t mean to say that small pearls can’t still be very high quality. You don’t want to choose a huge pearl if it will overpower the piece of jewelry, but you also don’t want to choose a pearl that nobody will notice.

When you have decided which pearl jewelry designer to use you can start organizing and creating your beautiful piece of jewelry. In just a few weeks you will get a unique piece of jewelry which you can treasure forever. Hopefully this unique creation will stay in your family forever, plus it’s a good conversation starter!

By John J. Baker

A personal statement-that is what you want to make when it comes to the watch you wear. Your jewelry watch can be a personal statement of you, what you like or the image you want to project.

You can even have several different pieces of jewelry that are also watches.

A special favorite of my own is the combination of two old family heirlooms-my grandfather’s watch and my grandmother’s gold bracelet. They were taken to a professional watch repair person who was also a jeweler. He was able to take the two pieces and combine them into one magnificent bracket watch combination that can be worn on any special occasion. It is definitely a discussion piece when other people see.

Jewelry watches are the most popular form and they are worn on the wrist. One of the more popular ones today is the cuff watch. It appears to be a very large metal bracelet that has a watch in it.

It serves the purpose of a large bold piece of jewelry and as a timepiece.

Many people also use the bracelet in a more subdued way by having several smaller stones connect with gold or silver with a watch in the center. This gives the appearance of a more delicate and feminine piece of jewelry that is not obvious as a watch when first glanced upon.

There are many other types of jewelry that can also serve as a watch. In the mid-1970’s it was very popular for a watch to be part of a necklace. The watch itself was enclosed in a case, much like a decorative locket that had a clasp that allowed it to pop open to see the time. Everyone seemed to have one of these.

A variation of the decorative locket was to have it placed on a large decorative clasp so that it could be worn as a pin. The pin could be used to decorate the front of a lapel or on the front of a blouse.

There is also the watch ring. This is usually a rather large piece of jewelry that is worn on a ladies middle finger. The watch’s crystal is covered by a stone set into a metal placed over the watch-a clasp or small button is attached to the side so that the person wearing it can easily open hit to see the time. Most people would never know that there is a watch hidden beneath the stone.

No matter what type of jewelry watch you want, there is a lot of variety in the marketplace. If you want, you can even check on web sites that sell antique jewelry or go to antique shows where they have jewelry. You might find something that you just love. As a last resort, you can talk to your female relatives. They may have some old jewelry watches stuck in their jewelry boxes that they no longer wear-they just did not have the heart to throw it away.

You will not know unless you ask and who knows, they may be thrilled to give their jewelry watch to someone who will use and enjoy it.

By Samantha Davis

There are number of online and off line courses in jewelry designing offered by accredited institutions. The training imparted culminates in a diploma certification and especially targets the hard-core sales professionals. The jewelry designing courses focus exclusively on essential product knowledge and tried and tested proven sales techniques. You are taught how to sell diamonds and jewelry.

The training is not directed towards technical grading, but to develop the confidence to provide accurate descriptions and deliver sales presentations. Some distance education resources also offer the courses within the environment most convenient for learning: your home. The courses are designed to enable you to apply practical skills, trust and credibility.

The courses are usually offered in the basic categories of ‘Essentials’ and ‘Stones’.

The ‘Essentials’ category imparts concise sales information, to increase sales and your level of confidence. The theory is made available via engaging texts and photographs and color reference guides.

In the ‘Stones’ category, you are taught which metals and settings are durable. You get acquainted with manufacturing techniques like casting, die striking and electroforming.

This category is designed to enable you to have all the important information right at your fingertips and create better “sight value”. You will learn how karat gold affects appeal and value and understand various cuts and stone settings. You get to discover for yourself the sales process and learn how to relate quality, rarity, and color to the gem values.

The courses are designed to make you a pro at jewelry designing and selling. By the end of the course. you will be able to access all the information and sales tips you would need to start selling more jewelry than you ever imagined! You can also take advantage of moneymaking tips on turning product knowledge into sales. You are taught how to apply practical theory to explain appearance and value effectively.

You also learn which gem shapes are the most popular and get to familiarize yourself with the best-selling types of jewelry. The online and off line courses enable you to take full advantage of the ‘real world’ sales tips. The guides made available to you within the course, keep information at your finger tips.

Topics like the creation and sale of exclusive Bridal Jewelry is included within the course material, which gives you ample scope to function within the target market almost immediately. The jewelry designing courses are offered via real classroom training and online courses. The fees are very minimal, in comparison to what you would be earning months down the line.

The jewelry designing taught includes the eternal traditional designs and the art of meeting customized designs. If you choose to cater to a particular target market, then the sky is the limit to the earnings possible. You could also tie up with established businesses in the industry and make your designs available to them. Or you could showcase your own collection online and encourage online sales and auctions. Jewelry designing is catching up fast as a very lucrative vocational option and one that is here to stay.
By Victor Epand

Fashion Jewelry is the term given to a distinct kind of jewelry that is similar to the original jewelry in respect of look and style but low on quality and lasting. Fashion jewelry is also known as costume jewelry, fake jewelry and junk jewelry etc. This is used primarily for complementing the outfits worn on various occasions. The fashion ornaments are made of cheaper and less valuable materials like base metals, glass, plastic, synthetic stone and even wood.

This kind of jewelry may be low at the pricing aspects but it is flashy and full of chic and elegance. Therefore, there is no need to wonder to find that this jewelry is used by rich and affluents as well as celebrities. This fulfills the yearning for wearing trendy and stylish stuff edging past the conventional style.

The most interesting fact about fashion jewelry is that it always keeps changing. Innovation, variety and the uniqueness are its life blood. Anything that is different from the rest of the lot is fashion jewelry; anything that is bizarre and looks out of the planet is also the same. Sometimes an ornament like fashion necklace, fashion earring, fashion bracelet or set of jewelry is worn just for once. Their less expensiveness helps in taking these decisions with fervor and elan.

The trade of fashion jewelry is also on all time high. The demand keep rising and markets keep flooding with them. There is huge amount of fashion jewelry trade going on around the globe. Wholesale as well as retail fashion jewelry has hit the stands. The biggest beneficiaries are the consumers as they are getting elegant and stylish jewelry in rather less money. Nowadays, wearing cheap jewelry is in fashion because it has the awe that is required to look stunning.

By Rajneesh Dubey

If you’re unsure what to buy someone, then jewelry gifts are always well received and with a little bit of time and thought you can’t go wrong. Unfortunately, many people overlook jewelry because they believe they will have to break the bank to get anything decent. However, this isn’t at all true and there are some excellent pieces available to suit every budget.

Necklaces are a great gift idea and there are all kinds of styles and designs available. Whether the woman you’re buying for likes colourful and loud jewelry or has more subtle tastes, you’ll easily be able to find something. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend there are some really nice loop and pendant necklaces you can buy for a small price. Even though they don’t cost the earth, they still look great and will last for a long time.

Bracelets are very similar to necklaces but usually come in slightly cheaper. So if you’re on a particularly tight budget then you might consider a bracelet over a necklace for your jewelry gift. It’s always a good idea to think about the jewelry that the recipient already has and use that as template to find something you know they’ll really like.

Earrings are probably the safe option of all jewelry, especially if you’re buying smaller ones. However, if you’re going to buy earrings then don’t be afraid to look at a selection of different designs. Use your instinct to tell you if they will suit the lady you’re buying them for. Picture their face and imagine how they would look.

Rings are probably the most difficult jewelry gifts to pick out because they’re so personal. They’re used to signify special bonds and relationships so it can be a risky task to try and find a good one to mark an occasion. However, by taking your time and asking for advice and opinions from different people, you can still find a ring that’s just right for her.

If you’ve been thinking about buying jewelry but putting it off because you’re unsure, don’t. Even if you don’t find something that looks perfect, the woman you’re buying for will appreciate the thought and sentiment, which is the most important thing of all.

By Thomas Baugh

1) As you may have noticed. Freshwater pearl jewelry is less expensive.

And you know the Akoya pearl is more expensive…

A few reasons for this difference, one the freshwater pearl is easier to grow. Freshwater pearls are easier to grow because the process of nucleation is different and easier. The amount of nucleation per mollusk is much more in the freshwater pearl mussel (at one time 40 to 50) the most an akoya can produce might be 4 or 5 and they do not that often because quality goes down and mortality goes up. Freshwater mussels can be nucleated again with less mortality than the one time for akoyas. There is more control over the environment, ponds and streams as opposed to ocean water, which has typhoons and red tides to contend with.

2) Of course, Akoya Pearls are mostly round in shape.

And needless to say, Freshwater pearls are rarely round shaped.

The Akoya is nucleated with a round bead made from a freshwater mussel shell that is made round to begin with. The Freshwater mussel is nucleated with a piece of soft tissue, usually just a flat piece, or many flat pieces.

3) The freshwater pearl earring is solid nacre.

Here is something you might not know about…an Akoya Pearl Necklace has a bead core made of shell and only a coating of nacre, as thin as 1mm.

See above, the soft tissue that the freshwater mussel is nucleated with is absorbed leaving a pearl of solid nacre, more like natural pearls. The Akoya is nucleated with a shell bead of some size, and only allowed to develop nacre for a limited time before harvesting. The length of time is limited only by the cultivator’s desire for quicker harvests.

4) A benefit of thicker nacre means that a freshwater pearl necklace will last longer.

Truth be told, low grade akoya pearl necklaces with a thin coating of nacre often chip and or wear off.

As you can imagine, a freshwater pearl with solid nacre has nothing to chip away; whereas, an Akoya pearl is possibly only a coating of as little as 1mm, so it can easily be worn or chipped.

5) The better grades of Akoya Pearl Jewelry have a higher luster compared to freshwater jewelry pearls.

A Freshwater pearl bracelet can have “orient’, a rainbow iridescence noticed on heirloom or natural pearls. An Akoya pearl bracelet does not have this.

The nacre or mother of pearl of the Akoya has a greater luster or glow. The Freshwater pearl can have a trait called “orient” which is a shimmering of a rainbow of color, like the way that oil looks on water. Orient is seen on natural saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls; but, not on Akoya cultured pearls.

So it adds up to this: Things they are a changing. From keshi pearls called rice crispies because that’s what they look like, to gem grade pearls. Freshwater jewelry pearls are now rivaling Akoya jewelry pearls in beauty.

Freshwater pearl jewelry is changing rapidly. A Freshwater pearl necklace will last longer, and be tomorrow’s heirloom.

Freshwater Pearls are gaining in quality and popularity.

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about what you will give that special woman in your life. Mother’s Day gifts can run the gamut, from handmade treasures to kitchen knives, from electronics to leather goods. You can be sure that she’ll cherish whatever you choose, but the chances are good that jewelry tops her wish list.

Obviously, each woman’s taste in jewelry is different. Some women never leave the house without a full complement of accessories, while others stick to the basics, like a watch and earrings. Here are some ideas for great Mother’s Day jewelry gifts:

Earrings

You can’t go wrong if you select diamond earrings. Today, the trend is small diamonds set in white gold hoops, although solitaire button earrings are also popular. For a sentimental twist, you can select diamonds that radiate out from gold hearts.

Pearl earrings are almost always a hit, whether they’re set as a single pearl in a drop earring or several pearls in a vertical band. You can even go the exotic route and buy your mother a pair of earrings featuring rare and coveted black pearls (also known as Tahitian pearls). Better yet, buy earrings that incorporate both diamonds and pearls!

Pendants

Pendants make wonderful Mother’s Day gifts. Set in white or yellow gold, the stone in a pendant can represent your mother’s birth month or the birthday months of her children. As a reminder, the birthstones are: January - garnet; February - amethyst; March - aquamarine; April -diamond; May - emerald; June - moonstone; July - ruby; August - peridot; September -sapphire; October - opal; November - topaz; and December - turquoise.

Watches

Fine watches are beautiful gifts, but if your mother is active and enjoys the outdoors, you may want to consider different type of watch. For example, she may enjoy a clip on watch that she can attach to a backpack, gym bag, or runner’s pack. She could even hook it to a belt loop when she takes her pets out for a walk.

Jewelry Sets

There are many different kinds of jewelry sets, each of which would make a treasured gift. For example, you can purchase an earring and necklace set, or select a baby pearl necklace and matching bracelet. Another possibility is a pin or pendant with matching earrings.

Other Wonderful Gifts

If your mother isn’t the type who wears a lot of jewelry, there is a wealth of other gift possibilities. For example, she may welcome personal electronics, like an MP3 player, an iPod, or a DVD player. If she enjoys clothing, she might love a beautiful lingerie set or a leather garment. Perhaps she’d like housewares, such as kitchen knives or a new set of mixing bowls.

Where to Shop

Your best bet for finding a wide selection of jewelry and other Mother’s Day gifts is an online shopping mall. An online mall has the advantage of having thousands (or tens of thousands) of products, and you can often find bargain prices that are close to wholesale. Best of all, this kind of one-stop shopping site can dropship, meaning that the items you order are shipped directly from the supplier. This dramatically cuts down shipping time, and ensures that your Mother’s Day gifts will be delivered to your door safely and quickly.

By Chris Robertson

There are a lot of different styles and shapes of earrings available today. Learn the unique designs and styles of earrings that we put on our earlobes. Jewelery makers may prefer different methods of making jewelry to other ways or methods. It is important to remember, however, that the jewelery designer is not the only person wearing their style, so they must have a large range of selection and styles to offer. Here you will find tips that will help you choose the right type of earring and earring hanger that is perfect for your style.

Comfort is typically the most important thing to consider when searching for earrings. A heavy earring may be beautiful and stylish, but if it becomes uncomfortable it is probably going to end up not being worn at all. It is best to try an earring on at the store. First, if you think it may be too heavy. For sanitary purposes, use portable disinfectant wipes to wipe the earring off before and after you try it on.

First, leave the earring on for a couple of minutes and move around a bit. Does it feel ok? if there is a bit of discomfort than the earring is probably not right for you and should not be purchased.

These are earring types that are popular today:

Chandelier - This is a very popular style, and is as the name sounds. This type has multi-level branches that hang from the ear, and typically has gemstone briolettes, which are tear drop-shaped gems, hanging off the branches.

Drop - This earring is typically one large gemstone that is some type of geometric shape. It hangs directly from the earring base and faces forward. A charm and a gemstone combination is a popular drop earring design.

Hoop - A hoop earring is just what it sounds like. This type of earring can be round or oval, and will run through the piercing in your earlobe. A hoop earring can be anywhere from tiny to almost touching your shoulder.

Stud - A round stone that has a post and are typically smaller. Diamond stud earrings are hugely popular in today’s fashion. Studs can be in any shape, size and color.

Popular earring hangers:

Fish Hook - A fish hook is a certain type of earring hanger. The part that runs through your earring hole looks like a fish hook, hence the name.

French hoop - This type of earring hanger is rounded, and is open at the bottom of it. This allows it to be passed through your ear piercing easily.

Leverback - This type is made for pierced and non-pierced ears. The back can flip up and hold the earring in place by pressing on the back of the earlobe.
By Saffron Samson

“Custom jewelry” refers to any jewelry that is made according to a buyer’s specifications. One might expect it to be a little more costly than pre-made jewelry you buy at the store, but this will depend on the particular manufacturer. It may also depend somewhat on the request that has been made; if it is complicated and likely to be time consuming, or if the materials are expensive, then the cost will presumably be relatively high. Regardless, it can be well worth the extra cost if you end up with a beautiful, quality piece of jewelry that is tailored to your specifications.

There are a number of reasons why a person might want customized jewelry. Maybe they are looking for something that is difficult or impossible to find. For example, “family rings” are quite popular these days. They usually contain the birthstone of the person the ring is for, as well as the birthstones of the person’s mother and father. However, some people come from unconventional families, and might want something different, such as the exclusion of one parent, or the inclusion of a beloved stepmother or stepfather. A custom made design can allow for the inclusion or exclusion of an individual, while still looking beautiful and balanced.

Another reason someone might want their jewelry to be custom made is so that the size can be tailored to their body size. If a person is particularly large boned or particularly small boned, it can be challenging to find rings or bracelets that fit properly. Requesting a custom made piece of jewelry will ensure a perfect fit. So, if you find a piece of jewelry that you absolutely adore, you need not worry if it does not come in your size, because chances are you can have that design in the right size custom made just for you.

A third reason to have jewelry custom made is to make it extra special and unique. It can be a great feeling to know that you are the only person in the world who owns a particular item. There might even be sentimental value involved in the customization of a body ornament. For instance, many people are opting to have engagement and wedding rings customized, often with engravings or special designs. The quality of custom made items is also typically higher than that of off-the-shelf items, which ensures durability.

So, no matter what the reason, there seems to be a market for custom jewelry. If you’re looking for something specific with no success, or if you’re after something special and unique, consider placing an order for custom made jewelry. It can be very gratifying to see your designs come to life!                                     By Adam Hefner