Sunday, September 30, 2007

Shopping For Pearl Jewelry

Modern day pearl jewelry offers women of all ages many more options when accessorizing clothing to give the right look and feel. Pearls are no longer worn just on special occasions, but rather on a daily basis to accentuate that classy, elegant, professional, sexy and fun side of a woman. More choice in color, size, and shape among pearls is usually a good thing. However, buying pearl jewelry for yourself or a loved one can be confusing unless you have been provided with a few essential “pearls of wisdom”.

On recent pearl necklace shopping expeditions that included national retail jewelry stores, on-line stores, and local jewelry shops, the very challenging experiences that consumers face when buying pearl jewelry was revealed firsthand.

In 60% to 70% of the jewelry stores visited, the sales associates:
- either were not able to explain the pearl quality grading system, and/or
- did not have a quality grade associated with their pearls, and/or
- were not educated about pearls, and/or
- were misinformed regarding very high quality cultured freshwater pearls.

Unfortunately for the consumer, the average jewelry store personnel lacks pearl jewelry certification and product expertise. Furthermore, a large majority of jewelry stores or jewelry departments did not offer very high quality cultured freshwater pearls (AAA), either because they did not know they exist or they choose not to offer them. Much more expensive Akoya saltwater pearls were offered as the best alternative to high quality freshwater pearls.

Consumers need to know that very high quality freshwater pearl jewelry exists, is quite comparable to Akoya pearls, and is much more affordable.

The overall message here for consumers is to be sure to learn the basics about pearls from a reputable and knowledgeable dealer prior to shopping. In particular, seek out firms whose employees have pearl jewelry GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certification. It is critical that a consumer be properly educated when purchasing pearl jewelry, not only so they understand clearly what they are buying, but also so that they receive the best value for their money.

In summary, when you are shopping for pearl jewelry, remember to:
1) first educate yourself so that you know what you are buying,
2) have the seller demonstrate their knowledge and product offering to you, and
3) seek out high quality freshwater pearl jewelry as a very comparable and more affordable alternative to saltwater pearl jewelry.

These few tips on buying pearl jewelry can make your shopping experience much more pleasurable and rewarding. Today, high quality affordable pearl jewelry is available to consumers armed with the right information.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Cultured Pearl Bracelet

A cultured pearl bracelet is a lovely gift to give or receive. There are Pearls are a prized possession and many women pass them down from generation to generation. In many cultures, a woman will wear a family heirloom pearl single or double strand necklace on her wedding day or for important occasions. If you don’t have a necklace made of pearls, perhaps you’re shopping for one that you can have for years to come and pass down to future generations.

You can buy a cultured pearl bracelet set in gold or silver or white gold. You can have it in a single strand, double or triple and it can be a single color, alternating colors or multicolored. There’s really no limit to the type of bracelets you can get if you find a great jeweller. You can also get matching necklaces, rings and earrings that match.

A gorgeous idea is to have a gold or silver bracelet with a few cultured pearls. The contrast between the lustrous shiny pearls and the shimmering metal can be breathtaking and elegant. There are beautiful options with gold clasps, silver clasps and white gold. Pearl bracelets can even contain watch faces and charms.

Bracelets can also be stretchable and of course there are pearl anklets as well. Have you ever seen a bracelet that encompasses pearls and jewels together? There are some gorgeous options and you can even design your own custom jewelry as well. A charm bracelet with pearls in it looks elegant and is a beautiful gift for a daughter, granddaughter or niece.

Do you love pearls? Don’t wait until someone buys you some, buy some for yourself! There are great online stores that you can drool over. If you do decide to buy your pearls online, you should do a bit of homework. Because you can’t see the item and touch it before you pay for it, it’s a good idea to buy from someone that offers a money back guarantee. This way, if your pearl bracelet arrives and it’s not what you’re looking for, you have an option to get an exchange or refund. Many places will not refund your shipping though so learn a bit about what you want before you get started in the online shopping process.

You can save a lot of money online with pearls. The Internet has made it possible to do a lot of comparison shopping without ever having to leave your desk (or laptop) and this can make it easy for you to get exactly what you want without having to settle for something.

Pearls come in many shapes, sizes and colors. There are freshwater pearls and saltwater pearls. There are pink, white, blue, gold, silver, black and other pearl colors as well. There are various diameters and there are natural and cultured pearls. Whether you are looking for a cultured pearl bracelet or an entire pearl jewelry set, it’s a good idea to learn a little bit about pearls first so you can pick something that’s right for you.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Freshwater Pearl Jewelry

Are you interested in freshwater pearls? Pearls can be gorgeous in any type of jewellery and can also be used for buttons as well as to adorn fabrics such as in a wedding dress. Various types of jewellery can have pearls in it including: rings, necklaces, bracelets, broaches, hair accessories and hat pins. There are many types of different pearls but the fresh water variety are fairly common, especially in recent years.

These pearls initially began formulation in Japan at Lake Biwa but are now produced in many places, especially China and the U.S. as well as Japan although on a smaller scale. Because it’s a relatively simple process, cultured pearls of the freshwater variety can be quite abundant. Freshwater pearls can make some beautiful jewellery and can be much more affordable than saltwater pearls.

Many women have prized pearls in their jewellery boxes. Rings with pearls and other jewels, anniversary or birthstone rings as well as classic pearl earrings either alone as studs or in teardrop shapes with and without other gems and bracelets. Broaches and hair accessories made with pearls can look elegant and classy and many women pull out their best jewels which are made with pearls for all the special occasions in their lives.

Many little girls remember their first pearls and many women receive pearl jewellery as willed gifts from their mothers and grandmothers. If well cared for, they can retain their value and lustre and can also last many lifetimes.

Pearls don’t just have to be pearly white. Pearls in various colors such as pink, lavender and black can emerge from freshwater mussels.

Before you buy pearls from anyone, you should do a bit of homework and decide what type of pearls you want and how much you are able to spend. It’s a good idea to understand the returns policy of the pearl seller especially if you are buying online. A reputable online dealer will offer a money back guarantee since you won’t see your pearls before you get a chance to pay for them. It’s also a very good idea to insure your shipment so that if anything happens in transit, you are going to be covered for any potential loss.

Pearls that come from fresh water can be beautiful and are more affordable than their saltwater counterparts. You can have them for business wear, for weddings or special occasions and they make a wonderful gift for Christmas, birthdays, weddings, valentine’s day, mother’s day or for a graduation gift.

You don’t have to go with a standard round white single strand necklace .This is a versatile gem that can be incorporated with other gems, can be unusual shapes and unique colors and can be a treasured piece of jewellery by yourself or whomever you plan to buy it for. Freshwater pearls are a beautiful gift to give or to receive.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Pendants Express The Power

A pendant is many things, emotions and qualities encapsulated in one piece of ornament. It has always been one of the essential pieces of jewelry, worn from the days of caveman. Both men and women have adored and adorned a pendant which many a time meant anything or everything to them. Sometimes it is faith – in the shape of God or any religious symbol. Sometimes a pendant defines the persona or any particular personality trait. And sometimes a pendant is a symbol of love, one that remains close to the heart.

A pendant, more often than not, symbolizes something for the one wearing it. Sometimes it is the kind of mood or situation the person is in. For instance, when in a professional environment, you can put a pearl necklace with a big pearl pendant or something that looks sedate yet earnest. Sometimes it is a figment of one’s thoughts, tastes and preferences. Like when you go out with friends, you can express your artistic self with an ethnic pendant.

Pendant is also a wonderful symbol of love. It can be some hobby you follow passionately, for instance a guitar if you love music, a basketball or a golf club if you have a penchant for sports, or it can be your own name woven into a thread along your neck. It can also be the picture or name of someone whom you love. This is the best way you can express your emotions for someone, with a help of a pendant.

Apart from self expression, Pendant also make wonderful gifts. It is a very romantic way a husband surprises his wife. Besides, you can also gift beautiful pendants to your best friend on her birthday. A pendant will be the most cherished gift on Mother’s Day. Just one small piece of jewelry and you can imagine the power it holds and spreads all around the one wearing it.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Tips Of Buying Gemstones

Gemstones have been sought after and treasured throughout history. They have been found in ruins dating several thousand years. They are valued as gifts symbolizing love. Generally, the price of any gemstone is determined by: size, cut, quality (color/clarity/treatments), and type. Here are some questions to ask about quality:

Has it been treated?
Is the stone natural or synthetic?
Are there any noticeable scratches, chips or inclusions?
Is the color even throughout the stone?
How good is the color? (Is it vivid?)
If you are buying the stones for earrings or cufflinks, are the stones well matched?

There are many ways that dealers treat gemstones. The savvy buyer asks lots of questions and hopefully tests the results. Here are some treatments to look for:

Irradiation: It is common to irradiate Aquamarine, London Blue Topaz, Emerald, and Diamond as well as other stones. This treatment brings out color and removes imperfections. Many dealers know if the stones they are selling have been irradiated. Honest ones will tell you if they are aware of the treatment.

Heat Treatment: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Ruby, Tanzanite and Topaz are often heated at high temperatures to enhance color.

Dye: This is the most common treatment used. On clear stones, dye may be visible in cracks that are darker than the rest of the stone. Sometimes dye appears as a residue that rubs off or white patches. Lapis and Rose Quartz are commonly dyed. Amethyst and Citrine are often dyed. Black Onyx is permanently dyed in normal processing.

Coatings: Jasper is often dipped in petroleum products to bring out color and to seal it. Emerald is oiled; turquoise is waxed.

Fake stones: Some dealers will try passing off fake stones instead of natural ones. There are fake stones for most gemstones on the market. Always ask what stone something is if you are not certain. Honest dealers will tell you. If a stone looks too perfect it may be fake, irradiated or dyed. I avoid Laboratory made products are known as synthetics.

Tips on buying beads:

Good sized holes (so can use a stronger thread)
Evenly shaped beads (as appropriate)
If the beads are being sold in a 16" strand -- I make sure it is 16" -- not 14" or 15" if possible.
Look for the best quality stone (if buying real stones)
Make sure beads are not cracked or chipped by the holes as this tears the thread
Good color (so can create harmonious necklaces and matching earrings)

Friday, September 21, 2007

Why Freshwater Pearl Jewelry Makes Great Gift Ideas

Pearl jewelry has made beautiful presents for centuries and it is only in the last 50 years that they have become more accessible for most of us. Pearls have and always will capture the attention and love of women. For this very reason pearl jewelry makes great presents. So you still need more reasons for getting all those bonus points for giving some stunning pearl jewelry, here they are:

1. Pearl earrings and necklaces make ideal gifts because they are timeless in their elegance. My mum gave me a pair of freshwater pearl stud earrings when I was started to work around sweet seventeen years old. I still have them and wear them. They are a simple and timeless style and always make me think of her when I wear them.

2. Pearl jewelry can be worn for most any occasion from formal to work to casual.

3. The variety of styles now available in pearl jewelry lets each of us showcase our individual styles and taste.

4. Pearl jewelry is a beautiful symbol of love, fidelity and trust; one of the reasons it makes ideal wedding jewelry and anniversary presents.

5. You feel very special being given pearl jewelry; it is something your girlfriends go ooh ahh about, no matter who gives you the jewelry.

6. It is one of the most memorable presents because pearl jewelry is timeless and lasts for years. Women love having pieces that have passed through the family and the stories behind them.

7. Pearl jewelry makes ideal gifts to mark the progression through significant moments in life, ranging from moving from girlhood into womanhood, graduations, personal achievements, significant birthdays, weddings and anniversaries as well as special events.

Pearls earrings should always be set in silver or gold and you should only get the real thing - cultured freshwater or sea water pearls only. Pearl jewelry gifts should only be real pearls unless a specific faux pearl design is particularly requested.

The size of the genuine pearls does not matter. The pearls my mum gave me are small and I adore them because of who gave them to me for my 18th birthday. What matters is the giving of the pearls not how fancy they are because pearls range from the affordable to the blindingly expensive.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Pearl Jewelry Become Affordable For All

Like buying an airline ticket on the Internet has become a regular thing for all of us, so has online shopping for women, be it clothing, gifts or buying jewelry. Anyone looking to buy a nice piece of pearl jewelry for her self or for a gift can go online and check out the best deals. Best part is there is no selling pressure of sales person that shoppers often come across when buying in stores or in malls. When you buy online you buy at your own pace and comfort. You have all the benefit of comparing prices, designs, style and quality etc.

There are a couple of websites that have ventured into selling pearl jewelry online and established their reputation. Most of these pearl jewelers buy directly from source and are able to procure the best quality freshwater and seawater akoya pearls directly from the pearl farms in China, Japan, and other countries of the far east, thus bypassing all the middlemen and selling directly to consumers at bargain prices saving up to 300% of the retail prices. Amazingly, their quality is superb, and prices are very attractive. Most of them have a 90days return policy and offer one hundred percent satisfaction. The consumer is the winner now. Undoubtedly, pearls, which previously were for the rich and famous, have now become affordable by all.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Pearl Necklace Luster

Luster is the hallmark of any pearls quality. Pearls are grown in lakes, rivers and sea. When it comes to buying pearls or for evaluation, be it freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls or Akoya seawater pearls, Tahitian pearls, South sea pearls, pearl luster is the prime and one of the key dominating factors. Pearl size, pearl type and how clean is pearl surface are other evaluating considerations.

Pearl necklaces are very famous for its natural beauty and white color brilliance.

Pearls natural colors and its lustrous appeal bring charm and elegance to any necklines. Women love wearing pearl necklaces. Beauty of pearl necklace is unique in its own way and if diamonds are forever, pearls are timeless fashion statement.

High quality pearl necklace truly brings grace and elegance to the wearer. Pearl necklace designed with selective matching colors and size of pearls is indeed a designer art. About 40-50 pearl beads are carefully hand-knotted and string together to make a beautiful and gorgeous pearl necklace. Pearl necklace go very well with all wedding gowns and is a preferred choice of many brides and bridesmaids.

White color pearl necklace is very traditional and classic but pearl necklaces are now available in various other colors and sizes as well. Pearl necklace designed with freshwater pearls are very good in quality and very much affordable now.

Pearl necklaces come in various other types of pearls also such as Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls and South seawater pearls. Akoya pearl necklaces are typically more expensive than their cousin freshwater pearls and have always been in high demand for its high luster and nearly perfect round shapes.

Black Tahitian and golden south sea pearl necklaces are excellent in quality and generally command higher prices both in domestic and international markets.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

The Beauty of Pearl Jewelry

There are all kinds of jewelry made from diamonds, semi-precious stones, gold, platinum and pearls and women now have much wider choice to choose from.

Since each type of jewelry is unique in its own because of its inherent value, quality, appearance and style, the choice entirely lies upon each person depending upon personal taste and preferences. Fashion, design and style are changing every season but classic and traditional are evergreen. Best is, one should go with one's own taste and what really you like most.

When it comes to buying pearl jewelry, woman is not only buying a gorgeous pearl necklace but enhancing her beauty with one of the nature's best bounties. Pearls have natural luster and women look very graceful. Brides, celebrities and all women in general have always been attracted by the sheer elegance of pearls Pearl jewelry is always in fashion and always in demand and much affordable now.

Pearls come in wide array of colors and types and go by various names such as Freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls, Tahitian and South sea water pearls depending upon the bivalve mollusks types - oysters producing them.

No matter freshwater or seawater pearls, quality and price again depend upon the size, shape, luster, color and surface etc. If diamonds are forever, the natural lustrous appeal of pearl jewelry is equally compelling, more so when it comes to grace, beauty, style, sophistication and overall affordability.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Cultured Pearl Earrings

Most cultured pearl earrings are tiny, attractive, and definitely quite expensive. If you're planning to add cultured pearl earrings to your jewelry collection, here are several tips which can help you buy the ideal pair for you and preserve its beauty for a long time.

Where to Buy Cultured Pearl Earrings

Cultured pearl earrings are sold online and in land-based stores. There are pros and cons to buying cultured pearl earrings either online or in person.

Online Auctions - Cultured pearl earrings auctioned off online may sometimes be great bargain finds because of its very low price tag, but you have to make sure that you're buying authentic cultured pearl earrings and that it gets delivered to you safely.

Online Jewelry Shopping Sites - Prices vary greatly when it comes to cultured pearl earrings sold on online jewelry shopping sites, but once again your biggest problem is making sure that it reaches you safely and free of damage.

Live Auctions - Cultured pearl earrings sold in live auctions are usually incredibly rare, beautiful, and definitely expensive.

Land-Based Jewelry Stores - Cultured pearl earrings sold in land-based jewelry stores generally have the greatest selection to offer but they tend to be more expensively priced as well.

Wholesale Jewelry Markets - It might take you a long time before you can find one, but when you do, you can certainly take advantage of exceptionally low rates as long as you're willing to buy cultured pearl earrings wholesale.

How to Buy Cultured Pearl Earrings

The first question you have to ask yourself is whether you wish for freshwater or saltwater cultured pearl earrings. Then determine if it's important to you as well to know where the pearls have been harvested. Lastly, base your decision on its luster, texture, shape, and overall appearance. Once you've made a selection, consult with the jewelry seller and see if you can get a discount.

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Making Your Own Pearl Jewelry

With fashions returning to encompass suits and dressier jackets pearls are also making a comeback in fashion. While pearl jewelry making may not look all that complicated there are a few tricks to know to make it better. With the expense of pearls there really is no easy way to use them in jewelry and still have a quality piece of jewelry.

Necklaces and bracelets are probably the most sought after pieces of jewelry and pearl jewelry making will test your patience as you string the beads. You choice is always whether to tie a knot between each bead or not, but there are two good reasons to do so.

First, having a knot between each one prevents them from hitting together and getting scratched or broken. The second reason is that if the string breaks you will usually only lose one pearl instead of them all.

How many pearls you will have to string for a necklace will depend on the size of the pearls and size of the necklace to are making. A 16-inch necklace will be typical with the length extending to 18 inches once the clasps have been added.

The number of pearls needed will be determined by their size. Most of those into pearl jewelry making will use one size of pearl, usually about six millimeter, but there are others who use larger, or smaller ones.

Saturday, September 08, 2007

Fashionable Jewerly Trend Coming 2008

The trend for jewelry this autumn and winter are simple, attractive necklaces with large vibrant pendants. Necklaces may have many different layered strands of decorated silver and gold chains, or freshwater cultured pearls in unusual shapes and sizes.

Exquisite multi-colored semi-precious gemstones adorn glitzy bangles and metal cuff bracelets. Silver hoop earrings of different sizes, faceted briolette gemstones as well as layered dangling earrings are quite fashionable.

Colorful pendants adorn necklaces beaded with tiny glass beads and semi-precious gemstones. Massive lightweight beads sport eye catching necklaces. Black onyx strung along with silver is trendy this year as is small mirrored glass and bulky colorful acrylic beads. Gold and silver chains embellish charms, stones, and even wire wrapped pearls.

Strands of cultured freshwater pearls are seen in different shapes, sizes and colors possibly braided or twisted for a dramatic look. Vintage glass beads may be found along side of wood beads. Wood chains are decorated with brass and glass crystals. Layered similar and mismatched beaded strands and unusual necklaces worn together create colorful look this season.

The layered look for earrings is hot this season with unusual smaller shapes on top of larger pieces of silver, copper, or gold. Faceted briolette gemstones dangle from sterling silver wire.

Charms may suspend from chains, and the antique look is always popular during the fall and winter months. Teardrop stones are seen in every size and color with clusters of beautiful tiny seed beads. Gold or silver earrings may have an inlay of turquoise or mother of pearl.

Hammered silver hoop earrings of all sizes may have cultured freshwater pearls dangling in the center.

Cuff bracelets this season may feature anything from wide hammered metals to tiny knebeli beads of multiple colors. The metal bracelets may be embossed with different patterns, engraved or feature colorful gem stones.

Beaded stretch bracelets may have chunky stones, delicate seed beads, a single strand or multiple strands with glass beads, crystals, or various metals. Charms, baubles and beads of assorted textures and colors are worn with any style from classic to casual dress.

Jewelry worn in layers this season, whether many necklaces, or multiple bracelets, fun and colorful jewelry is the trend this season.

Bold colorful pendants are enjoyable. Glitzy rings and bracelets are seen everywhere. Informal or elegant, accessories are sizzling this time of year.

Friday, September 07, 2007

Traveling Jewelry Box

Traveling with jewelry can be a real trial for women. Often times the only choice a woman has is to wear her jewelry the entire time she's on the trip or to find it a hopelessly tangled mess at the bottom of her carry-on bag. Besides the general inconvenience, traveling can also make it easier for jewelry to become damaged in the hustle and bustle of getting around.

That's why a travel jewelry case can make all the difference in the world. They come in a range of sizes, from the size of a small laptop to the size of an eyeglass case. They also come in a variety of materials, including leather, faux leather, and fabric.

Choosing A Travel Jewelry Box

Traveling with wooden jewelry boxes can be bulky and may be susceptible to breakage, should a less-than-careful baggage handler get his hands on your luggage. Portable, non-wooden jewelry boxes, on the other hand, provide convenience as well as security.

Your treasured valuables have a safe storage place, which can cut down on incidents of loss. No one wants to walk through the door at home and realize that their necklace is still on the nightstand back at the resort hotel.

Leather Travel Jewelry Cases

Leather jewelry cases are the most popular choice for storing jewelry on the road. They offer excellent protection for necklaces, rings, and other keepsakes but they are far less likely to be damaged. Most women opt for a traditional brown or black leather jewelry case.

However, a variety of colors are available including red, blue or even orange. Cases like these often are velvet or suede lined to provide a plush cushion for your valuables. They are perfect for watches, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Freshwater Pearl Jewelry the Right Pearl

To own a pearl necklace is every woman's desire. A pearl necklace is an elegant statement. A classic pearl necklace is the essence complexity and the classic timeless of elegance. This traditional pearl necklace is comprised of forty-two round pearls. This Freshwater Pearl necklace is very fashion forward. The preferred pearl shape when creating your pearl necklace is round to mostly round.

This sophisticated freshwater cultured pearl necklace makes a stylish, personal statement and a pink freshwater pearl necklace adds something a little extra to the necklace. Most freshwater cultured pearls sold today come from China. A freshwater pearl necklace and earring set offer graphic timeless elegance you can enjoy for a life time. This triple cluster drop freshwater pearl necklace will bring out the beauty in any complexion. Acquire a freshwater pearl necklace at discount price does not mean that you sacrifice the quality. Feminine and sexy, this sweet freshwater petal pearl necklace is sure to become a favorite among many women.

Freshwater cultured pearl necklace wrap any women in layers of love. This sophisticated freshwater cultured pearl necklace makes a stylish, personal statement. Golden South Sea cultured pearls have a rich golden shine. A question many people ask today if a particular strand of pearls should be made up of fresh water or cultured pearls.

Quality of blue pearl depends on three important aspects. After you have decided the type, color, size and quality of pearls, think about your budget. So, how do you go about being sure you are getting the best quality for the best price for that pearl necklace. You want, of course, to buy the best possible quality present for the lowest possible price f. High-quality pearls larger than 9 mm are scarce and very expensive. Luster shows the quality of a pearl necklace.

A pearl necklace is the quintessential piece of jewelry to lend style and class to your fashion wardrobe. This freshwater cultured pearl necklace is silky smooth and feminine. When purchasing a pearl necklace is anything but ordinary. The most traditional and classic shape for pearl jewelry is the white round pearl.

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Freshwater Pearl Jewelry Are Special

Ever wonder what made pearl jewelry so special? What the difference was between real and fake pearls? Why does it cost a lot for real pearl jewelry? I will try to give you a brief explanation in the following paragraphs.

First off pearls come from oysters commonly found in the ocean. The oyster lays layers of different chemical compounds to form the precious stone. The compound is calcium carbonate and conchiolin which combined together makes mother-of-pearl.

Most pearls are white but can be tinted with a vast array of colors to give them a unique and colorful look. Some of the more common colors are blue, yellow, brown, green and purple along with a few others. The rarest of colors is black. Black pearls are much harder to come by due to manufacturing processes. The process that black pearls are subject too has a small percentage rate that actually makes it through the process, due to rejecting the nucleus.

Most people believe that pearls only come from saltwater but that is not true. There are two types of pearls; saltwater and freshwater pearls. The majority of pearls come from the ocean in protected lagoons across the world. There are pearls that come from freshwater mussels that live in rivers, lakes and ponds.

The bulk of freshwater pearls today mainly come from China and a few other remote regions.
If you are wondering how to tell a real pearl from a fake pearl apart it is quite simple. The simplest of methods is running your teeth along the pearl; if it is smooth it is more than likely fake. If it has a unique roughness to it that makes your teeth grit it is more than likely real. If you attempting to decipher natural pearls from cultured pearls you will more than likely require a specialist with advanced machinery.

When searching for pearl jewelry buying fake pearl is probably your best bet. It looks usually about the same and costs a lot less! There are many sites on the internet that specialize in pearl jewelry in a vast array of colors, just keep your eyes open. Find the right pearl for you!

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Cultured Pearls

Pearls are formed inside the body of oysters. The mollusk deposits layer of nacre, a combination of crystalline and organic substances, when any irritant or parasite enters or placed inside its body. Over a period of time with nacre building up in layers and layers, the pearl is formed.
All the pearls sold in USA and in other countries around the world are cultured pearls and are known by various names such as freshwater pearls, akoya seawater pearls etc. Natural pearls are rarity.

The bead-nucleating technology of producing cultured pearls was developed and perfected by Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan in early 20th Century. Japan is famous for producing Akoya cultured pearls but recently China has become the leading source of all cultured pearls - freshwater and Akoya pearls.

Difference in cultured and natural pearls can't be made with naked eyes; however, distinction becomes very prominent when seen through x-rays. Cultured pearls are used in pearl jewelry as well as in cosmetics. One should also be careful about imitation pearls.

Cultured pearls are generally in white colors but can be colored-dyed in various colors. Cultured pearls are now available in high lustrous quality and much lower prices than ever before.

Monday, September 03, 2007

Pearls Old Classic Into New Trends

It's amazing how a tiny grain of sand can become one of the most coveted jewels of our time, Pearls. One of the fastest growing trends in today's fashion industry is coupling pearl jewelry with a simple design to create a sleek new look. Just a simple Akoya pearl strand can turn a casual sweater and jeans into a chic look desired by many.

One of the hottest styles is to wear multiple strands of pearls. The mixture of different lengths and sizes adds flair to both day and evening wear. Multi-strand pearls in various pastel colors can create a flirtatious and daring look for the spring/summer months.

The understated beauty of a perfectly matched strand of pure white Freshwater pearls is always in style. Professional woman are adding elegance to their business attire simply by slipping on their pearls. Even brides are trading in the sparkle of diamonds for a more classic look, usually a pearl strand handed down from the generation before.

Legends tell of pearls coming from heaven as a drop of water into the sea. Perhaps this is the reason for the popularity of the pearl drop earring. Many of today's rich and famous have been adhering to this trend. Actress, Anne Hathaway, graced the red carpet at the 2007 Oscars donning a pair of diamond and pearl dangles.

Because pearls are created by a living organism, they are considered to be the most feminine of all gems. Their warm glow, not common in other gems, is due to their unique beginnings. This makes pearls one of the most rare and coveted gemstones on the planet.

Sunday, September 02, 2007

How To Do Pearl Jewelry Shopping

To buy anything on the web, always compare before your buy!

Here are some tips on how to compare prices when you are going to buy pearl jewelry:

Firstly, the most fast important technique is to see their types. Please do compare the pearls in the same type because every type has its extremely good pearls. For example, it would be not useful to compare a wonderful freshwater pearl and a bad south sea pearl although south sea pearls are usually more expensive. Compare in the same types!

Secondly, see if they are in the same size or not. The bigger the pearl is, the more expensive it is.
Thirdly, in the same size and type, you can see the exact pictures of two products. Feel them. And then, read their descriptions around the pictures to see the differences. Round or not round? Colors in your favor? Description clear and detailed or not? .... The more detailed descriptions they give, the more authentic they are.

After comparing, you know which price have the best value.

The similar steps you could use in the comparing pearl jewelry between the websites' prices and your local stores'.

Saturday, September 01, 2007

Choose A Good Grade Pearl

Pearl - The ancient Chinese mythology believed that pearls grew by absorbing the power of moonlight.

A perfectly round pearl is the most valuable and most sought-after treasure of human beings. Nowadays, most pearl jewelry are made from Tahitian pearls, South Sea pearls, Akoya pearls or freshwater pearls. In general, the South Sea pearl is most precious while the freshwater pearl is comparatively less expensive.

Pearls cultivated in different origins have distinctive characteristics. The South Sea pearl is a noble pearl and tends to have a very strong and healthy nacreous coating. Generally, they are large in size with over 10mm in diameter. Pearls with a golden champagne or light yellowish hue are mainly from this type.

Tahitian nature coloured black pearls are particularly famous and popular. However, there are in fact Tahitian pearls in other colours including aubergine, blue, pink, silvery grey, gold, purple and green.

In 1916, the Japanese developed the cultivation of pearls with the aid of scientific and technical means. The Akoya pearl was thus born. While they are often round or near round in shape, they also tend to be smaller in size with diameters ranging from 2mm to 9mm.

China is the main cultivator of freshwater pearls. The colour range of freshwater pearls is extremely wide, but the price is relatively low. The reason is quite obvious as the volume produced in China is too large for the market to absorb.

Below outlines a set of basic guidelines on the characteristics of pearls:

Size: The size of round pearl is measured by its diameter, while pearls of other shapes are measured by its shortest width. Large pearls are comparatively rare and the price is therefore, higher.

Shape: Owing to the distinctive excretion of pearl oysters, pearls are harvested in different shapes, such as round, pear shape, tear shape, oval and irregular shape. Perfectly spherical pearls are extremely rare and thus comparatively expensive.

Lustre: Lustre is the reflection of light on the pearl's surface. It is also the surface brilliancy and the best expression of a pearl's beauty.

Blemish: The degree of blemishes lowers the value of the pearl. Blemishes may include cracks, prominent flaws, patches of missing nacre and obvious discolorations.