Sunday, September 28, 2008

Selecting Designer Watches

From being a device for keeping time, watches have grown into fashion statements. You must have noticed watches of different styles, shapes and colors adorning the wrists of trendy women and fashion conscious gentlemen at parties and functions. Made from a variety of metals like gold, silver and titanium, these designer watches have become a means to show off wealth and sense of style. While women prefer smaller watches with thin chains and bands, men go for bigger and heavier ones.

The demand for designer watches is so great. Several manufacturers compete to grab the attention of the people. Watches made from precious metals and adorned with diamonds or other exquisite stones can rouse the envy of the onlooker and pride of the owner.

However, great care should be given while selecting a designed watch. For women, smaller ones are the best suited, while men should go for the bigger ones. You have to always remember that these watches are fashion statements and hence try to buy models which match your color and physique and gel well with your cloths and accessories to avoid a jarring and out of place look.

Please do not go by the looks alone. Check the working condition of the watch. Look for any flaws in design and finish. Being expensive, they can create heartburn when you suddenly find out a flaw after you have brought the otherwise exquisite piece. Always remember to ask for the manufacturer's guarantee. It is also highly advisable that you compare the products and prices of designer watches manufactured by different companies before jumping headlong.

If you are looking for more information then feel free to visit Patek Philippe Watches and Panerai watches.

Jitesh Arora

Thursday, September 18, 2008

The Beauty of Black Pearls

Pearls have always had their place in the world of fashion. They never go out of style and you can wear them with many different styles of clothing. However, there is one type of pearl that has only recently started to be well known in the world of fashion. That is the black pearl.

Wearing them is a great way to show you have style and to draw attention to your choice of fabulous accessories. Black pearls have a very modern look and that is part of their appeal. They can also be a symbol of wealth as black pearls are rare. Therefore jewelry that is made from them is going to come with a hefty price tag attached.

While shopping for items made from black pearls you will find there are many different shades offered. Some are a light gray and then they range all the way to a dark glossy black. The darker the color of them the more expensive they will be.

Even so, there is definitely a demand out there in society for black pearls Those that come from saltwater are going to hold their value longer. When you buy black pearls that come from freshwater sources they are likely to lose their shine as time goes by. Still, many people buy them because they are affordable. The shape of the pearls seems to be rounder when they come from freshwater sources as well.

Don't be surprised if you start to see more and more jewelry stores offering items made with black pearls This has become a very alluring type of style and one that many people are interested in. For many people who love pearls, it is simply a nice change from their usual white shades of them.

If you haven't taken an interest in black pearls yet you should see what is offered. You will be very impressed by the look of them. You will likely be enticed to make such a purchase for yourself or as a gift as well.

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Pearl Care

Classic white pearls are a must fashion accessory for every woman's wardrobe. They are so versatile that they can be worn for any formal affair to create an elegant look , or worn casually with jeans and a simple blouse. They are complimented nicely with sterling silver or gold, and combine well with an assortment of other gemstones. In nature, you can find pearls in shades of pink, brown or black. And now you can purchase pearls in an assortment of colors and finishes. Metallic finishes are currently very popular. They give pearls a brilliant shine and an iridescent look.

How a Pearl is Formed

A pearl is produced as a mollusk secretes layers of nacre or mother-of-pearl around an irritant. If the irritant is a natural grit or sand that makes it's way into the mollusk, the pearl is a natural pearl and is rare and expensive. If the irritant is placed inside the mollusk by human intervention, it is considered a cultured pearl. Layers of nacre gradually build up over years and form a spherical, oblong, or irregular shaped pearl depending on the original shape of the irritant. The thicker the nacre, the more durable the pearl.

Tips for How to Clean Pearls

Pearls are delicate and brittle no matter how thick the nacre. With proper care they can last between 100-150 years. The best way to clean pearls is: to dust them off and wipe them with a damp cloth. Never clean them with harsh chemicals, including jewelry cleaners, or a sonic cleaner, take off your pearl jewelry when you apply make-up, perfume, or lotion on your hands if they do get dirty, they can be washed with a mild solution of soap and water.

The surface of a pearl can also scratch easily so how you store your pearls is important also. Try not to store them with other jewelry that may damage the surface.

By Mary Ann Testagrossa

Monday, September 08, 2008

American Freshwater Pearls

There are American Cultured pearls. Recently, the interest in culturing of pearls has grown worldwide. There are around 300 species of mussels, capable of producing pearls native to the US. Many natural gem quality pearls have been found in America, even before the creation of the US.

The US has a long standing shell fishing tradition. In the late 1800's a German immigrant started a mother of pearl button industry. To supply that industry, American shell fisherman collected mussels from the Mississippi River and its many tributaries.

Mother of pearl buttons became the standard and created a sizeable shell fishery. Natural Pearls, although, not the primary focus became a profitable sideline to the shell collector. Because of the industry affiliated with button manufacturing and the occasional find of a gem quality natural pearl American awareness of pearls grew.

A little known but large business has developed since the 1950's, when Japanese pearl farmers began to use beads, from the American mussel shells, for nucleating their cultured akoya pearls. This was a jumping off point for American freshwater cultured pearl production.

Not known for spherical pearls the freshwater pearl farms in the US. They produce different varieties and variations of mabe' or blister pearls. These begin when a technician glues a half round nucleus to the inside of the shell under the mantle tissue.

These blister pearls are different from the mabe' pearls grown elsewhere. After about 2 years, then the mussels are harvested and cleaned. The shell is cut around the blister, then polished and set in pendants, rings, brooches, and earrings.

Another method of pearl production in the US is the insertion of fancy nucleus. This way fancy shaped pearls are grown. These American freshwater pearls are white or gray, the white ones leaning to a rose tone and the gray ones to bluish. As in a lot of freshwater pearls, not just from the US, orient is a frequent feature. Orient is the highlights or overtones that looks like a rainbow.

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Monday, September 01, 2008

Freshwater Pearl Jewelry

Freshwater pearl jewelry radiates brilliant aura that enhances the personality of its wearer. Embellished with different colored freshwater cultured pearls, a woman establishes a strong style statement. Reasonably, the popularity of freshwater pearls has reached to different corners of the world, winning the hearts of style aficionados.

Cultured freshwater Pearls: Know them closely: Pearls that are grown in mollusks in the freshwater ponds, lakes and rivers are known as 'freshwater pearls.' These pearls are produced in mussels and grown with techniques developed by man. Both the natural and cultured pearls are quite same in nature and appearance.

Due to their exclusive fishing, original pearls are very rare. That is why, most of pearls sold today are cultured catering to the emerging needs suiting the pocket size of interested buyers.

Colors of Freshwater Pearls: Apart from its affordability, availability of myriad colors makes freshwater pearls really desirable and a must jewel in your jewelry case. The striking colors of beautiful and appealing colors from white, cream, pink, yellow, orange and such attract buyers with its just one look. Additionally, lavender colored pearls are also creating place among pearl lovers with its sophistication. Lovers cannot stop themselves from gifting romantic pink pearls to their partners which symbolizes never-ending love.

Freshwater Pearl Jewelry: setting fashion trends The availability of eye-catching colors and affordable price tag, freshwater pearls are soon becoming an important fashion accessory for all.

World-famous jewelry designers and jewelry companies have incorporated the specialties of freshwater pearls in different designs and styles. Get anything from a simple ring, necklace, bracelet, earring to pendent, a touch of freshwater pearls can make it really special one. Also, the charm of freshwater pearl can be easily mixed with other semi-precious gems that add irresistible beauty into an ordinary looking jewel piece.

Search through a wide collection of freshwater pearl jewelry and get the best among them for getting most attractive look.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

China's Freshwater Pearls Farming History

Although it seems as though pearl culturing is a fairly new thing, and China's entry into perliculture is only 40 some odd years old. Actually the truth is that pearl culturing began in China as long ago as 700 years ago.

Records from that time describe the pearl blister techniques. A pearl blister or mabe' pearl is a pearl that is formed against the inside of the shell. The Chinese used to take a small cast lead Buddha, and place it inside the mussel's shell, and the mussel would coat the Buddhas with nacre.

Most of the time they would cut these little figures out and the jeweler would use the pearl coated figure in other jewelry. Sometimes the shells were sold whole without cutting them apart. These are still found today. The technique was to wedge open the mussel shell and slip the figure between the mantle and the shell. The farmers would care for them for 6 months or so and then harvest them.

Then the new age began sometime in the late 60's or early 70's. China burst onto the pearl market with literally tons of pearls, mostly the small wrinkled keshi pearls with the non-glamorous nickname of rice krispies or potato pearls named for their shape. However not all the pearls were inferior, 2 % of those tons were higher grades. Soon realizing that the better grades were the pace to put their energies, pearl farmers began to emulate the techniques of the now extinct pearl center of Lake Biwa, Japan.

Using similar techniques as the Japanese freshwater pearl farmers, they soon began culturing of the higher grades, shifting their attitudes about pearl farming; they oriented their production to quality and away from quantity. Now China is still improving the quality of freshwater pearls and their quality is rivaling the saltwater culturing of the akoya oyster.

Undoubtedly, with costs steadily increasing in Japan, if the quality continues to advance, China will lead the world in high grade pearl culture.

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Freshwater Pearls - Uniquely Different

You probably already know that both freshwater and saltwater mollusks can produce pearls,and that saltwater mollusks that produce cultured pearls are called oysters (they look more like a scallop than the edible oyster), and the mollusks used to culture freshwater pearls are called mussels.

Probably the most significant difference, between culturing saltwater oysters and freshwater mussels, is that one freshwater mussel can accept up to 50 of the implants used to produce pearls and from those 50 implants, up to 40 pearls can successfully be harvested.

The smaller akoya oyster can accept up to five implants, and the larger Tahitian and South Sea pearls can accept only one implant per oyster. The akoya oyster can produce up to 5 pearls and Tahitian and South Sea of course can produce only one pearl from the single implant. The time until harvest for the freshwater pearl can be anywhere from 2 to 6 years. The period for the saltwater oyster to produce a pearl is only 6 months to 26 months.

Freshwater mussels are implanted with a piece of mantle tissue,the thin membrane lining the mollusks shell. But saltwater implants also include a bead made from the shell of a freshwater mussel. Implanting is different between the saltwater and freshwater mollusks in that the saltwater implant is done in the animals gonad, while the freshwater implantation is done in the mantle tissue next to the shell.

The pearls themselves are different, in the freshwater pearl the pearl is usually solid nacre, and the saltwater pearl it is usually only at most 3 mm, because of the bead implant.

The different techniques are the reason why freshwater pearls are rare if they are spherical, and of course the saltwater start with a round implant and the nacre is built up on that. About 2% of the freshwater pearl harvest is round, while up to 80% of the saltwater harvest is round.

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Pearl Jewelry Forever

Pearl jewelry has probably been worn a lot longer than most of us might think. As far back as 2000 years ago, pearls were sometimes used as an offering for the emperor.

Pearls were considered to be one of the most valuable treasures in those days. Pearls were not only worn by royalty as accessories, but they were also used to decorate furniture and even to decorate the tombs of royal people.

At one time pearls may have been considered old fashion and mainly worn to represent dignity and wealth. That is no longer the case. Due to the development of production technology, pearls are available today in more colors, shapes and sizes, giving them more appeal to the mainstream consumer.

Even when diamonds and other kinds of colored gemstones are popular, pearls are never ignored by the consumer or the jewelry designers. Nowadays, pearls have become more popular not only because of the diversity in different shapes and sizes but also they are more affordable.

However, the price of a strand of pearls may vary considerably based on the type, length and quality of the pearls used in the necklace. One strand of pearls may cost $300, while another similar looking piece may cost only $40. Just like diamonds, there are many factors that contribute to the price of a pearl.

No longer limited to the pearl strands, jewelry designers can mix pearls with other stones, such as diamonds crystals, and other different colored-gemstones. Stones or metals can add more life to pearls and even give them a romantic flavor. Even a simple creation with just pearl and metal such as gold, platinum or silver can give jewelry designers numerous new ideas to make the piece of jewelry in many different stunning styles.

Pearl jewelry is so versatile it can be suitable for almost any occasion. For the office you can wear a simple chain with a pearl pendant. If you are attending a formal business banquet, you can wear a stylish bright black or gold pearl strand. A strand of multicolor pearls connected by sterling silver will compliment a pair of casual jeans. When visiting friends or eating out, a necklace of pearl with multiple stones, such as crystals, beads, or even corals is appropriate.

Almost anywhere in the world, when you step into a jewelry shop or open a jewelry magazine, there will always be some pearls to catch your eyes. Whether they are on a strand or combined with another type of jewelry.

By Victor Epand

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Your Alternative BirthStone

Birth stones have been used for centuries to celebrate the month of a person's birth bringing luck, health and wealth! These "birthstones" are precious or semi-precious gemstones that are associated with particular months of the year. They are considered lucky for those who believe in such things and they present healing powers which are heightened during their associated months.

The modern list of birthstones contains the official birthstones from the American National Association of Jewelers. These gemstones were officially adopted in 1912. It must be noted however that there are different birthstones adopted by the Hindus and so why not change your birthstone to a Hindu one if you don't like the traditional stone associated with your birth month!

The list below includes both the modern and traditional birthstones with the Hindu birthstone added as an alternative:
January Birthstone Garnet or Rose Quartz Hindu birthstone: Ruby

February Birthstone Amethyst or Onyx Hindu birthstone: Topaz

March Birthstone Aquamarine or Bloodstone Hindu birthstone: Opal

April Birthstone Diamond or Rock Crystal Hindu birthstone: Diamond

May Birthstone Emerald or Chrysoprase Hindu birthstone: Emerald

June Birthstone Alexandrite or Moonstone or Pearl Hindu birthstone: Pearl

July Birthstone Ruby or Carnelion Hindu birthstone: Sapphire

August Birthstone Peridot or Sardonyx Hindu birthstone: Ruby

September Birthstone Sapphire or Lapis Hindu birthstone: Zircon

October Birthstone Opal or Tourmaline Hindu birthstone: Coral

November Birthstone Topaz or Citrine Hindu birthstone: Cats Eye

December Birthstone Tanzanite, Zircon or Turquoise Hindu birthstone: Topaz

Tanzanite became an official 'December' birthstone in October 2002, in the first revision of birthstones since 1912, and was added to the birthstone list maintained by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA).

Be sure to see our next article entitled "Gemstone Therapy" where we provide detailed information on the mystical healing properties of certain gemstones.

As a small family run business Paul Wright Jewelery has exhibited its handcrafted silver and gold jewelery throughout the United Kingdom since 1995 at important international events such as the Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials, the Royal Show, the Royal Highland Show and other large country events.

By Paul G Wright

Friday, August 08, 2008

Jewelry Necklace

All jewelry lovers from teens to celebrities always look for unique jewelry that defines their style, tastes and fashion.

Jewelry necklace comes in many varieties from costume jewelry to precious stones and metals and come in all price range. Some are good for casuals only while others are good for parties only but still some can be adorned all the times.

It is a common belief that diamond jewelry is the most expensive of all jewelry but other precious metals like gold and platinum are equally expensive. Besides gem stones the most preferred and admirable among most women is pearl necklaces.

Pearls are natural gem and are cultured in deep-sea waters as well as in ponds and rivers. Though Japan once dominated the market in cultured pearls but now China have overtaken them. Many Japanese own pearl farms in China and resell them as Japanese pearls.

Jewelry necklaces designed and quality pearls are very attractive and add charms and grace. Women look very elegant and sophisticated wearing them. They have been very popular among celebrities like Marilyn Monroe to Jackie Kennedy and we often see Hollywood stars and models displaying their luminous pearls with pride and love.

Pearls come in various varieties such as freshwater, akoya seawater, Tahitian and South Sea and each one is cultured in different environments and in different oyster types. As such their color, luster and size vary. Depending upon the size, type and quality jewelers around the world grade and set the prices accordingly.

Typically pearls are synonymous with white color but they come in various other colors from gray to pink, black and golden. Some are natural colors but others are color enhanced to meet fashion demands.

Jewelry necklace designed with akoya pearls are very much sought after, as the quality is superb and are very much affordable now.

By Kheri Chawla

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Pearl Bracelet

Does the pearl bracelet suggest innocence? It reminds of a young woman or girl, without being suggestive or the slightest bit provocative. It is not the same for a pearl necklace, where the beauty of the necklace draws attention to her neck, and pardon me for saying, and her bust. And that is not to say that the necklace is anymore suggestive, but it is in a way. And if you take that same pearl bracelet, slightly larger of course, and wear it on the ankle, the "suggestiveness needle" goes off the chart for me.

A somewhat different aura comes across when the bracelet is part of a pearl jewelry set, which suggests a certain amount of wealth. And the pearl earring, really is a very feminine statement, just a plain stud earring to me is so beautiful. A pair of white pearl earrings is such a subtle statement of beauty, just understated elegance.

Back to the pearl bracelet, it is also a statement of beauty, but carries a lightness, it is not saying, "Look at me I am so conscious of my feminine beauty." It is more of an innocence saying, "Does this necklace look pretty." I guess I mean it is not "self-conscious".

Many women wear the bracelet without any other jewelry; it is fine by itself, or with matching earrings and necklace. Some pearl bracelets in genuine freshwater pearls come in peach, lavender, multicolor and black. There is also a double and triple strand version of the regular single strand.

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Freshwater Pearls From Japan?

Believe it or not, until a short while ago, all freshwater pearls were called Biwa Pearls. Lake Biwa is the name of a very large and ancient lake that is fed by over 500 rivers. Lake Biwa had been used to culture freshwater pearls, from around 1914, until the 1980's saw the decline of pearl culture due to pollution from housing and resort encroachment, industrial and roadside run-off.

Pearl production peaked at around 6 tons annually. And as history repeats itself so many times pollution and over harvesting killed the population of mussels that were the mainstay of Biwa pearl culture. History repeats itself because in the 1500's the Caribbean Sea and the Baja area of the Pacific were huge naturally producing pearl areas. These areas were stripped out by the Spanish search for resources.

Biwa pearls were known for their brownish purple colors with high luster. Biwa Pearls were nucleated as most freshwater pearls are today, that is with a piece of the soft mantle tissue that lines the shell. This technique is different than the way that saltwater pearls are nucleated, that is with a small round piece of mother of pearl. Soft tissue nucleating creates a pearl that is all nacre, much like a natural pearl.

The Japanese have taken to growing freshwater pearls in Lake Kasumigaura. They use a cross between the descendants of the remaining Biwa mussels and Chinese mussels. Some of the mussels from Lake Kasumigaura are actually nucleated with rejected akoya pearls.

They still do produce akoya pearls, Japan once the undisputed ruler of pearl culture has just about given up the culturing of pearls, freshwater and saltwater, because of pollution and rising costs.

They have become the distributor of much of China's pearl harvest of akoya pearls.

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Saturday, August 02, 2008

The Freshwater Jewelry Pearl

The Crown Jewels of England are freshwater pearls? Yes, supposedly from the rivers of Scotland. Do you still think they are low quality? Do you know that history says one of the reasons Julius Caesar invaded the British Isles for the freshwater jewelry pearls of Scotland. It is only since a short time ago that the freshwater pearl got a bad rap for being low quality.

Probably the biggest reason for this was when China burst into the cultured pearl market about 30 years ago. They really did burst into the market, and they produced tons of pearls. Most of the pearl farmers had no clue as to how to produce higher quality fresh water pearls. They just knew how to produce tons of low quality rice crispy pearls.

Since then China has made leaps and bounds in making their freshwater pearl be harvest better quality, to the point where the very best freshwater pearls are indistinguishable from high quality saltwater pearls. And the best part is their price is still well below saltwater pearls.

Physically the freshwater cultured pearl is different from the cultured saltwater pearl. The Saltwater pearl is cultured with a starter core of mother of pearl, made from freshwater pearl shell. The freshwater pearl is cultured from a starter of soft tissue that dissolves and that makes them solid pearl.

Today you can buy naturally colored white, peach and violet freshwater pearl jewelry. Enhanced black freshwater pearls are a beautiful exotic newcomer. Whatever color you buy you are going to pay less and get a good quality pearl, if you compare. Many stores including some of the high end department stores sell a lower grade of freshwater pearl necklace.

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Friday, August 01, 2008

Tahitian Pearls Colors

Tahitian Pearls are black. Tahitian Pearls are green. Tahitian Pearls are aborigine. Tahitian Pearls are metallic. They are these colors and more. The one big reason why pearls can't be made by man is that it is darn near impossible to create the look of a real pearl. Real pearls are built up layer by layer; the multiple layers all create color and reflect color differently.

Pearls are not a reflective surface. Light penetrates into the pearl nacre and is alternately reflected out and back in, which is one reason why they seem to have an inner light.

Tahitian Black Pearls on first glance may look black .They are black with countless high light. These highlights pick up color and reflect color back, so within the black pearl you will see a rainbow of color. Tahitian cultured pearls range from the black body color, to a medium gray, and my favorite is the black Tahitian pearl that looks metallic.

If you picked a color that was even more representative of the Tahitian pearl color, it would be green. Tahitian pearls can run from a pistachio to a deep blue green, and in between there may be aqua with rose highlights. Tahitian pistachio pearl jewelry is chartreuse green, with an iridescence that can reflect reds and blues from within the green color.

Although I never use the word aborigine in any other context except Tahitian Pearl Color it means the deep purple of eggplant. With the purples come blues and blue highlights. Also with the purples come reds. And my favorites are the metallics, all themselves with highlights of reds and blues.

Since they are all natural colors they range all over within these descriptions.

The rainbow colors, of Tahitian Black Pearl Jewelry, are like nothing else.

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Pearls Strand It Is Real

Want to know if you have got the real thing? Rub the strand across the front of your uppe teeth. It may sound strange, but real pearls will feel rough or gritty while fake ones will feel smooth.

This is due to the micropores found on the genuine article. Imitation pearls are usually made by dipping a glass or plastic bead into a solution of fish scales. The coating is generally fairly thin and will chip over time.

Check the pearls for tiny chips or flakes near the hole drilled through them. If you see chips, chances are your pearls are fake.

Try holding the pearls in your hand for a minute. Real pearls will feel cold initially, then will warm.

Real pearls can be either natural or cultured. Natural pearls are formed when a mollusk secretes a substance called nacre to coat an irritant that makes its way inside the animal's shell.

Cultured pearls are formed with a little human help -- an irritant is purposely introduced into the shell of the animal. You usually need an x-ray or an expert to distinguish between natural and cultured pearls.

Pearls differ from other gemstones in that they're not mined from rock, but rather harvested from mollusks, especially oysters. Clams and mussels have been known to produce pearls as well.

Basically, a pearl is produced when an irritant such as sand gets caught inside the oyster. To protect itself, the oyster secretes a substance akin to mucus. This substance builds up around the sand and hardens. The end result is a pearl.

Natural or South Sea pearls are those made by mollusks harvested from the ocean. Every now and then, one of the pearls will be a darker shade, either gray or black. These are rare, and as a result, very expensive.

As you can well imagine, it's a long, tedious practice to find oysters that have ingested a piece of sand to produce a pearl. The longer a pearl stays inside an oyster, the larger it becomes. Because of this, quality pearls are considered rare and cost a pretty penny.

Fortunately for those who favor this gem, there are now farms in which the irritant is eliberately injected into the mollusk to produce the pearl. These pearls are known as cultured.

When pearls are made without the benefit of a mollusk, they're considered man-made. Man-made pearls are made by using a bit of sand or shell along with a fish-based product called hermage to act as a substitute for the oyster's mucus. Other synthetic pearls include the "glass" pearl, a bead painted with hermage and left to dry and harden. These pearls have little or no value.

Freshwater pearls are produced by mussels. As their name indicates, these pearls are found in rivers and lakes rather than the ocean. Unlike the oyster, the mussel can produce many different pearls at once, sometimes as many as 40 or 50! These pearls come in various shapes and sizes.

Pearls are considered classic and elegant. They're the first choice for bridal jewelry and have a reputation of looking good with any outfit, even the most casual. They'll also add class and elegance to the most formal wardrobe.

If you're considering a purchase of pearls, it's best to do some research to find the type of pearl best suiting your needs and budget.

Remember, everyone looks good in pearls!

by Victor Epand

Saturday, July 26, 2008

The Beauty of Fine Pearls

In today's world of advanced scientific techniques, it is not very difficult to find the beauty of those charming white or rose sea pearls. The beginning of the 20th century saw many inventions of the cultured pearls.

Nowadays many pearl cultivation centers have developed. Unlike the natural pearls which are hard to find, limited in number and usually varying qualities, shapes and sizes, these man made pearls are more accurate and flawless.

These are cultivated to be in perfect round shape; useful in jewelry making. This method of production helped to increase the number of pearls being produced, to tens of thousands in numbers rather than just a few pearls being found over a long period of time. The mass production has also been a facilitator in bringing down the cost of this gem to a price, which now a day suits the pockets of many.

Today the cultured pearl industry has took over the natural pearl harvesting industry with many different types of pearls being produced in different parts of the globe. These are harvested either from freshwater or saltwater mollusks. The common misconception is that saltwater pearls are known as cultured; where as the freshwater as well as saltwater pearls are produced with the same process.

The main producers of freshwater pearls are United States, Japan and China. Biwa is the most famous type of freshwater cultured pearl originator from the lake Biwa of Japan. The beauty of these freshwater pearls has been treasured in the minds of people, as they are rare, elegant, classic and royal. A person will always find freshwater pearls in the category of fashion and lifestyle. These can be afforded by a person and are more beautiful than other pearls.

There is a lot of difference between saltwater and freshwater pearls. Pearls which are originated from sea consist of deep color, while the freshwater pearls give a light gray or faded appearance.

Saltwater pearls are usually lustrous and round in shape compared with freshwater pearls, which makes saltwater pearls more expensive.

A pearl represents elegance, sophistication and beauty for all sorts of occasions or events regardless of its nature and type. At the time of buying pearls, a person should keep in mind all the six factors, which determine the quality and value of a single pearl i.e. shape, size, luster, color, surface texture, and nacre thickness.

by Pattrick Jhonson

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Latest Trends in Pearl Jewelry

Whenever we mention the word 'pearl', our mind starts figuring out a white or a cream colored round shaped ball. This is the standard associated with pearl. It is a round beauty accessory rarely found on earth and is nature's gift to mankind.

However, with new ideas designs creeping in the field of jewelry, with technology and interest picking up in jewelry fashion and designing, you need to get out of your traditional shells and look at the latest new trends and designs in pearl jewelry.

Pearls are no more just simple white and round gorgeous items. Women are looking for more versatile designs and patterns in pearls and go after uniqueness instead of having a traditional look Trends of Pearl Jewelry Pearl jewelry is not limited to wearing pearl necklaces.

Apart from pearl necklaces, beautiful pieces of bracelets and earrings are available. Combination of pearl earring with studded diamonds is quite in and fits on any kind of attire and complements your look.

Shapes of Pearl Jewelry:

Some of the shapes in pearl jewelry that are quite popular are:
Round and Oval shape: Round and oval shaped pearls are apt for bridal jewelry and go very well with saris as well. Simple white pearl necklaces also look cool with black cocktail gowns.

Irregular Rice Shaped & Potato shaped Pearls: Rice pearls usually have crumples on their surface and come in unequal shapes.

Potato pearls have uneven oblong shapes. Dome shaped pearls or Mabe pearls: These have flat surface on either of its side.

Keshi: This is a freshwater natural pearl that is becoming quite popular due to its tiny and seed
kind of a look.

Button & Coin Pearls: Button pearls are flat on one side and coin pearls are entirely flat. These look quite well with western outfits.

Popular Colors in Pearls:
Pearls are available in rainbow color range. Thus, it is now possible to mix and match the color of your pearl jewelry depending upon the color of your outfit and handbag. You get a variety of pearls such as Akoya pearls that are white in color, Tahitian pearls that are black in color.

Pearls are also available in silver color and in peacock color finishing and shimmer. Thus, when it comes to fashion jewelry, pearls are no less and you can find wide array of color and designs in pearls that can define your own fashion statement and can become perfect fashion accessory for you.

by Pattrickjhonson

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Black Pearl Earring

If you’re looking for a black pearl earring set, there are some great places to get them. Looking online for black pearls will reveal a lot of search results. How do you know where to get your pearls? You want fair pricing and you want decent quality. Learning a bit about pearls can help you make a good choice when looking at pearls and pricing. A bit of online shopping savvy is also important.

Are you buying your set of black pearls for yourself or for someone else? When you buy them for someone, you probably have a price in mind that you are willing to spend. When you buy something for yourself, you tend to have a specific style in mind and then worry about pricing later. Natural pearls are much more expensive than cultured pearls so when you begin looking at a black pearl earring, you will see that pricing can vary significantly.

Pearls are graded based on several factors including the diameter of the pearl, the type of pearl, the lustre and the texture. Pearls are also valued based on their shape. You’ll find when you look at a pearl necklace that some pearls may look slightly different from one another. When a pearl necklace is graded it’s based on the entire string or strings of pearls whereas with an earring, if it’s a stud or single pearl earring it will be graded differently than if it were a pearl hoop.

How do you know if your pearls are real? There are faux pearl jewels that are simply painted plastic beads. Pearls are slightly heavier and can be a less then smooth if you rub them gently against your teeth. Pearls can last forever if they’re properly cared for.

When choosing an online supplier for your earrings, look first at someone who carries something that you like. Beyond that, you will want to look at pricing. Once you’ve narrowed your search down, it’s a good idea to look at the value added services they provide.

Is there an appraisal included from a certified gemologist? Is there a money back guarantee? Are there accessories or a box or pouch for your jewelry included? All these factors can help you find the best value for your money and the best pearls you can get.

Pearls can be varying shades of many colors including white, silver, pink, lavender, blue, green, black pearls and other colors. Many people who love pearls own multiple kinds of them. There are freshwater and saltwater options and there are natural pearls as well as cultured pearls.

Different oysters or mussels can produce different types of pearls and cultured pearls can be a bit of a science because there are some oysters and some processes that are more likely to put forth a specific type of pearl.

Whether you are buying pearls for yourself or as a gift for someone else, getting or giving a gorgeous set of earrings such as a black pearl earring can be a rewarding experience.

by Charise Stillson

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Freshwater Pearl & Mother of Pearl Jewelry

As freshwater pearls are solid nacre, they are also quite long-lasting, resisting chipping, wear, and degeneration. The Japanese have a distinguished history of culturing freshwater pearls as well.

Freshwater pearls cover the widest range of color and shape than any other pearl type. Originally these pearls were marketed as a lower quality, inexpensive alternative to akoya pearls. For this reason, they were typically used by jewelry designers for pieces that favored design over the gems themselves.

However, since the 1990s, a class of freshwater pearl that are round and shiny have emerged which competitor akoya pearls in both quality and value. Freshwater pearls cover the widest range of options for pearl buyers in size, shape and color. Besides Freshwater Pearls, Mother of Pearl is also very beautiful kind of pearl. It can help you with this part of your healing. It bestows the feeling that you are resting in the arms of a loving mother.

Mother of Pearl can help safeguard you from negative influences, like a protecting mother. When certain harmful frequencies enter your sensation, Mother of Pearl either scatters or absorbs them.

These include the frequencies of other people's negative thoughts and emotions and the harmful emissions of televisions, radios, and microwave transmitters. Although this is a side effect of its energy, it is a profound one and begins to take effect within minutes of donning a Mother of Pearl necklace.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Pearl Jewelry Ever Lasting

Pearls have made a huge comeback into the modern scene just a few years ago. They did not really leave the fashion world but only had limited and specialized use.

Today, pearls can be found in almost all kinds of fashion-related items. It has changed. Pearls become remnants of the past than beautiful gems that can be used as modern accessories.

The reason for this is the accessibility of pearls in the form of freshwater pearls. Japan has started this industry in the 1920s by culturing pearls using freshwater mussels. However, it has declined production but China has claimed the production of cultured pearls because of the high demand for them.

Because of its reentry into the world of edgy fashion, more and more pearl companies are striving to provide jewelry ideas for the modern woman. There are many ways that freshwater pearls can be used and integrated into a woman fashion sense. They can be used as accessories.

Pearl jewelry today tries to incorporate contemporary design and color into pearl necklaces. The classic pearl necklace and pearl choker has given way to long strands of irregularly shaped freshwater pearls in all sizes and colors. They can be paired with casual wear such as jeans, blouses and short dresses.

Pearl bracelets and pearl earrings come in magnificent colors such as red, turquoise and canary yellow that makes any outfit pop. Other jewelry options for pearls include adding beads made of semi-precious stones or crystals.

Office women rely on pearl necklaces to give them that polished corporate look. Jewelry designers are coming up with more and more ideas for pearls. Edgy and contemporary jewelry designs have freshwater pearls in them, either as the main piece or an accentuating item. Indeed, pearls are here to stay.