Pearl Jewelry

South Sea pearls are best known for their warm gold color. Although these pearls can also be found in champagne, silvery blue, or even pink, the golden pearl is the most popular. I’ve heard that these pearls are more rare than other types; I’m not sure this is true, but I do know that South Sea pearls are the largest pearls in the world. Their beautiful color, thick nacre, and satiny luster make these pearls a good investment for any pearl aficionado.

Golden pearls come from pearl farms in Indonesia, Australia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. The clean, warm waters of the South Seas are home to the Pinctada Maxima oyster – the largest in the world. The oyster’s size allows pearls to grow as large as 9-20mm, with an average nacre thickness of 2-6mm. The thick nacre makes these pearls more lustrous; it also makes them slightly more durable than other saltwater pearls, particularly Akoyas.

So how much should you expect to pay for a golden pearl necklace? The answer will depend on the retailer and the quality of the pearls. A necklace made out of AAA (the highest quality) South Sea pearls may cost as much as $7,000; however, you might be able to find less expensive necklaces if you are willing to settle for lower quality pearls. Alternatively, try looking for a single pearl necklace, bracelet, or floating pearl necklace.

Before you start shopping, you should know some of the common pitfalls to avoid when buying pearls online. First of all, pearls are graded from A to AAA+. You should not buy pearls from any company that claims to sell AAAA pearls, as they will often inflate the price due to their perceived higher quality pearls. Some retailers might also claim to sell “baby South Sea” pearls. More often than not, these are freshwater pearls that have been dyed or treated to obtain their lovely gold color. I wouldn’t assume that all companies that sell these pearls are trying to scam their customers, but it is a red flag. Finally, be aware that “Tahitian South Sea pearls” is a bit of a misnomer as well. Pearls are either Tahitian or South Sea – not both.

A golden pearl necklace made out of genuine South Sea pearls can be well worth the high price tag. Make sure to shop around and consider other styles before you make a final decision, however!

The most traditional and classic type of pearl necklace is either pure white or cream. Although those colors are popular for good reason, if you want a more modern, edgy look you might try getting a colored pearl necklace instead. Fortunately, there are so many types of pearls that you’ll have a wide range of colors to choose from. Exotic Tahitian pearls, golden South Sea pearls, and cultured pink pearls are just some of the many choices available.

Tahitian pearls are known for their metallic colors, wonderful orient, and interesting ringed shape. If you want a black pearl necklace, these are the pearls for you! This type of pearl is also available in peacock (black/grey/green), aubergine (eggplant), bronze, and pistachio. Recent years have also seen the rise of the Tahitian chocolate pearl, a color made possible by a unique bleach and heat treatment process. These pearls are slightly more expensive, but always high quality.

South Sea pearls are not only the largest and most expensive pearls, but also the only pearls available in gold. These pearls tend to have a much softer, almost creamy luster when compared to Akoya pearls – something you’ll notice if you ever get the chance to compare white Akoya and South Sea pearls side by side. South Sea pearls have a thick nacre due partly to their size and partly to the strict quality imposed on them by the government.

Finally, freshwater pearls are the cheapest and most widely available option for colored pearls. Most freshwater pearls these days come from China but at one point the United States also had a thriving pearl industry. Because these pearls are mass-produced, you can expect to pay much less for them than for Akoya pearls of equivalent quality. Chinese pearl farms are constantly improving their technique, quality, and color selection.

Believe it or not, pink, lavender, bronze, and light green are all natural colors for freshwater pearls. This variety can also be dyed easily, so if you are looking for blue, deep purple, red, or any other color, you can be sure to find a colored pearl necklace to your liking.

I should note that other types of pearls are dyed as well, but many people in the industry feel that doing so is a waste and destroys the integrity and quality that many saltwater pearls are known for. You should also know that some companies will sell freshwater peacock pearls without mentioning that they are dyed. Before buying anything online, make sure to take a close look at the fine print! If you educate yourself and know exactly what you want, you’ll be able to find the perfect colored pearl necklace for you.

A pendant is typically the highlight and main centerpiece of an necklace, and because of this, you ought to give your pendant ideas much thought before you make a purchase. These careful considerations include cost, sophistication, glamor, and of course, style. For all these pendant qualifications, you should definitely consider having a pearl pendant.

A pearl pendant is usually a viable alternative for all other pendant options out there, and this is for good reason. When you think of a necklace pendant, what usually comes to mind are diamond or gold pendant pieces. However, through time, their appeal and luster have faded into most people’s minds, because of several factors.

The first factor that people think about would be their cost. If you take a random survey among jewelry shops and you check the typical price of a diamond or a gold pendant, they will usually cost you an arm and a leg. And even when they can give you that certain air of sophistication when you wear them, sometimes it’s still not worth the price — because let’s face it, you can look equally glamorous without forking out that amount of money.

A pearl pendant, on the other hand, is a popular alternative choice owing to the fact that it is a cut above the rest. That in itself is an understatement really. In the olden days, people used to think that pearls were the tears of angels, or even of the moon, and as such, they were accorded with utmost respect. Still, there were even cultures that believed pearls were the remnants of falling stars, and because of this, they were taken to be the perfect gift items for commitment and love.

This is the reason why through the years, a pearl pendant is considered as the perfect gift that signifies and symbolizes love — but it’s not just any type of love, because it’s the timeless type of love. Lovers express their undying love to their partners with a pearl pendant because this is an embodiment of their commitment and promise. And the best part about a pearl pendant is that it can come in an assortment of varieties and in different colors and textures. This is so because there are different pearl varieties depending on where they come from, and these numerous options are perfect for you or someone you love.

Moreover, the reason why a pearl pendant is considered to be better than a diamond pendant is because it exudes understated class and elegance. A pearl pendant can easily evoke the feeling of tranquility, relaxation, and peace — something which makes it a worthwhile purchase.

The pearl is affectionately known as the jewel of the ocean. The Blue Lagoon pearl is no exception. This name brand is part of the Mikimoto brand that offers exquisite and unique pearl necklaces.

Blue Lagoon by Mikimoto is a well-known and high-quality name brand in the world of jewelers. Fine retail jewelry stores such as Gordon’s Jewelers carries the Blue Lagoon pearls in several styles in several price ranges.

The Mikimoto Blue Lagoon cultured Akoya pearl earrings and necklace set  is an elegant set encased in 14 karat gold. It comes with a set of stud earrings and an 18” strand of pearls. This set is modern and chic, giving a woman a look of polished beauty. This set would make a great gift for a woman whose birth month is June and for a reasonable price of $995. Gordon’s Jewelers offers free Fed-Ex 3-Day shipping along with a free gift for purchases over $100.

The Blue Lagoon 14 karat gold Akoya pearl pendant necklace is another beautiful choice. This Blue Lagoon pearl necklace is dainty and graceful with a single diamond-accented 7.5 mm round Akoya pearl hanging from an 18” 14 karat gold link chain that has a traditional spring ring clasp. This necklace is classic, yet contemporary and sure to be a favorite of any woman. This Blue Lagoon by Mikimoto necklace is priced at $295.

Other jewelers such as Zales do also carry the Blue Lagoon by Mikiomoto collection, but on a smaller scale. One can purchase a pair of Blue Lagoon stud Akoya pearl and diamond accent earrings for $300. Online specials vary but may occasionally include a free gift with purchases over $149 as well as free gift packaging.
Here is a little information to educate one on the Blue Lagoon by Mikimoto line of pearls. There is only so much of the high-quality cultured pearls that companies such as American Pearl, Tiffany & Co. and Mikimoto offer. Blue Lagoon is an effort by Mikimoto to take on the pearl market share, without contending with its pearl brand name. Pearls are graded by their luster, body color, the shape, and the overtone. This is the categorization. The AAA rated pearls have  an extremely high luster or shine to them. The AA class has a high luster, either an A+ medium or an A low. So the more enhanced the quality pearls, the more shine they will have. Blue Lagoon pearls by Mikimoto are a typical commercial grade merchandise with lower than A quality.

Buying the best pearls in one’s budget will guarantee that your pearls will look beautiful for a long time.  Finer pearls with a higher luster grade have thicker nacre, which is the actual skin of the pearl itself. The thick-skinned pearls are what give the pearl a higher luster. Another benefit of purchasing a high-quality pearl is they have a better chance to increase their value over time. They are much more beautiful and remind women of why they adored pearls in the first place.

If you love Mikimoto pearls and would like to own some of the mystique of these high-quality pearls without spending a fortune, try looking for Blue Lagoon pearls by Mikimoto instead.

When it comes to classic jewelry pieces, a white pearl bracelet is one of the most coveted by women.  For the most part, those who are not familiar with pearls would not be able to tell the difference between a genuine set and a knockoff.  In this context, you will need all the help you can get in order to get only the best and 100% authentic bracelets.

Popular White Pearl Bracelet Designs

The jewelry business has evolved quite a lot in the past few years, as did the demands of customers.  There are many bracelet designs you can choose from depending on your taste and dedicated budget.

Single Strand Pearl Bracelets- These are very simple pieces that can be worn anytime of the day or night either by themselves or with a classic pearl necklace. Single strands are very versatile as they go well with casual as well as formal clothing.  Single strand white pearl bracelets are ubiquitous in jewelry stores so there is no difficulty in finding just the perfect one.

Double Strands- These bracelets are much more elegant looking as the cluster of pearls lend the wearer an air of regal personality that signifies affluence.  This piece is often worn on special occasions when one needs to look her best. If you’re looking for the perfect pearl bridal jewelry, this type might be the best choice.

Coil Bracelet- As its name suggests, this is a bracelet takes the shape of a coil and is often made of four rows of pearls.  It resembles the classic bracelet worn by royalty women in Ancient Egypt.

Stretch Bracelet- This piece is perfect for kids and teenagers who would want to wear pearls but still look every bit their age.  It is very easy and comfortable to use because of the elastic band that strings the pearls together.

Buying Pearls Online

When you do not have the time to peruse jewelry stores to find the perfect pearl bracelet, the next best option is to shop online.  First time online shoppers might be a little apprehensive about purchasing jewelry from internet based stores but it is actually quite a wise habit.

When buying pearls, always remember to deal only with reputable sellers to make sure you get genuine pieces.  Unless you are intentionally looking for a knockoff, there are only a small number of places online where you should purchase pearl bracelets.

Price can be a little bit of a concern especially for authentic pearl jewelry but there are ways to save money, one of which is to compare selling prices from different sites.

A pearl necklace is a classic piece of jewelry found in many ladies jewelry boxes, usually an heirloom piece from a Grandmother or a Great Aunt.  Pearl necklaces say “class,” just from their simple beauty.
Ah, but a grey pearl necklace is a classic piece of jewelry with a subtle twist, a twist that says “grace”, “elegance” but also says “individuality”. It states that the person wearing the necklace is classy but in their own way. They have grace but they have a feel for the unique also. They are who they are. They are a Grey Pearl.

There are many different types of grey pearls that can be made into beautiful grey pearl necklaces. Upon some research, these are the two that I found the most interesting and unique.

The Marjorica Pearl is an elegant looking gemstone that is actually man-made. The Island of Marjorca, an island of Spanish decent located in the Mediterranean, first made Marjorica Pearls a century or more ago. Majorica Pearls do not form on mollusks but form on balls of solid glass covered with a unique, special paste. A 10mm single strand of Marjorica pearls will cost approximately $200.00 to $300.00, quite a good deal for such a stunning pearl.

My favorite, however, is the Natural Grey South Sea Pearl. A grey pearl necklace made of these would be stunning but simple and elegant. Grey South Sea Pearls are grown in the tepid seas of Tahiti and sometimes are referred to as Tahitian Pearls. South Sea Pearls that are harvested can be four times bigger than the oysters that grow Akoya Pearls, which is a grey japanese pearl. South Sea Pearls are the highest valued pearl out of three main types of pearl. An 8mm single strand of Grey Tahitian Pearls will cost $1000.00 to $3000.00, depending on the jeweler. Be sure to choose a reputable jeweler as to get the best quality pearls at a fair price.

A grey pearl necklace can be just the thing for the lady in your life, either for a birthday or anniversary or just because you cherish her and want to make sure she knows it. Whatever the reason, with all the choices that are out there, you are bound to find just the right grey pearl necklace for your special lady. Show her how you feel with a grey pearl necklace. This is a unique statement of grace. For that uniquely graceful special lady in your life.


Fall is nearly upon us, and with the change of seasons comes a whole new color palette filled with dramatic colors and glistening metallic. Popular colors this year include deep purple, dark green, camel, olive, bright red, and metallics such as silver and gold. Although a white pearl necklace is certainly a classic accessory and will work with any of these colors, why not choose something a little more dramatic for your Fall wardrobe? The exotic colors of Tahitian pearls, such as peacock and chocolate, will work well with this year’s trends.

Tahitian peacock pearls are sort of a greenish black. Their shimmering overtones of purple and green are what give them their distinctive name. Like other Tahitian pearls, peacock pearls are known for their size, metallic luster, and high quality. Tahitian pearls can be expensive, so if you would like a cheaper alternative try getting your hands on some freshwater peacock pearls. Just be aware that peacock isn’t a naturally occurring color in freshwaters like it is in Tahitians, so your pearls will be dyed or otherwise treated. They may also tend to look a little flatter because they’ll be missing the overtones that natural peacock pearls have. They are inexpensive and easy to find, however.

Chocolate pearls were all the rage a few years ago and show no signs of dropping in popularity. True chocolate pearls are actually treated (not dyed) Tahitians, and are quite popular with celebrities. However, because the treatment process used is proprietary, authentic Tahitian chocolate pearls may be hard to find. There’s a ton of freshwaters that are dyed chocolate, though, so you should have an easy time getting a chocolate pearl necklace somewhere. This color should work well with any of the stunning new fall palettes.

This fall is all about chunky, attention grabbing jewelry pieces. Although an exotic pearl necklace will stand out on its own, make sure your necklace is a unique design for maximum effect. The perfect fall pearl necklace will consist of large pearls, long lengths, or unconventional designs. If you have a pearl rope, try knotting your necklace or looping it twice so that you get a more dramatic effect. You might also try getting a necklace that combines pearls with other gems or chain links. Coin, drop, baroque, or keshi pearls are also great options this fall, as any of these unique shapes will make a much louder statement than a round pearl necklace.

Black pearls are quite intriguing. Most people are used to seeing the more commonly used white and cream colored pearls, but black pearls are starting to become quite the fashion trend. They are versatile because they can be used in so many different jewelry pieces, including bracelets. You could go shopping for a black pearl bracelet, or you could save money and get one completely customized to your liking by making it yourself. Even if you do not have professional jewelry making experience, you can make your own black pearl bracelet by following a few simple steps.

The first step is gathering all the supplies and tools you need. For basic pearl bracelets you only need some jewelry wire, wire nippers, black pearls to make up the bracelet, any additional beads such as spacer beads if you want to include any, two crimp beads, two crimp bead covers, crimping pliers, one jump ring and one clasp such as a lobster claw clasp.

Cut the required length of wire. This depends on how loose or tight you want the bracelet to be, what size your wrist is—or the wrist of who you are making the bracelet for if you want it to be a gift—and you must include an extra few inches to ensure you have enough for finishing the piece. Once you have cut your wire, place a crimp bead over one end of the necklace and use the crimping pliers to close it over the wire. Crimp a crimp bead cover over top of this for a more finished look.

Now you can start stringing on the beads. You can alternate between pearls and additional beads as you like, creating any sort of pattern you want. You can really get creative with this, just make sure you leave a few extra inches on the opposite end of the wire. Place your second crimp bead on, immediately after the last strung bead and close it over the wire with your crimping pliers. Place the remaining crimp bead cover over top of this crimp bead and cut any remaining wire off. Now your bracelet is finished.

It can take a bit of practice to master jewelry making skills and make a professional looking bracelet but it is not that hard. The best part is that you can use literally any black pearls or other beads you want and you will still be paying a fraction of what it would cost you to purchase the same bracelet in a store.

Pearl bridal jewelry is elegant, beautiful and adds class and allure to the bridal outfit. Pearl jewelry can be a timeless statement piece and exquisite look for any bride. High quality cultivated pearls are now available, making pearl jewelry affordable for even the most budget-conscious bride.

Cultured pearls make up the majority sold in today’s jewelry market. Both freshwater and saltwater mollusks can culture a pearl with the help and intervention of a pearl farmer. This is done by introducing an irritant into the oyster and then manipulating its growing environment. The oyster coats the irritant with nacre thus forming the pearl. Akoya oysters are used by both the Japanese and Chinese in culturing saltwater pearls. Hanadama grade is considered the highest quality of the Akoya cultured pearl. In order to be classified as hanadama, the pearls have to go through rigorous laboratory testing. The quality of the surface, the sheen of the pearl and the thickness of the nacre are all evaluated and must pass stringent requirements. Hanadama pearls are of impeccable quality and a dazzling substitute for natural pearls.

The United States, China and Japan all culture freshwater pearls. Tennessee is the biggest cultivator in the United States, but the vast majority are grown in China. Biwa pearls are the most popular type of freshwater pearl, originating from mussels grown in Japan. And, just like hanadama is the highest grade available for cultured saltwater pearls, freshadama is the highest grade assigned to freshwater cultivated pearls. Freshwater pearls are considered a lower quality than saltwater; whether cultured or natural, but freshadama pearls are an exception. These pearls are essentially flawless, stunningly brilliant and possess a gorgeous luster and sheen.

There are many different colors available and although white is the most common, purples, lavenders, pastel pinks and rose hues are also highly sought after. The bride should take into consideration her skin coloring, her dress color, adornments upon the bridal gown, shape of the neckline and how many pieces of pearl bridal jewelry she wishes to wear when making her selection. Brides for centuries have worn pearls with their wedding gowns and it is a tradition that will live on in resplendent elegance. A customary occurrence is for the bride to wear the biggest and brightest white pearl necklace and for her to give her bridesmaids smaller, colored pearls as her gift to them. Whether it be earrings, a necklace, bracelet, ring or even a tiara, there are countless choices to ensure that a bride finds the perfect pearl bridal jewelry for her special day.

Kokichi Mikimoto is the man behind the Mikimoto pearl necklace.  He is the one who has provided the world with some of the most exquisite and high quality pearls available.  One of his most infamous statements and one most often quoted was his remark that he would like to adorn the necks of all women of the world with pearls’.  The beauty and quality of Kokichi Mikimoto’s cultured pearls has captivated the admiration of people globally.

Mikimoto was born in Toba City, Japan but he made his home in a town called Ise-Shima, where so many people were harvesting pearls from oysters that it became a situation that was considered critical.  He began to seed oysters and through much experimentation, failures and exhaustive research, that was spread out over a period of countless years, he was the one responsible for creating and advancing the system for producing quality, cultured pearls.  His first precious pearl was taken from an oyster on July 11, 1893.  His wife was by his side the day he opened up that historical oyster.

Kokichi sent teams to the island of Palau, which is located in the South Pacific.  Mikimoto was the forerunner in the pearl business who was instrumental in developing industries amongst the poorer islands.  This act of building industries in underdeveloped areas earned the name Mikimoto the highest respect.  His was the first store to feature specialized pearl jewelry.  It was located in the Ginza district of Tokyo.  His sales representatives wore high quality suits, experts designed his display cases and his jewelry attracted the attention of all who entered in.

To this day, a Mikimoto pearl necklace must pass the high standards that were originally set by this master jeweler, who had an absolute determination to provide the best and highest quality pearls, combined with quiet, yet elegant beauty.   These strict standards placed Mikimoto’s in the top 5% of worldwide pearl harvesters who provide quality cultured pearls.  The trademark for an original Mikimoto item is the letter ‘M’ located inside an oyster shell and all jewelry will have this letter engraved upon it.

Before making a purchase, be sure to look at the pearls through a 10x magnifying lens to ascertain that the pearls are indeed Mikimoto pearls.  Look for a pattern of lines on the pearls.  A Mikimoto pearl necklace still remains one of the most desired pieces of jewelry to ‘adorn the necks’ of women globally!

Have you ever heard of Blue Lagoon pearls? I hadn’t until very recently! This line is produced by Mikimoto, but the pearls are lower in quality and in price. Women all over the world want to own some of the allure of Mikimoto’s highest quality pearls, but that brand is extremely expensive. Mikimoto created Blue Lagoon as an alternative line that would not compete with their main brand. Other offerings by Mikimoto include Sea Magic, Gordon’s, and Zales.

You’ll be able to purchase Mikimoto Blue Lagoon pearls in any of the most popular styles. Retailers carry pearl jewelry sets as well, so you can get a pearl necklace and earrings combo for yourself or someone you love. Prices vary depending on where you buy, so be sure to do a little comparison shopping first!

Blue Lagoon by Mikimoto is sold at Fred Meyer’s, Sam’s Club (appears to be in-store only), Military PX’s, GM Pollack, Gordon’s, and Zales. You can also find these pearls online – some people even sell them on eBay! If you want the cheapest price, ordering directly from one of the retailers mentioned might be a good idea. Sellers on eBay tend to charge much higher prices and you will not be able to inspect your pearls before you buy.

You should not expect AAA quality from these pearls. In fact, Blue Lagoon pearl necklaces are generally A quality or lower. They are comparable to similar lines, such as Irridesse; however, even the lowest-quality pearls from Mikimoto are very beautiful. To get the best possible necklace for you, make sure to visit the retailer and inspect the pearls closely. Although some people prefer perfectly round pearls, the most important thing to look for is the luster and surface quality. Akoya pearls generally have a very sharp luster; even A grade pearls should shine brightly! The surface should be mostly free of blemishes or pits, although with these pearls you’re unlikely to find such poor quality.

If you know exactly what to look for, you should be able to get a gorgeous necklace made of Mikimoto Blue Lagoon pearls without paying more than $1,000. Happy shopping!

Pearl rings are absolutely stunning in the right setting. The best thing about pearls, in my opinion, is that they enhance rather than overpower the beauty of their wearer – and that’s exactly as it should be. However, as much as I love them, I have to admit that pearl rings do have some disadvantages when compared to other gems. This shouldn’t stop you from buying one if you truly love pearls, but it’s wise to be fully informed before you make your purchase. There are ways to negate or compensate for all of the negatives.

Interestingly enough, even though pearls in general are less expensive than, say, diamonds, pearl rings can be much more expensive because they are fragile and therefore difficult to set. It’s important to choose the right setting so that your initial expense won’t go to waste. There are two options that are generally considered safe for pearls: a bezel or a cup. Bezel settings will hold your pearl securely in place; however, you may find that this is a drawback if you need to replace the pearl down the road (and you most likely will). A cup will make replacement easier but you need to make sure that it has a secure grip. If you buy online, reputable dealers will often show pictures of their pearls and/or settings to buyers on request, and will also offer advice. Don’t hesitate to ask them for more information! This applies to brick-and-mortar jewelers as well.

While a pearl necklace can be worn everyday with little risk, rings and bracelets are much more likely to suffer from daily wear and tear. If you work with your hands, please don’t wear your ring to work! Pearls are between 2.5-4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning they are fairly delicate. While they won’t actually break or crack easily, they will scratch and scuff if you bump them. To minimize damage simply be careful, take them off by handling only the metal part of the ring, and avoid cleansers or chemicals. Pearls also tend to take on a more gold or creamy color as they age – there is nothing you can do about this, unfortunately.

I hope the disadvantages don’t discourage you too much. I really do love pearl rings! As I       mentioned above, I like them more than diamonds. If I were to buy a ring, I would make sure to choose a type of pearl with a thicker layer of nacre so that the pearl won’t be so quickly damaged. This means choosing freshwater (because they are all nacre), Tahitian, or South Sea pearls. I don’t necessarily recommend Akoya for these because they aren’t as durable and are more expensive. I would also get more than one pearl for your ring so that you can replace the original when you need to. Finally, remember that many retailers will sell you the pearl and ring setting separately so you can hunt down the perfect combination for you.

photo credit: NATALIA PHOTOS

Pearls are elegant, delicate, and above all, feminine, making  pearl bracelets a great choice anytime you want to draw attention to your wrists. These bracelets come in many different, equally beautiful forms from cuffs to multi-strand bracelets to a bracelet version of the ever-popular tin cup pearl necklace. Furthermore, you can find them in any color under the sun.

Before you buy a bracelet, either as a gift for yourself or someone you love, think about the types of situations you might encounter. The most formal type of bracelet consists of a single strand with the classic Akoya pearls we know and love. However, there are many other types available as well. Double and triple strand bracelets look great when you want a piece of jewelry that’s a little less delicate. You can also find cuff bracelets that are decorated with pearls – these are a great option too! You might also consider “woven” bracelets which have many strands intertwined. Lastly, the most delicate pearl bracelet is the “tin cup.” This is a bracelet version of the popular necklace, consisting of pearls spaced along a fine chain or strand of silken thread at regular intervals. The result is strikingly feminine – one reason the trend has endured.

The most inexpensive type of pearl bracelets available are freshwater. While these are more casual than Akoya, they are much more affordable and often of equal quality. Freshadama pearls are nearly indistinguishable from Akoya and because they are all nacre (due to the cultivation process) they tend to be more durable. Freshwater pearls also come in a wide variety of colors from natural (pink, lavender, various pastels, and white), to dyed. What could be more feminine than a pink pearl bracelet, after all?

Akoya pearls are generally top of the line and are what everyone thinks of when they think of pearls – white, perfectly round, and with mirror-like luster. They do have some disadvantages, however. Because Akoya pearls are cultured using a beaded nucleus, they tend to have a thinner layer of nacre, which can lead to some wear and tear down the road. Also, even though the term Japanese Akoya pearls used to be an industry standard, today it is no longer considered valid due to the increase in Chinese production of Akoya pearls. One way to distinguish the two is the size – smaller Akoyas are generally Chinese, and sizes greater than 7-8mm are generally from Japan.

The most exotic pearl bracelets are made of Tahitian or South Sea pearls. Watch out though – their uniqueness and high quality may also come with a steep price tag. Tahitians are naturally dark, with various types of metallic overtone and body color combinations. Peacock, black, pistachio, aubergine, and chocolate are all popular colors that guarantee that anyone with a Tahitian pearl bracelet will stand out in a crowd. South Sea pearls are best known for their rich gold, but again, are very rare and expensive.

Pearls add an aura of mystery, elegance, and class to their wearer. Not only that, but a pearl bracelet is extremely feminine. Consider adding one to your jewelry collection – I’m sure you won’t regret it!

If you’ve read any of my posts, then you know that I love pearls, and especially pearl necklaces. Up to this point though, I haven’t talked about one of the most common ways to get a pearl necklace, and that is to buy a pearl jewelry set. In case you’re wondering what a pearl set is (if you already know then skip this), I’ll explain: a pearl set quite simply consists of a necklace, earrings, and sometimes a bracelet, all made of pearls. You can find any combination of those on the market in 2 or 3 piece sets. One of the benefits of buying a pearl set is that you can easily find pearls that match as well as introduce some versatility to your wardrobe.

A pearl jewelry set is meant to be classic and chic (and are often worn by brides), so you’ll most often find one available  in white. Akoya pearls fit the bill perfectly because they are known for their creamy white color, high luster, and consistently high quality. Freshwater pearls will also work well – the key is to know what you’re looking for, set a budget, then find the best available option in your price range.

Even if you’re not looking for white pearls, you have plenty of options. Freshwater pearls can easily be found in any color under the sun, provided you’re okay with dyed pearls. Some colors, such as red, don’t exist in nature so freshwater will be your best bet. If you’re looking for gold or silver, South Sea pearls are the way to go, while Tahitian pearls are best known for black and peacock.

As I said earlier, most sets consist of a necklace and earrings; however, a bracelet is still a great option either instead of, or in addition to, your earrings. You also might consider looking into a convertible pearl necklace. These are often pearl ropes (or opera length) with multiple clasps so that you can either wear them as they are – very long necklaces – or as a shorter necklace with a matching bracelet. Keep in mind that, though very versatile, ropes are generally a little more expensive.

Pearl sets are a staple item that will see through many seasons of wear. They can be worn to nearly any occasion and are even worn by brides on their wedding day. Just read up on quality standards, pick a color, decide on the type of pearls you want, and you’ll be set. Happy hunting!

If you want to wear something a little different from the usual classic pearl strands, have you ever thought about a tin cup or floating pearl necklace? The design features pearls spaced at regular intervals along a fine pearl chain or silk thread. These necklaces actually date back to 1996, when designer Wendy Brigode created a unique and stylish design for Renee Russo. The actress wore this necklace in the movie “Tin Cup,” which is why many people still refer to this design as a “tin cup necklace.”

Other types of pearl necklaces can be overwhelming for teens, girls, and women with petite frames. The floating pearl necklace features a more unique and delicate design than other types of pearl necklaces – strands of pearls can overwhelm and seem a little too formal, while single pearl necklaces blend in a little too much if worn with the wrong outfit. A floating pearl necklace, in contrast, enhances a woman’s femininity, adds grace and class, and can be worn at any age.

You should consider the statement you want to make before deciding which type of necklace to wear. A floating pearl necklace does not make the boldest statement; it is better to wear this type of necklace when you want to appear more feminine, but not when you want to seem aggressive. For example, a business meeting might not be the best place for this necklace. On the other hand, a first date, hanging out with friends, or dressing up for a party are all great occasions to wear a tin cup necklace.

The floating pearl necklace is a delicate design that works well for multiple occasions. It is one of the more versatile designs and is less expensive than a traditional necklace. If you don’t mind stringing the pearls yourself, these necklaces are also pretty easy to make. Simply buy the pearls in bulk and follow one of the many online tutorials. If you are just getting started, try practicing with simulated pearls or beads first.