Pearl necklaces

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.

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.

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!

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.

A pearl necklace makes a classic gift – timeless, elegant, and beautiful. However, the classic pearl necklace made of one or more strands of pearls can be quite pricey. A cheaper alternative would be a single pearl necklace, or pearl pendant. These delicate alternatives can be worn year round and, because there is only one pearl, are often very affordable. As a plus, there are so many different types of pearls on the market today that it’s easy to find the perfect necklace for every season.

Spring is a time when lighter colors and more feminine designs come to the forefront. It’s a time to be playful and have fun. Keeping that in mind, there are many pastel pearls available. Freshwater pearls come in pink and lavender, while Tahitians offer lighter colors such as pistachio. The key here is to choose a design that is simple and works even when current trends have gone.

Summer brings bolder, more exotic colors and often, tropical inspirations. It’s the perfect time for going to the beach after all. For bolder colors, look to Tahitians – they tend to have brilliantly colored pearls with many different overtone/body color combinations. Peacock, aubergine – even some rare blue pearls can be found here. Another option is to look for a golden South Sea pearl.

As fall comes closer, dramatic and often darker colors come into play. Brown, plum, and black are colors that are likely to be in style season after season. Why not try to find a chocolate Tahitian pearl? This will be a perfect fit for your fall wardrobe. Freshwater pearls also may be dyed brown and are very affordable. Tahitian black pearls may also be a good choice if you’d like a more exotic look. Wear any of these options and compliments are sure to follow.

In winter, colors such as silver and white – or anything that sparkles – often make an appearance at parties. For white pearls, the best options are Akoya or freshwater pearls. Akoya can be more expensive and often have a very sharp type of luster. Freshwater pearls, on the other hand, have a creamier type of luster and are generally comparable to Akoya in every way. A final option is to look for a silver South Sea pearl for your single pearl necklace. For even more flair, look for a pendant with other gems such as diamonds.

From the fun, light colors of spring, to the cool elegance of winter, pearls have it all. Whether you’d like a different necklace for each season or just want one that will last you the whole year, you really can’t go wrong with pearls. A single pearl necklace is the perfect way to add elegance and style to any outfit.

If you don’t know much about pearls, buying your first pearl necklace can be a confusing process. Guys, there’s a lot of hype and false advertising out there so you have to be careful! The best way to approach this is to first of all, have a clear idea of what you want as well as a working knowledge of pearls so that your vision will become a reality. With that in mind, I’ll walk you through what you need to know to buy the right necklace for you or your loved one, from deciding what style you like to choosing the right retailer. Let’s get started.

Pick A Necklace Style

The first thing you need to think about is who the necklace is for. I know this may seem pretty obvious but who the recipient is will determine what styles or colors you should go for. You already know her (or him – guys can wear pearls too – but for now I’m just going to say her to make it easier) so take a moment to think about her preferences. Of course, if you’re buying for yourself then you already know!

The next step is to eliminate some of your options to make things simpler while keeping yourself or your loved one in mind. Think about age, first of all. There are some types of necklaces that may not be age-appropriate for younger girls or young women. These include pearl ropes, opera length necklaces, and really, anything with very large pearls (See: Pearl Necklace Lengths for more on pearl necklace naming conventions). Now, not everyone feels this way so don’t talk yourself out of one of these if that’s what you think she’ll like – but definitely keep in mind that, typically, those are all necklaces worn by older women. Other than that – is her style classic, or cutting edge? Some women may find the classic pearl strands a little boring and/or too traditional.

If you’ve eliminated some options, then now is the time to pick a specific style (or styles) that you want to focus on. I’ll present some of the less common options as well so that you can decide! Classic pearl strands are the easiest to find in many different colors and will be wearable in nearly any situation. Single pearl necklaces resemble a pendant and are  usually just a single pearl on a chain. These are modern and a great choice for young women or women with a more delicate bone structure because they won’t be overwhelmed. This type of necklace can also be much more affordable.

Floating pearl necklaces (also known as a tin cup, station, or illusion necklaces) consist of pearls spaced evenly along a very fine chain or silk thread, giving the illusion that they are “floating” on your skin. They were first seen in the movie “Tin Cup” (hence the name tin cup necklace) but have endured as a long-lasting fashion trend. I think these are the most delicate and feminine necklaces of all! They are very easy to find in a variety of colors but many “floating pearl necklaces” actually use faux pearls. Just read the description carefully before you buy!

Pick Your Pearls

Hopefully you know have a fairly clear idea what you’re looking for. Next you need to choose the type and color of pearls you’d like. The main types of pearls are Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, and freshwater, each with a different price and color range. Here’s a crash course:

Akoyas are a very solid choice if you’re looking for a classic white pearl necklace. They are high quality and generally available in white or cream.

Tahitian pearls are as opposite as you can get – if you want black pearls, Tahitian is definitely the way to go. Look for high orient and a metallic sheen – these pearls are rarely a flat black and are known for their many vibrant colors.

South Sea pearls are generally gold or silver – colors that are rare in other types – and are larger than average.

Freshwater pearls are probably the most widely available now that Chinese pearl culturing techniques have advanced. Some advantages of freshwater pearls are their affordablility, durability (due to high nacre content) and color choice. Freshwaters take dye/radiation very easily so you’ll be able to find any color you like.

Scams, Myths, and What to Look For In Your Pearls

Now if you’re ready to buy, here’s what you need to look for. There is no universal pearl grading system but most retailers, whether online or brick and mortar, use a scale running from A to AAA+, with AAA+ being the highest quality. The more rarely used Tahitian scale runs from A-D with A being the best. Any retailer that claims to have AAAA pearls is generally trying to inflate their prices. Take a very very careful look at the description so you know what you’re getting.

Any legitimate retailer should include a description that mentions the luster (shine/reflective qualities of the pearl or pearls), overall quality (whether by letter grade or surface quality i.e. 96% blemish free),  size, shape (and whether or not there are any irregularities), and certifications if those apply. Hanadamas should always include a certificate from the Japanese Pearl Institute. If you are ever unsure about a pearl, many retailers will let you see additional photos  – anyway, it never hurts to ask! Of course, if you are in a brick and mortar store you’ll be able to see the pearl necklace for yourself.

As with any major purchase, knowing the basics will sometimes save you from making a mistake. There are many misleading claims out there and any of these should be a definite red flag. Here we go with some of the top myths:

• Baby South Sea pearls are generally not South Sea at all, but freshwater pearls.
• South Sea Tahitians don’t exist. Pearls are either Tahitian or South Sea.
• Black South Sea pearls are actually Tahitians, generally.
• AAAA grading – this should be a warning to look closer.
• Black Freshwater pearls are always dyed.
• Brown Tahitian pearls are almost always dyed.
• There is nothing better than Hanadama. Anyone who says they have an Akoya pearl superior to Hanadama doesn’t know their stuff – if it were really that good it would have gone through the certification process.
• Japanese Akoya pearls – the name is somewhat of a misnomer these days. Though once it was an industry standard term, the advent of Chinese Akoya pearls as well as the Japanese practice of importing and relabeling their competition, has made this somewhat obsolete.

As you can see…buyer beware! There are, however, many reputable dealers both online and off. The following sites have received good reviews and are generally considered a safe place to buy:

Pearls of Joy
Pearl Paradise
The Pearl Outlet

After you purchase your necklace be sure to take care of it so that it lasts a lifetime. Though pearls are more delicate than other gems, with a little careful handling they can last a very long time. Be sure to keep them away from open heat, direct sun, and body acids, store them away from other jewelry so they don’t get scratched, and avoid using harsh cleaners on them or while wearing them. Your new pearls will eventually need to be restrung however.  (For more information please see: Caring for Your Pearl Necklace)

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! Hopefully this crash course in pearl buying has made your search a little easier. Just remember to carefully think of what you would like to buy; choose the right pearls; read descriptions carefully; look for red flags; and take care of your necklace once you (or your loved one for that matter) receives it. Good luck and happy hunting!

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the above merchants in any way – they are merely sites I have seen mentioned around the web with a good reputation. Please exercise caution even with the most reputable of dealers and buy at your own risk!

Many people think that women are difficult to shop for; however, many women truly do appreciate receiving jewelry. Pearls are a classic choice that nearly any woman would be thrilled to have, but it is no longer necessary to stick with a single strand of pearls when choosing a necklace. Nowadays there are  many different options including the floating pearl necklace and the ever popular single pearl necklace, or pendant, which is what I’m going to talk about today.

So who would want a pearl pendant? Well, though pearl strands are absolutely classic and beautiful, they can be thought of as a little old fashioned. Many people also consider it highly inappropriate for a young girl to wear pearls. However, it’s also important not to choose something so trendy that it can only be worn for a season or two before looking dated. That’s where the single pearl necklace comes in. This necklace is a pearl on a chain – what could be simpler? It lets the beauty of the pearl speak for itself while also beautifully accenting any outfit. Young girls or women, someone with a delicate bone structure, or anyone who wants something a little different from pearl strands that is just as classic, will all love these necklaces.

There are many occasions to give pearls as a gift. Christmas might be the first thing to come to mind, but what about Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day? Also consider giving a single pearl necklace as a birthday or wedding present. The June birthstone is the pearl, as well. Finally, pearls are the gift given on the 12th wedding anniversary (by modern standards) and are the traditional gift for the 30th anniversary as well.

Now that we’ve covered the who and the when, let’s discuss the types of single pearl pendant necklaces you can choose. The best thing about these necklaces is that you can easily customize every aspect; for example, you can pick the perfect pearl from one retailer, the chain from another, and the setting from yet another. They also can be fairly inexpensive, depending on which type of pearl you choose. The most classic, formal type of pearl is the Akoya – these are the perfectly round pearls we know and love. Freshwater pearls, however, are comparable in quality, occur in many different colors naturally, and can be dyed so that you are sure to find the color you like. South Sea pearls are known for their huge size and warm, golden color, but they are also the most rare, and priced accordingly. Tahitian pearls are particularly known for their dark body colors and metallic overtones. They are also the only type of pearl that naturally comes in black aside from Cortez pearls.

As you can see, buying a single pearl necklace for someone you love is an easy and much appreciated thing to do. With so many different styles to choose from, so many different occasions to give a gift on, and so many women who love pearls, you really can’t go wrong!

If you are looking to buy a floating pearl necklace but don’t know where to go or how much they cost, maybe this article will help you.

Amazon.com has a two strand one with sterling silver beads and a spring ring closure. The chain is 16 inches long. for fifteen dollars. They also have a 24K Gold one for sixty eight dollars. It features a fresh water pearl and is plated with 24K gold.  The chain is sterling silver that is 16 to 18 inches long. Artfire.com has a Pink and Peach Pearls and Cherry Quartz one for about fifty dollars. It is 20 inches long and sits under your collar bone. It is made out of pearls and the semi precious stone quartz and the metal parts are to this necklace are silver plates. Exclusivelyweddings.com has one for about five dollars each. The pearls which can be either white or platinum are suspended on a almost invisible nylon filament. The length is 17 inches long.

If you are thinking of getting a tin cup necklace you can find one at Macy’s for one hundred and twenty dollars. It is a sterling silver pink freshwater pearl necklace that is 17 inches long. Kohl’s has a 10K Freshwater Cultured Pearl one for about one hundred and sixty nine on sale. The chain is made out of glittering box gold and a spring ring clasp. It also comes in a white leatherette box for gift giving and storage. JcPenney has a Worthington one for about ten dollars. The pearls are the color of mocha, the metal is a gold tone color, and it comes with a lobster clasp.

In conclusion, these are only a few of the brick-and-mortar and internet stores you can go to find these products. You can find some cheap but low quality or more expensive, but higher quality necklaces if you are willing to spend time looking.

You might be wondering what floating pearl necklaces and tin cups have in common. The answer is that a tin cup necklace is actually the same thing as a floating pearl necklace. Confused yet? I was too. Why would a pearl necklace be called a tin cup when the two aren’t at all related? Well, the answer lies in the 1996 move “Tin Cup.”

That movie, starring Renee Russo and Kevin Costner, launched a mega-trend in the tin cup necklace. Jewelry designer and celebrity stylist Wendy Brigode wanted to come up with a unique pearl necklace that was elegant and stylish yet eliminated some of what she called “Barbara Bushness.” The result was a necklace with widely spaced pearls on a very fine silk thread – so fine that it could only be seen on close inspection and the pearls appeared to “float” on Russo’s skin. Little did Brigode know that soon everyone would want one of her necklaces! (Trivia: Russo later wore the same type of necklace in the movie “Ransom” even though she had a different stylist) Thus that particular type of necklace came to be known as a Tin Cup necklace. Other names include station necklace, floating pearl necklace, and illusion pearl necklace.

These days the silk thread used in the original is usually replaced with a gold, white gold, or sterling silver chain, and while Russo wore white pearls, today you can find a station necklace in any type of pearl you could possibly want. Want classic white? Choose Akoya. For something different, think about Tahitian pearls or South Sea pearls. You can also find some unique dyed freshwater pearls in colors like black, red, or purple. The sky’s the limit and that’s one reason why the floating pearl necklace is so popular – it’s so easy to customize! If you like, you can decide on the number of pearls (I’ve seen necklaces with just one that still look incredible), the way they are spaced, the type of chain, and the type of pearl you want.

The trend also endures because this type of necklace is really just an updated version of the classic pearl necklace. As such, it seems young and fresh. Because your necklace can be as simple or intricate as you choose it really goes with anything, but your best bet is to wear it with clothing that shows your neck and collarbone for full effect. It’s also a great choice for brides!

I doubt that Brigode knew what a sensation her necklace would become but those of us who love pearls are thankful for her innovative design. Illusion, floating, station, tin cup – no matter what the name, these necklaces are versatile, can be easily customized, and add some modern flair to the classic necklace we know and love.