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While the most common type of pearl necklace consists of one or more strands of pearls, there are many others out there. One example is the single pearl necklace. Now, if you search online you may notice that a single pearl necklace may refer to either a necklace with a single strand or a necklace consisting of a chain and a single pearl – almost synonymous with a pearl pendant. It is the latter type that I’d like to talk about today – these necklaces are just as beautiful as their more traditional counterparts yet they are often ignored in spite of their advantages.
First of all, wearing a pearl pendant means you can avoid some of the stereotypes/generalizations that pearl ropes tend to carry. Pearls have long been seen as a status symbol; however, they are also a symbol of maturity and age. In fact, many people believe longer necklaces or necklaces with bigger pearls should be reserved for mature, wealthy women who have “come of age.” The result is that pearl strands are considered inappropriate for some age groups. For example, a young girl or young woman who wears pearls that are too long or strands that are too big may seem as if she is trying to be too grown up. This more traditional view is waning to some extent, but whether you subscribe to it or not, a single pearl necklace sidesteps the issue altogether. There are also many variations on the market, so finding the perfect gift for someone you love is easy. For example, we all know that heart jewelry is popular around Valentine’s Day, and, in fact, many of these designs incorporate pearls. Heart shaped pendants with a pearl in the center are often called a “caged” pearl necklace and are classy and elegant.
These necklaces are also very affordable. Traditional pearl necklaces take quite some time to assemble due to the difficulty finding pearls that are well matched in overtone, body color, and luster. Even earrings require hunting through possibly thousands of pearls for a good match. The time and difficulty required are passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices and the longer your pearl necklace is (and the higher the quality) the more you can expect to pay. For a high quality pearl rope of Akoya pearls, you can expect to pay over $50,000 and possibly close to $100,000! (Don’t believe me? Do a quick check on Amazon and see for yourself. By the way, I’m discounting the AAAA or AA+ quality pearls here – those ratings are not recognized by the industry, but more on that later.) In contrast, if you only need to pay for one pearl you can get quite a bit more for your money – more in the range of $1000 or less but you can get some nice pearls for under $100 also.
Now if (perhaps) you’d like to get a single pearl necklace, consider your options. Do you prefer natural or cultured pearls? Natural ones are more valuable due to their rarity and thicker nacre though cultured pearls are less expensive and of comparable quality. Furthermore, think about the color you would like, then decide which type of pearl suits you best. If you’d like a genuine black pearl as opposed to dyed, you will want to look for Tahitian pearls. South Seas pearls tend to be known for their golden overtones, though they are available in white as well. Akoyas are the industry standard and are known for their rose, silver, or cream overtones. Finally, freshwater pearls are available in nearly every possible color but black, so take that into consideration when making your choice. As always, if you want a natural pearl, please consult with a gemologist or make sure the pearl is certified before making your purchase!
So there you have it. Single pearl necklaces are beautiful and affordable when compared to strands. They provide a delicate, modern look, and may be perfect for young women who want pearls but don’t want to look too grown up. And because you’re only buying one pearl, your options are wide open!
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- Giving a Single Pearl Necklace as a Gift
- A Single Pearl Necklace For Every Season
- The Grey Pearl Necklace: A Unique Statement of Grace
- How to Buy a Pearl Necklace – A Crash Course Guide
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