Posts Tagged ‘ 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!

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.

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.

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

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!

Seed pearls are quite a popular choice in jewelry making today. They are beautiful, classic, delicate and actually affordable. There are a few different types of pearls to choose from, but the seed pearls tend to be the most sought after. They have been around and used in jewelry designs for decades now and can work for bracelets, necklaces, rings and other pieces. Seed pearl tiaras actually sold for thousands of dollars in the 1900s.

If you want to incorporate seed pearls into your own jewelry designs, there are a few ways to go about this. You could make a pearl necklace for one thing, as this is one of the easiest designs for a novice jewelry maker. For this project you will need some beading wire, two crimp beads, clasp, jump ring, two crimp bead covers, pearls, crimping pliers and a pair of wire nippers to cut the wire.

Start your piece by cutting some wire to the proper length. Keep in mind you need the desired length of wire plus an additional four or five inches, to give you room to finish the necklace. It is always better to have a bit too much wire left over at the end and have to cut it off, rather than not having enough and having to start all over again and waste that wire.

Once you have your wire you can use the crimping pliers to crimp one crimp bead onto one end of the wire. This stops the pearls from falling off as you string the necklace. Now you want to start placing your pearls on the necklace one by one, until you have the design you want and the necklace is of proper length. To finish the necklace, you add on the second crimp bead and crimp covers, then add on the clasp and jump ring.

Any excess wire should be trimmed off at this point, leaving you with a gorgeous necklace with no loose ends. To add more pizazz to the piece, think of hanging a pendant or choose a fancier clasp. You could also use a toggle clasp and keep this as the side of the necklace to make a more unconventional piece.

You can purchase seed pearls from most jewelry supply stores. They are very inexpensive and buying at wholesale prices you can get enough to do a few different pieces. They are beautiful and can work in any design.