Choosing a pearl necklace begins with understanding how a pearl is formed. This precious ’stone’ is born from the formation of nacre within an oyster. With the class and elegance that a pearl necklace brings, there is little wonder why this piece of accessory is highly sought-after by women the world over. There are different types and grades of pearls: from the rare and naturally formed pearls to the popular cultivated pearls and finally, the cheaper variation - synthetic pearls. It is often difficult to tell the difference between natural and cultured pearls unless you have a trained eye. Spherical, symmetrical and baroque are three main shapes of pearls. Spherical pearls are round in shape and are the most popular of choice. Symmetrical pearls tend to be oval, button or teardrop shaped while baroque pearls are irregularly shaped and can come in the form resembling sticks or even crosses. A key to learning how to buy a pearl necklace comes in choosing one whose length is flattering to your individual body type - whether you have a long neck, short neck or wide neck, how old you are and your overall physical make-up. As a general guideline, long necklaces like the rope and the opera will elongate a short neck while short necklaces like the collar and choker varieties help flatter longer necks. Important pearl necklace buying tips lie in choosing the right length for the wearer’s neck length and shape, age and overall physique. In general, a long necklace will elongate the neck while a shorter necklace will flatter longer necks. A pearl necklace can come in a range of lengths from the longest rope length (at least 37″) to the shortest: collar (10″ - 13″). A pearl necklace of between 18″ to 24″ will generally suit everyone. If you’re wondering how to buy a pearl necklace for semi-formal or corporate wear, then the matinee (20″ - 24″) will be ideal. Remember the rule-of-thumb; longer thinner necks are flattered by shorter necklaces that sit at the base of the neck while shorter necks look best with longer necklaces - at least 2 inches below the collarbone. The matinee pearl necklace is most ideal for semi-formal wear and goes great with dresses and corporate wear. If you’re looking for pearl necklace buying tips, bear in mind that if you have a short neck, a necklace that sits 2 inches below the collarbone will look flattering while a long thin neck will be well-flattered by shorter length necklaces that sit at the base of the neck. With a wide variety of colors, you can choose a pearl necklace in white, cream, pink, silver, gold and even yellow. While most common colors are the lighter tones, darker skin tones will suit gold or yellow pearls.
Tags: baroque pearls, class and elegance, cultured pearls, oval button, rope length, rule of thumbPearls have had a long history as precious gemstones - as gifts for ancient royals or prized possessions sought-after by anxious criminals - from China, to Europe, to the Americas. Learning how to choose the right pearl earrings for the right occasion is a skill you can benefit from if you want accessories that flatter your best features. Pearls are naturally formed when a foreign irritant enters the shell of an oyster - the oyster excretes calcium carbonate that forms in layers around the irritant and ultimately produces what we know as the pearl. Natural pearls are irregular in shape and rarely can you find naturally formed pearls that are symmetrical or acceptably shaped. Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are easily grown into acceptable shapes and sizes. If you’re interested in choosing the right pearl earrings for the right occasion, it pays to familiarize yourself with how pearls are valued, whether they are pearl drop earrings or otherwise. Pearls are measured based on their diameter with larger pearls being more highly valued. Several factors determine the value of a pearl - color, overtone, size, shape, luster and surface quality. Pearls are grown in a variety of shapes. You have the round or spherical, the oval, button and pear-shaped pearls as well as the baroque (also known as irregular-shaped). If you’re learning how to choose the right kind of pearl earrings for the right occasion, shape isn’t just a consideration. You’ll also want to look out for the luster or reflectivity of a pearl as well as the smoothness of its surface. A pearl, unlike other gemstones, is delicate and can easily be cracked and scratched by other gems. Substances such as sweat, perfume and the like can affect its soft, porous covering. Taking good care of your pearl earrings involve wiping them down with a soft damp cloth and wearing them only after you’ve put on your makeup and your perfume. When trying to understand how to choose the right kind of pearl earring for the right occasion, bear in mind that earrings always draw attention to the face. It is important, therefore, to choose something that will flatter the shape of your face. The shape and design of a pearl earring can flatter your face or accentuate its flaws, so choose wisely.
Tags: cultured pearls, natural pearls, pearl drop earrings, quality pearls