Types of Pearl Jewelry
Necklaces are a favorite piece of pearl jewelry and there are a variety to choose from:
Necklaces
Bracelets
Pearl bracelets and perennially fashionable wrist cuffs are fabulous accessories. One of my favorites is Chanel’s matelassé-patterned gold cuff that features 105 pearls and fifty-two carats of diamonds. Any multi-row pearl wrist cuff is a knockout fashion look. Harry Winston also has a lovely little number made from Tahitian and white pearls. Then there are classic single strand looks that feature various types of pearls that work well with every outfit, and for every occasion.
Rings
Pearl rings are the epitome of style. Much sought after by people who love to collect rings and pearl jewelry, and available in bands and solitaires, a lovely pearl ring set in white or yellow gold, platinum, or sterling silver always makes a statement.
Earrings
Who doesn’t love pearl earrings? Pearls are used in a variety of chandelier designs, studs, and drops. Alone or paired with Austrian crystals and rhinestones, pearls make beautiful earrings that can be simple and subtle, or all out glamorous.
Brooches and Pins
Brooches and pins have been popular over the years and are very popular again today. Pearls were used extensively in vintage and antique brooches. An antique pearl bracelet is likely to have used natural pearls and you can find them with diamond centers and featured in floral and other brooch shapes. A very nice one I have seen recently comes from La Vieille Russie. It is an antique natural pearl blossom brooch dotted with diamonds—very funky yet elegant looking.
Wedding Day Jewelry
A traditional wedding day accessory, pearls are found in the bride’s and the bridesmaid’s necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, tiaras and hair combs, belts, shoe clips, brooches, and pearl button embellishments on gowns, gloves, and bags.
Pearls are also very classy cuff links for grooms and groomsmen.
Care of Pearls
Pearls love being worn. For some people, natural body oils help enhance the luster of pearls. Pearls should always be put on after your hair spray and perfume—they don’t take well to caustic chemicals and hairspray will dull the luster. Never wash dishes with your pearl rings on, or shower and bathe wearing pearl jewelry. Soap will dull the luster. However, pearls will soil over time and you may cleanse them with mild soap and water and dry with a soft, clean cloth. Potential heirlooms, pearls will keep you happy and enhance your beauty for many years to come with only some common sense care.
For more interesting and helpful information about pearls and shopping for pearls please refer to my article Pearls, Natural Beauties of the Gem World at the Jewelry Collecting site at BellaOnline. For information about non-nacreus pearls and opercula please refer to Less Common Organic Jewelry Collectibles
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