All posts tagged South Sea

Your Guide To The Essential Pearl

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Wouldnt it be nice to find real pearls from edible oysters? That would be the day when eating edible oysters would bring in not only food for the table but also pearl for jewelry. However, such thing is next to impossible considering that pearls do not grow in edible oysters.

Pearls are produced by mollusks including oysters, mussels and clams. However, mussels and clams rarely produce pearls while oysters commonly produce pearls no matter if they are in freshwater or in saltwater.

The idea that pearls are produced from sand intruding into the shell of an oyster is false. Sand is an inorganic material while pearls are formed by organic materials that are caught inside the oyster. As a defense mechanism, the oyster wraps the organic material with a substance called nacre, resulting to what is known as mother of pearl.

Most people believe that pearls should have an imperfect form since they are products of nature. However, there are those that are formed perfectly and these are considered very valuable pearls. Unlike the common belief that pearls are usually white, pearls come in various colors like black, green, red and even blue. Different-colored pearls can be found all over the world but only the South Pacific has produced black pearls.

Instead of waiting for the natural occurrence of pearls, there are people who culture pearls in the same manner that they are naturally formed. However, the organic irritants are intentionally inserted through a crack in the oysters shell. Natural pearls are however more expensive than cultured pearls because of their rarity.

Among the kinds of pearls are cultured pearls either in saltwater or freshwater; South Sea pearls that are produced by the silver lipped oysters are rare pearls that are cultured in Australia and are usually very large; South Sea pearls produced by golden lipped oysters and are cultured in Indonesia and Tahitian pearls or black pearls that are produced by black lipped oysters and are cultured in Cook Islands or in the French Polynesia.

So how can one determine if a pearl is real or an imitation? Real pearls tend to feel sandy when rubbed along the edge of the front teeth while imitation pearls fell smooth.

Aside from the kinds of oyster from which pearls are produced, the quality of pearls is determined according to their luster or shine. Thick nacres that have been left in the water longer are generally shinier. The shape of a pearl is also important and the rounder the pearl, the better. The larger the pearl, the rarer they are and the more expensive.

Pearls are generally used as pieces of jewelry but they are also used in making cosmetics. Powdered pearl that is made from shells and pearls of not so good quality is said to produce paler skin with a natural glow. Pearl cosmetics are actually being exported by many countries including China to the Unites States.

Channel Your Inner Michelle Obama With Pearl Jewelry

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No matter which political party you may belong to, we can all appreciate great style. Since the First Lady came onto the national stage, it seems the nation cannot get enough of her personal style. She has the amazing ability to pair assertive clothing with feminine touches and splashes of color. Her style is uniquely hers, yet is the style of every woman.

One thing we do notice is that Michelle Obama loves to accessorize, and she does it very well. One of her favorite accessories is pearl jewelry. And why not?! Pearl jewelry is back in a big way. You can wear pearl jewelry virtually with anything – from jeans and a white collar shirt to a sheath dress. Pearl jewelry is versatile and chic.

Many First Ladies have worn pearl jewelry during their days in the White House. However, as we have seen from the campaign trail to her first days as First Lady, Michelle Obama has a wonderful ability to make pearl jewelry look modern, hip and sophisticated. From the purple sheath dress in Minnesota to the first White House formal dinner, here are a few of our favorite looks and how you can get the same look and channel your inner Michelle Obama.

Single Strand Pearl Necklace
The night President Obama secured the Democratic nomination for President, Michelle appeared in a simple, yet bold purple belted sheath dress that had everyone talking. First of all, for a mother of two, she is in great shape! This simple dress was accented really with 3 things earrings, watch, and a large white pearl necklace. However, it was really the dress and necklace that received the most attention.

Everyone has a sheath dress in their closet. No matter what color it is, you can easily get this look by adding a simple white pearl necklace. Finding pearls of that size may be a little more expensive and harder to find. However, there are many South Sea pearls available that can help you achieve a very similar look. Look for South Sea pearl necklaces that run from 9 to 11mm. These are larger in size yet still run for a more affordable price. For more inexpensive choices, try Akoya pearls or Freshwater pearls. These are a tad smaller in size but can still help you achieve the same objective. Also be sure to find necklaces with shorter strands. You will want to keep your eyes out for pearl necklaces that run about 18 or shorter in length to fit comfortably around the neck.

Long Strand Pearl Necklace
During the final debate of the presidential campaign in 2008, Michelle Obama once again rocked another simple sheath dress, this time with cap sleeves. However, now she chose to accent it with a much longer pearl necklace. She then added her own style to it by selecting a necklace that had another one of her favorite accessories broaches. Three flower broaches were placed throughout the necklace which turned it into a completely unique piece of jewelry.

Long pearl necklaces are all the rage now. To achieve this same look, you will want to shop for pearl necklaces that are 36 or longer. Longer necklaces require additional pearls to be placed on the strand, so these will run a little higher in price. To fit within your pocket book, you will want to shop Freshwater or Akoya pearl necklaces because these tend to run a little lower in price for quality pearls. Once youve found your pearl necklace, pair it with three broaches or even hair pins that you can attach to the necklace. You can switch the broaches in and out with each other to get different looks. Really, you will never have to wear the same necklace twice!

Multi Strand Gold and Chocolate Pearl Necklace
During the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Michelle Obama attended a luncheon for Emilys List. There she appeared in a dazzling combination of chocolate and gold pearls that complimented her light sandy brown dress and cardigan perfectly. In this example, the First Lady really shows her unique style.

While finding a necklace that has both golden and chocolate pearls on it may be difficult and very expensive, you can pair two different strands together for the same effect. True golden pearl jewelry is generally South Sea pearl jewelry. These are available in beautiful rich golden hues. You may be able to find other pearls that are golden, but chances are these may be dyed. For chocolate pearls, there are many Freshwater pearls available in chocolate tones for an affordable price. Take these two strands and wear them at the same time to get the same look as Michelle. Then, when you want to, you can wear each on their own. If you really would like a multi color pearl necklace, there are many strands that combine different colors as well as different types of pearls.

White, Silver Multi Strand Pearl Necklace
At the first White House State dinner, the First Lady wowed everyone with an amazing formal gown that sparkled and shined. She truly demonstrated her confidence to wear such a beautiful dress. She then added a gorgeous multi strand pearl necklace which included cream colored pearls and silver jewels. This necklace made a definite statement, again about her confidence and sense of fashion.

For the silver portion of the necklace, there are many inexpensive choices to choose from in department stores. Layered necklaces are really big right now, so there shouldnt be too much of a problem finding a few sets of layered necklaces. Once you have found the necklaces, then you can pair it with a long cream colored pearl necklace. Choose a 36 necklace or longer so you can loop it around your neck once or twice. There are even some pearl necklaces that already come in double, or triple strands. Again, because the necklace has to be long, or is a pre-made double strand, more pearls will be needed and the price may go up. So look for the lesser expensive Freshwater or Akoya pearls for affordable, quality alternatives.

The simplicity of pearl jewelry allows you leniency in how bold you can go with it. Like Michelle Obama, you can take risks and really enjoy being fashionable with pearl jewelry. Or, like the First Lady, you can be simple and chic with a classic pearl necklace and a dress. Either way, pearl necklaces offer you versatility and style for whatever occasion youd like. Channel your inner Michelle and pick up a pearl necklace that you can use again and again to achieve great, timeless style.

Pearl Necklaces Never Run Out Of Style

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Pearl necklaces never run out of fashion. They are always classy, ??elegant and quite flexible as wardrobe accessories. They are one of the most popular choice for wedding gift, a birthstone of June and they have long-lasting, mystical appeal that has been celebrated for thousands of years.

Pearls are less often when they are produced naturally, but at the same pearls are quite affordable, their quality is way inferior to natural pearls. To untrained eyes, it is very difficult to say, the natural pearl from her grown cousin. Probably the only way to distinguish between the use of X-ray, the “core” will be observed in cultured variety.

Some of the most popular types of pearl necklaces are used for Mikimoto, Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls. Mikimoto pearls are the highest quality and come in different colors. Akoya pearls are often white, cream or silver, and Tahiti and South Sea pearls are darker colors. Saltwater pearls are more expensive than freshwater pearls.

Choosing pearl necklace length
Choosing the right pearl necklace depends on the length of the user’s age, neck size and overall body composition. In general, long necklaces tend to elongate the neck and draw attention away from the shorter length in contrast to those who flatter longer necks. Here are the different lengths of pearl necklace is recommended that every woman has a unique need:

Collar – usually 10-13 cm in length and are quite flexible or evening wear or casual day wear. These are worn high on the neck, above the ground. Another style dog collar, which is made up of several strands, it is quite popular in the Victorian era and is slowly making comeback.

Choker – 16 to 18 cm long, chokers around the neck. A good choice for women and long, thin neck, which may de chokers emphasize the throat length.

Princess – 17 to 20 inches in length, is the most popular size, classic enough to match any outfit or neckline.

Matinee – 20 to 24 cm in length. This works well worn with dresses, business suits and business wear and is a great choice for occasions to be semi-formal wear.

Opera – 28-34 cm long, usually worn during formal events and occasions. Due to its length, this pearl necklace can be doubled in two parts. When worn as is, it should ideally reach below the bust line.

Rope or sautoir – the longest, from 37 inches to wear the best costumes. Rope length should not hang a pearl in the user’s neck alone. They can be doubled or knotted, more style flexibility. Some even come with a lot of links, which allow the wearer to use a shorter length necklace.

Short necks will be good to wear pearl strands that sit at least 2 “below the collarbone and a thick or heavy necks will look good in the measurement chain length, beginning at 18. Long thin necks are flattered by shorter lengths, especially those who sit at the neck, then her throat curve.

Fleshy necks look better necklace, lying below the base, especially if the direction of segmented or comes with a square, rectangular or any of the said suspension. Necks that are wide at the base to be neck to at least 1 “below the collarbone or more strands.

Other styles of pearl necklace

Other styles of pearl necklace is a bib, which as the name implies, covers the neck and upper part of the chest a few strands of different lengths. Another option is a graduate of necklace consisting of pearls in graduated lengths, usually with the largest gem / s in the middle. The popular style is the same necklace where pearls of similar size are strung together.

Specify size and color of pearls

Although white, cream, pink, silver or pearls generally have a good look on anyone, they can best improve your skin fairer. Gold or yellow pearls look best on darker skin tones.

Usually younger women should wear smaller pearls. At his residence, they could show their youthful necks with smaller chains and pendants. Older women may want to use longer-term pearl necklace to draw attention away from their necks. They may also wear more pearls to a wider, double-or triple-axis circuits.

Pearl Necklace Sets

One of the best ways to buy matching jewelry is for those who come to the set. In this way, you have necklaces, earrings and a pair or ring or bracelet to match the style will come. However, if you just want to necklaces, some jewelers will allow you to purchase a single set.

Guidelines On How To Pick Out Quality Pearl Necklace Jewelry

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Luster- the Substance of Pearl Beauty
The luster is the reflection, pearls get their unique beauty from the light reflecting through layers of fine crystalline nacre slowly but surely deposited by an oyster. Just about transparent nacre gives the deepest luster and the largest reflection. A high-quality pearl will have a brilliant even reflection with a fine warm glow or radiance. Lower quality Pear Necklace Jewelry have a dull sheen.

High quality Akoya saltwater pearls have a higher luster than South Sea or Tahitian pearls, which have a tendency to have a softer, more diffuse reflection.

Color and Overtones
The dominating color of a pearl comes from the main reflection from the pearl surface. The deeper reflected light draws the inner color from the pearl, known as the overtone.

Light colored pearls are on the market in shades of white, cream, and golden. White with pink or silver overtones are typically the most usually. The most attractive dark colored pearls are black with green or blue overtones.
Color coordinating is also crucial when acquiring pearl jewelry. Perfectly matched pearl jewelry in color and size are more precious than poorly matched pearl jewelry.
The highest level of quality pearls are perfectly round with smooth surface, very few surface imperfections, and even coloration. Lower quality pearls may be nearly round, or show more surface blemishes, such as wrinkles or large pits on the surface.

The pearls in a strand are measured in a range, such as 7-7.5mm. They are strung with the largest pearls at the middle of the necklace and gradually smaller towards the clasp. Larger pearls are more beneficial and they create a more dramatic look. High-quality pearls larger than 9 mm are scarce and very high priced.

There are four sorts of pearls:
1.Classic Akoya Pearls
2.Large Exotic Black Tahitian Pearls
3.Large Golden or White South Sea Pearls
4.Freshwater Pearls tend to be the least costly.
The above four types of pearls are all cultured pearls. Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls grow in sea saltwater so they are also called saltwater pearls. Akoya pearls are the most popular type for their pleasing high luster, luxury and affordability.

Pearls usually have four grades: A, AA, AAA, and AAA+ quality. AAA and AAA+ level of quality are the highest quality. AAA and AAA+ quality pearls are the most sought after pearls for gifts. They have high luster and very clean surface skins. AA quality pearls have medium luster and slight to medium surface area imperfection. They are ideal presents for another person who will be delighted to own a piece of fine pearl jewelry. A top quality pearls have low luster and medium to heavy blemishes. They are not well-liked for gifts due to their reduced quality.

You can buy pearl jewelry from retail stores, online shops or online auctions. When go shopping for pearls, it is proposed to buy pearls from these places: stores that grade pearls very carefully stores that give certificate and offer money back warranties.

The Correct Diameter Measure Of Pearls

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As the popular saying goes, those pearls with a diameter less that 7mm are just beads, while those with more than 8mm are the right precious treasures. 7mm to 9mm pearls are the most popular ones, it is hard to abtain 10mm-pearl, not to mention those South Sea pearl and the Black pearl with a 11mm diameter.

It is hard and unscientific to define a pearl’s diameter just by our eyes. The precise figuure should be measured by a professional measure tool — Disc Vernier caliper. Measure three times and write down the average maximum diameter and the average minimum diameter.

There are different ways to show the diameter of the different pearls. Use the minimum diameter for those perfectly round, round and off-round pearls, and both maximum and minimum diameter for other shape pearls, like oval, drop and baroque pearls. E.g. A round pearl’s diameter is 6.0mm, and a oval pearl’s is 6.0 – 7.5mm.