Pearl Jewelry and You

Pearl jewelry is a beautiful part of any jewelry collection. Pearls and jewelry go well together in any type of setting. No matter what the setting, pearls are always an elegant addition to any jewelry collection.

There are two types of pearls that go into pearl jewelry - Freshwater and Saltwater. Freshwater pearls can be found in those that live in lakes, rivers and other bodies of fresh water. Saltwater pearls come from oysters in volcanic atolls or protected lagoons. There are also two different types of pearls - Natural and Cultured. A natural pearl is naturally created and a cultured pearl is created.

With any type of pearl jewelry, pearls are one of the most fashionable and enduring elements of jewelry that is available. A natural pearl is a rare jewel and many times these natural pearls are part of unique jewelry. Keshi pearls come from China and are not considered to be natural pearls. There are also cultured pearls that are used in all types of jewelry, from necklaces and bracelets, to rings and earrings. Black Pearls are very rare and cannot be mass produced. There are many other cultured pearls such as Akoya, and South Sea Pearl.

There are eight different types of shapes when dealing with pearls: round, button, circled, drop, pear, semi-round, oval and baroque. There are many different colors of pearl jewelry: white, green, black, purple, pink, champagne and blue are some of the colors that pearls come in. When you are speaking about pearl necklaces, there are many different descriptions of the length of these necklaces. A collar measures 10-13 inches. A pearl rope is 45 inches in length. Opera length is 28-35 inches; a pearl choker is 14-16 inches, princess length is 17- 19 inches. A matinee length is 20-24 inches in length.

What makes pearl jewelry so valuable is the pearls within the jewelry itself. The value of a pearl is determined by the symmetry, size, color, lack of surface flaws and luster. Now bear in mind that simulated pearl jewelry is not as expensive as the real variety and can be mass produced. While these may have little value as far as jewelry goes, it does mean that more people can afford to buy pearl jewelry. There are also many different types of pearl jewelry that can be made with simulated pearls that include hair combs, rings, necklaces and other types of popular jewelry.

Pearl jewelry also makes quite the fashion statement and speaks of elegance. Who hasn't seen the elegance of pearl necklaces? The gift of a pearl is a fabulous way to say "I Care". These pieces of jewelry can be given as heirloom gifts and passed down to generations.