Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Tips For Choosing Pearl Necklace

By Jona Sim

A pearl is formed when an oyster reacts to an intruder invading its shell. As a defense mechanism, the oyster produces a substance known as nacre that forms layers around the intruder, creating a pearl as a result. The timeless beauty of a pearl necklace is unrivaled. Here are some pearl necklace buying tips to help you add class, elegance and flexibility to your wardrobe.

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.

Pearls come in 3 main shapes - round or spherical, symmetrical and baroque. If you're looking for the perfect pearl necklace, it is important to familiarize yourself it's various shapes. Spherical pearls are the most familiar and popular while symmetrical pearls include oval shaped, button and drop pearls. And finally, baroque pearls comprise all other shapes that cannot be categorized as round or symmetrical. These pearls, for example, can resemble sticks, crosses, etc.

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.

The collar pearl necklace is worn high and above the base of the neck, and is suited for evening and casual use. Chokers, on the other hand are 16 to 18 inches long and worn around the neck's base. The princess is a very popular length (17" to 20") and can be worn with any type of neckline.

If you're choosing a pearl necklace to wear with corporate or business outfits, or for semi-formal events, then the matinee length is ideal. The rule-of-thumb goes that people with short necks should wear necklaces that sit at least 2 inches below the collarbone while people with longer necks should wear necklaces that sit at the base of the neck.

One of the world's highest quality pearls, renown for their beauty and brilliance, are cultivated by Mikimoto. With fans from the British and Japanese royal families, a high-grade Mikimoto pearl necklace has been known to have an almost mirror-like reflective quality.

Pearls can even be found in black, gray and green-black. These are Tahitian pearls grown from black-lipped oysters. Choosing a pearl necklace of this sort will include looking out for its grades as well as its flaws. Graded from A through to D, grade A Tahitian pearls should be clear in color with a metal-like reflective sheen while flaws include looking out for discolorations, bumps or scratches.

Buying a full set including a pearl necklace, earrings, ring, bracelet, can help you get a discount for your jewelry. Buying from an original supplier can also help you get a pearl necklace accessory at a cheaper price. Unfortunately, these suppliers often deal in bulk so you might want to gather people who are willing to combine their purchases with you so that you can all enjoy the benefit of choosing a pearl necklace at a discount. - 15432

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