Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Different types and grades of pearl necklaces

By Jenny Smith

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.

Naturally produced pears are a rare and extremely valuable but the more common types of pears are cultured pearls. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a natural pearl and one that's been cultured. There are also synthetic pearls that are much cheaper than natural and cultured pearls. If you're on a tight budget, some pearl necklace buying tips include buying synthetic pearls that come in a diverse range of colors, designs and sizes.

With 3 different shapes, symmetrical, round and baroque, you can find a pearl necklace to suit any style and physical body type. A commonly chosen shape is the round or spherical pearl. Irregularly shaped pearls are classed as baroque and can look like sticks or crosses, for example. Symmetrical pearls come in oval, button and drop shapes.

When choosing a pearl necklace, it is critical to select a length that flatters your age, neck shape and length, and physique. Shorter necklaces tend to suit long necks while long necklaces help to elongate the neck (for people with short necks). The collar-type necklace is the shortest at 10 to 13 inches long while the longest - rope - can be more than 37 inches in length. If you're looking for a necklace to suit almost anyone, then one between 18 and 24 inches long will do.

Collar necklaces are the shortest to be found and can easily be used for both evening and casual wear. Typically worn high and above the base of the neck while chokers are worn around the base of the neck and range from 16 to 18 inches in length. One of the most popular lengths for a pearl necklace is the princess, which comes in 17 to 20 inches lengths and can be worn with almost 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.

Pearls come in a range of colors like white, cream, pink, silver, gold and yellow. Gold and yellow tones work well with darker skin while other lighter colors suit almost any skin color. If you're looking for pearls of unrivaled beauty and brilliance, then a Mikimoto pearl necklace is just for you. The highest grade of these pearls are known to possess a brilliant, mirror-like reflective quality and has captured even fans from royalty.

Tahitian pearls are known for their darker tones, created by the island of Tahiti's black-lipped oysters. These mollusks produce black, gray and green-black pearl necklaces. Pearl necklace buying tips for this type of pearls include spotting the quality and flaws with high quality pearls having a clear and almost metallic sheen while flaws can comprise of discolorations, irregularities, bumps and spots.

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. - 15343

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