Pearls have long been a staple in every woman’s jewelry collection. They are classic, timeless, and elegant. Pearls can be dressed up or down and are appropriate for women of all ages. Here are some of the top reasons why every woman should own pearl jewelry:
Pearls Are Extremely Versatile
One of the best things about pearls is that they go with everything. Pearls come in a variety of colors like white, black, pink, yellow, gray and blue. This makes them easy to match with any outfit. Pearls can be paired with dressy evening gowns and heels. Or they can be worn casually with jeans and a t-shirt. Pearls are appropriate to wear for both day and night.
Pearls Are Timeless
Unlike trendy fashion jewelry, pearls are classic and never go out of style. The timeless elegance of pearls allows them to be passed down for generations. Pearl necklaces, earrings, and rings given as gifts or family heirlooms can be cherished forever. No matter what the current jewelry trends may be, pearls will always have a place in every woman’s jewelry box.
Pearls Give A Polished Look
Pearls have a sophisticated reputation and instantly add polish to any outfit. When you accessorize with pearls, you emanate class and taste. Pearls pull together a dress, give structure to a casual outfit, and complement both formal and informal looks. For job interviews, dates, important events, or whenever you want to portray elegance, pearls are the perfect accessory.
Different Types of Pearls
There are many types of pearls that make them an essential jewelry staple. Here are some of the most popular:
Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls are cultured in freshwater river mussels. They are known for their affordability and wide variety of sizes and shapes. Freshwater pearls come in white as well as pastel pink, peach, lavender and gray. They have a lovely satin luster.
Akoya Pearls
Akoya pearls are cultured pearls grown in oysters in the sea. Akoya pearls are prized for their classic round shape and glowing luster. These cultured pearls range in size from 2 to 10mm and natural hues of white and cream.
Tahitian Black Pearls
Tahitian pearls come from Tahiti and French Polynesia. These rare black pearls get their exotic color from the black lip oyster. With dark, shimmering tones, Tahitian black pearls are stunning statement pieces.
South Sea Pearls
South Sea pearls hail from Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Grown in saltwater oysters, these white and gold pearls are known for their large sizes. South Sea pearls average between 9 to 20mm, with many even larger pearl types.
Baroque Pearls
Baroque pearls have irregular, non-round shapes. These unique pearls can be oval, curved, twisted or even potato-shaped. Baroque freshwater pearls come in an array of pastel hues.
How to Care for Pearl Jewelry
Caring for your pearl jewelry properly helps preserve its beauty. Here are some tips:
Store Safely
Protect your pearls by storing them safely. Pearls are relatively soft gems, so store them separately from harder stones and metals to prevent scratches. Place pearls in a lined jewelry box, cloth pouch or hanging jewelry organizer.
Keep Away From Chemicals
Pearls can be damaged by harsh chemicals like perfume, hairspray, and household cleaners. Apply makeup, hair products and scents before putting on your pearls. Take off pearl jewelry when cleaning or doing household chores.
Wipe Them Down
Gently wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth after wearing to remove body oils, lotions and dirt. This helps keeps pearls clean and shiny. Don’t soak or wash pearls in water, only lightly dampen the cloth.
Avoid Knocks and Bumps
Since pearls are sensitive, avoid hits, knocks and bumps. Remove your pearls when exercising or playing sports. Also be careful not to drop your pearl jewelry. One way to protect strands is to wear pearls high on the neck or doubled up.
How to Layer and Style Pearl Jewelry
One appealing quality of pearls is that they layer beautifully. Here are creative ways to wear pearls:
Pearl Necklace Styles
– Choker necklace – sits high on the neck
– Princess length – hits collarbone
– Opera length – ends above breastbone
– Rope or matinee length – ends at cleavage
– Extra long necklace – falls lower on body
Mix Pearl Lengths
For a modern, stylish look try layering necklaces in different lengths. Combine a short choker with a longer princess or opera length strand. This creates visual interest and dimension.
Pearl Bracelet Stacks
Stacking slender pearl bangles and bracelets is an on-trend way to wear pearls. Mix various sizes and styles for fun. You can integrate pearl bracelets with gold, beaded or even leather bracelets.
Pearl Earrings
Because they frame the face, earrings make a big impact. Try classic studs, chandelier drops, hoops or cluster pearl earrings. Complement them with pearl necklaces and bracelets in matching or contrasting colors.
Pearl Rings
Ornate pearl cocktail rings lend old Hollywood glamour. Simple pearl bands and solitaires have an elegant, pared down look. Stacking pearl rings together is also stylistically on point.
Occasions to Wear Pearls
Pearls work for all sorts of events and outings. Here are some fun opportunities to show off your pearls:
Weddings
For brides, pearls symbolize purity and new beginnings. Pearls complement traditional wedding gowns for a timeless bridal style. Bridesmaids can wear pearl earrings and necklaces. Guests can don pearl jewelry that coordinates with their dresses.
Evening Events
Pearls elevate any evening outfit, whether it’s a sequined cocktail dress or an elegant gown. Pull together a dressy outfit by adding a strand of shimmering pearls. Pearls also lend sophistication to black-tie attire.
Workwear
Pearls work as polished office jewelry for women. A strand of white or pastel pearls dresses up a blouse or sheath dress. Pearl earrings and necklaces project professionalism for important meetings and presentations.
Daytime Wear
To style a casual outfit, pair jeans and a solid top with pearl stud earrings and a pendant necklace. Or stack pearl bracelets with a watch. Pearls instantly “dress up” daytime looks.
Date Nights
Get ready for a romantic evening by accessorizing your outfit with pearl jewelry. Opt for dangling pearl earrings and a layered pearl necklace to complete your date night look.
Guide to Purchasing Pearl Jewelry
Here’s what to look for when buying pearls:
Natural vs. Cultured Pearls
Natural pearls form when an irritant gets inside an oyster or mussel. They are extremely rare and expensive. Today, most all pearls are cultured, meaning they are grown under controlled conditions. Cultured pearls are affordable and have the same beauty.
Freshwater vs. Saltwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls offer great value and diversity. Saltwater Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian pearls are prized for larger sizes, unique colors and higher luster. Know what type of pearls you’re buying and their characteristics.
Color
The most common pearl color is white. But they also come in black, pink, peach, champagne, blue, silver and golden shades. Consider what pearl hue will best complement your skin tone and wardrobe.
Surface Quality
Look for pearls with minimal blemishes, a reflective luster and smooth surface. Some surface flaws are expected on Baroque and Tahitian pearls. Avoid heavily spotted or pitted pearls.
Size
Standard pearl sizes range from 2mm to 11mm. Large pearls above 13mm are rare and pricier. Smaller pearls like 5-7mm work for necklaces. Larger pearls display beautifully in rings, studs and pendants.
Shape
Akoya pearls are prized for perfect, round shapes. Baroque pearls have bumpy oval or abstract shapes with unique appeal. Know the ideal shape for your pearl type.
Matching
With pearl strands, see if all pearls match closely in size, shape, color and overtone. Perfectly matched necklaces command higher prices. Minor variances add unique character to freshwater strands.
Quality Certification
A GIA or other gem lab report confirms natural origin and treatment for pearls. Reputable jewelers provide reports from accredited labs to verify quality.
Pearl Jewelry Gift Giving Guide
Pearls make timeless and meaningful gifts. Here are some tips for buying pearls as gifts:
Pearl Birthstone Jewelry
If your gift recipient was born in June, consider pearl birthstone jewelry. Pearl rings, necklaces and bracelets in white or cream make perfect June birthstone gifts.
Initial Pendant Necklaces
Monogram and initial necklaces are sentimental jewelry gifts. Opt for a gold necklace with pearl drop initial pendant for a personal touch.
Pearl Earrings
A classic gift idea is pearl stud earrings. Or go bold with dangling pearl drops or hoops. Pearl earrings come in a range of sizes and styles to suit any taste.
Pearl Strand Bracelets
Wrap pearl bracelets make wonderful gifts for teenage girls. Or choose an elegant pearl tennis bracelet for the special lady in your life.
Black Tahitian Pearl Jewelry
Black Tahitian pearls have exotic, mysterious beauty. Pendants, rings and strands of black pearls make striking gifts.
Pearl Necklace Sets
Buy a matching pearl necklace and earrings gift set. Or combine a pearl pendant with a gold or silver chain. Sets allow easy gift giving.
Personalized Pearl Jewelry
For mom, grandma or loved ones, personalized pearl jewelry is cherished. Some ideas are engraved pearl pendants, name necklaces or birthstone pearls.
Mikimoto Pearls
Mikimoto is renowned for high-quality cultured Akoya pearls. Their gift sets are beautiful selections for pearl lovers.
South Sea or Tahitian Pearl Pendants
A strand of South Sea or Tahitian pearls costs thousands. But a single pearl pendant is a luxurious gift option, framed in precious metal.
Pearl Jewelry Box
For jewelry lovers, a decorative lacquered box filled with an assortment of pearl hair clips, earrings, necklaces and rings makes a fabulous gift presentation.
Conclusion
Pearls make every outfit feel elegantly pulled together. They suit women of all ages and personal styles. Pearls work for everything from blue jeans to ball gowns. Their soft glowing beauty is flattering and timelessly feminine. With proper care, pearl jewelry will retain its luster to become modern heirlooms. When shopping for pearls, look for quality examples with good surface quality, rich color and ideal shape. Pearls are ideal gifts for birthdays, holidays and special occasions. Every woman deserves the gift of pearl’s understated yet sophisticated beauty.
