There are few accessories more elegant than pearl jewelry. Unfortunately, many people think that pearl jewelry is out of their price range, except perhaps for once-in-a-lifetime pearl bridal jewelry. The truth is, a pearl necklace, pearl stud earrings, fashion pearl jewelry, or even a pearl jewelry set can be affordable if you shop wisely. Here are some guidelines so you can know what to look for when you're selecting pearl accessories. Natural or Cultured? You've probably heard that some pearls are natural while others are freshwater pearls or cultured pearls. You've probably also heard that natural pearls are created around a grain of sand. In fact, an oyster usually creates a pearl as a result of something like a parasite or other irritant. Only about one in a hundred oysters naturally create a pearl, and of those, only about one in ten are quality pearls. Cultured pearls are created in the same way - through the introduction of an irritant - but are done so in a controlled environment. As a result, cultured pearls are actually superior in quality to most natural pearls. So, rest assured that cultured pearl jewelry or freshwater pearl jewelry is just as desirable and elegant - if not more so - than natural pearl jewelry. Grading Pearl Jewelry Like diamonds, pearls are graded according to the different qualities they possess. Overall, pearls are graded either A, AA, or AAA, with AAA denoting the highest quality. If a pearl falls between the A and AA grades, or the AA and AAA grades, a plus sign (AA+) may also be used. Pearl Quality The environment in which pearls are grown affects their quality. A pearl's grade depends upon its luster, shape, and surface appearance. Luster refers to the reflection of light through the outer layers of the pearl. Larger pearls have more layers, and so have greater luster. High luster receives a higher grade than low luster. Round pearls are the most difficult to grow, and thus are considered more valuable and receive a higher grade than those that are off-round. Although the classic pearl shape is round, fashion pearl jewelry often features unique pearl shapes that are just as beautiful and captivating as round pearls. The pearl surface is graded according to the numbers and kinds of imperfections on the pearl. A pearl's blemish may appear as a bubble, a line, or a dark spot. Ninety-five percent of the surface of an AAA pearl is free from defects. When you're shopping for pearl jewelry, keep in mind how pearls are grown and graded, but make your own decision about the qualities are important to you.
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.Learn more about Your Pearl Jewelry Primer or Majon's Jewelry directory.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Choosing Pearl Stud Earrings
Pearl stud earrings are as understated as they are elegant. They are low-key and beautiful and not loud accessories at all. They are a great complement to any wardrobe, be it a stylish gown or a simple blouse and jeans. Worn day or night, pearl stud earrings are a wonderful fashion statement. It is also the kind of design that a woman of any face shape can carry off well.
Here are a few tips on picking the pearl stud earrings to add to your collection:
Pearl quality
A simple stud earring is only as beautiful as the pearl attached to it. When buying pearls, there are several things that you might want to consider: shape, size, color, texture and luster.
Shape – pearls come in different shapes and the three main categories are spherical, symmetrical and baroque. Round pearls and near-round pearls are considered spherical. Drop, oval and button pearls are considered symmetrical while baroque pearls are those that are irregular and abstract in shape.
Size – the pearl’s size is determined by its diameter measured in millimeters. Generally, the bigger the pearl, the more valuable it is. Most of the pearls you can find in the market are in the range of 6.5 to 7.5 mm. Compared to that, the largest pearl ever found was a black one which measured 25mm.
Color – depending on the mollusk or oyster that produced it, a pearl can have a different color ranging from the usual white and cream to green, gold, blue and black. Color is determined by two things: body color and overtone. Body color is the main color of the pearl while overtone is the iridescent tint that is found on its surface, on top of the main color.
Texture – there is no such thing as a pearl with a perfect surface. There will always be certain imperfections on it. The only way to determine the pearl’s value is whether or not the imperfections are obvious. Bumps, spots and irregularities can affect the quality of the pearl. Cracks, chips and gaps are considered serious flaws.
Luster – refers to the brilliance of the pearl’s surface and is one of the most important characteristics in grading. Pearls are made up of a substance called nacre, which is naturally produced by the oyster or mollusk as a reaction to an irritation, usually a grain of sand or parasite in the case of natural pearls and an implanted nucleus in the case of cultured pearls.
Luster affects the reflectivity of the pearl. The better it reflects light and surrounding objects, the better its quality. Dull, cloudy surfaces are a sign of inferior quality.
Choosing your findings
Posts are the type of studs that go through the ear and are closed securely with a nut. These are the most common choice for pierced ears. For unpierced lobes, ear clips and screw-backs may be used, both of which are held in place by friction.
Pearl stud earring combination
Pearls are the kind of gemstones that can work well when combined with other precious and semi-precious stones. It can work well with smaller diamonds, rubies or emeralds and can even shine with jade, garnet or moonstone. By itself, pearl stud earrings are still an elegant choice.
Caring for your pearl stud earrings
Pearls are delicate organic gemstones and must be treated with special care. They are softer and easily scratched or cracked and once damage is done, there is nothing you can do to bring the pearl’s beauty back.
Try to keep them away from your harder-type jewelry. If in case they are rubbed together, pearls are more likely to get scratched. Store your pearl stud earrings in a separate container, preferably the box it came with. Make sure it’s lined and covered to provide better protection for your gems.
Also try to avoid dropping your pearl stud earrings as this can contribute to scratching and cracking. Pearls are also affected by sweat, body oils and cosmetics. These can actually cause your pearls to lose their luster and promote discoloration. So the next time you plan to wear your pearls, be sure to put on make up, hair spray and perfume first before you put your pearls on. This way, you minimize pearl contact with chemicals.
One of the most overlooked things when caring for stud earrings is the nut or close. People automatically store their earrings and forget about the nuts. Worn at the back of the earlobe, the nut can accumulate body oils, dirt and yes, loose skin. To keep them in good condition, clean them with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush.
For more information go to http://www.bestpearlnecklaces.com or http://www.bestpearlearrings.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset
Here are a few tips on picking the pearl stud earrings to add to your collection:
Pearl quality
A simple stud earring is only as beautiful as the pearl attached to it. When buying pearls, there are several things that you might want to consider: shape, size, color, texture and luster.
Shape – pearls come in different shapes and the three main categories are spherical, symmetrical and baroque. Round pearls and near-round pearls are considered spherical. Drop, oval and button pearls are considered symmetrical while baroque pearls are those that are irregular and abstract in shape.
Size – the pearl’s size is determined by its diameter measured in millimeters. Generally, the bigger the pearl, the more valuable it is. Most of the pearls you can find in the market are in the range of 6.5 to 7.5 mm. Compared to that, the largest pearl ever found was a black one which measured 25mm.
Color – depending on the mollusk or oyster that produced it, a pearl can have a different color ranging from the usual white and cream to green, gold, blue and black. Color is determined by two things: body color and overtone. Body color is the main color of the pearl while overtone is the iridescent tint that is found on its surface, on top of the main color.
Texture – there is no such thing as a pearl with a perfect surface. There will always be certain imperfections on it. The only way to determine the pearl’s value is whether or not the imperfections are obvious. Bumps, spots and irregularities can affect the quality of the pearl. Cracks, chips and gaps are considered serious flaws.
Luster – refers to the brilliance of the pearl’s surface and is one of the most important characteristics in grading. Pearls are made up of a substance called nacre, which is naturally produced by the oyster or mollusk as a reaction to an irritation, usually a grain of sand or parasite in the case of natural pearls and an implanted nucleus in the case of cultured pearls.
Luster affects the reflectivity of the pearl. The better it reflects light and surrounding objects, the better its quality. Dull, cloudy surfaces are a sign of inferior quality.
Choosing your findings
Posts are the type of studs that go through the ear and are closed securely with a nut. These are the most common choice for pierced ears. For unpierced lobes, ear clips and screw-backs may be used, both of which are held in place by friction.
Pearl stud earring combination
Pearls are the kind of gemstones that can work well when combined with other precious and semi-precious stones. It can work well with smaller diamonds, rubies or emeralds and can even shine with jade, garnet or moonstone. By itself, pearl stud earrings are still an elegant choice.
Caring for your pearl stud earrings
Pearls are delicate organic gemstones and must be treated with special care. They are softer and easily scratched or cracked and once damage is done, there is nothing you can do to bring the pearl’s beauty back.
Try to keep them away from your harder-type jewelry. If in case they are rubbed together, pearls are more likely to get scratched. Store your pearl stud earrings in a separate container, preferably the box it came with. Make sure it’s lined and covered to provide better protection for your gems.
Also try to avoid dropping your pearl stud earrings as this can contribute to scratching and cracking. Pearls are also affected by sweat, body oils and cosmetics. These can actually cause your pearls to lose their luster and promote discoloration. So the next time you plan to wear your pearls, be sure to put on make up, hair spray and perfume first before you put your pearls on. This way, you minimize pearl contact with chemicals.
One of the most overlooked things when caring for stud earrings is the nut or close. People automatically store their earrings and forget about the nuts. Worn at the back of the earlobe, the nut can accumulate body oils, dirt and yes, loose skin. To keep them in good condition, clean them with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush.
For more information go to http://www.bestpearlnecklaces.com or http://www.bestpearlearrings.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset
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