Jewelry

Let us show you how to buy a pearl necklace that will flatter you. Before we begin, lets talk about how a pearl is formed. When a particle invades the shell of an oyster, the oyster produces a substance called nacre to form layers around the particle to protect itself from this irritant. These layers build up one upon another resulting finally in the creation of a pearl. Pearls are renown for their classic elegance and timeless beauty.

When you’re choosing a pearl necklace, it is important to know the basics of pearls. There are naturally produced pearls, cultured pearls and synthetic pearls. These range from the highest in value to the lowest (in that order). Because natural pearls are rare, cultured pearls are a popular choice as it is very difficult to tell a natural pearl from a cultured one. Pearls can be formed in saltwater or in freshwater with saltwater versions being more expensive.

A key to learning how to buy a pearl necklace comes in choosing one whose length is flattering to your individual body type - whether you have a long neck, short neck or wide neck, how old you are and your overall physical make-up. As a general guideline, long necklaces like the rope and the opera will elongate a short neck while short necklaces like the collar and choker varieties help flatter longer necks.

Because collar necklaces are the shortest at 10 to 13 inches long, they are worn high on the neck and are great for evening as well as casual wear. Choker is slightly longer and worn at the base of the neck. One of the most flexible lengths for a pearl necklace and suitable for almost any neckline, is the princess. These tend to be 17 to 20 inches in length.

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.

The matinee pearl necklace is most ideal for semi-formal wear and goes great with dresses and corporate wear. If you’re looking for pearl necklace buying tips, bear in mind that if you have a short neck, a necklace that sits 2 inches below the collarbone will look flattering while a long thin neck will be well-flattered by shorter length necklaces that sit at the base of the neck. With a wide variety of colors, you can choose a pearl necklace in white, cream, pink, silver, gold and even yellow. While most common colors are the lighter tones, darker skin tones will suit gold or yellow pearls.

Mikimoto pearls are known the world around for their excellent quality, brilliance and sheen. With fans that include members of the British and Japanese royal families, this brand of pearls are highly sought-after by women wanting to stand out with timeless elegance.

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.

A couple of pearl necklace buying tips include buying a set with a pearl necklace, earrings and bracelet or ring. This will increase the probability of you scoring a discount on your jewelry. Another way to buy a pearl necklace on a budget is to try finding an original supplier. Although these suppliers usually prefer to sell in large quantities, you may try to find people who are willing to combine their purchases with you so that you can all enjoy discounted rates on your timeless accessories.