http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/what-celebrities-and-other-fashionable-people-will-be-wearing-this-spring-plus-spring-fashion-trends-to-avoid.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/what-celebrities-and-other-fashionable-people-will-be-wearing-this-spring-plus-spring-fashion-trends-to-avoid.html Thu, 22 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 Plus Fashion Trends to Avoid


Although temperatures dipped below freezing in parts of the country today, a peek in stores and on websites nationwide revealed that spring is definitely in the air. It’s also most definitely on the minds of fashionable people everywhere, so start thinking about what looks are hot for spring and which ones will work for you. Whether you’re revamping your entire wardrobe or just reviving it with a few key pieces, here are the top trends that celebs, models and other A-listers are sporting this spring…plus a few trends that are so over you must avoid them at any cost.

Choose it:
• Wide-leg jeans. After all the hoopla over the skin tight skinny styles, models and celebs like Halle Barry, Regina King, Penelope Cruz and Kate Moss are sporting a wider-legged style this spring. The trick to rocking this look is to find the perfect pair: no baggy bottoms or short hems. Balance the wide leg with a fitted top or cropped jacket, and finish with wedges or flats to add length and height. Levi’s, Forever 21 and Habitual make great wide-leg jeans, and Gap does a cool wide-leg khaki pant called the boyfriend trouser.
• Clutch purses. Ditch your oversize tote for now. This spring—especially when dresses are billowy and pants are wide—it’s all about balancing your look with a sleek and simple clutch. Kate Spade makes a great natural-looking bag with a beach feel, or you can go modern with silver metallic, or ultra hip with yellow, like the yellow clutch from Steve Madden’s spring line. For a more classic look that will stand the test of time, choose brown or white leather; BCBG Max Azria, Stuart Weitzman, Lanvin, Jil Sander, Jimmy Choo and Kenneth Cole make great classic clutches.
• Bright yellow. Make like Reese Witherspoon post-Ryan and glow in a bright yellow dress (hers was by Nina Ricci). The look isn’t muted mustard or warm sunshine but rather a glorious ultra-bright lemon. Pick one fantastic piece such as a dress—French Connection, Calvin Klein, Bebe and Diane von Furstenberg make to-die-for yellow frocks—or choose a blouse or wide-leg trousers. Allover bright too much for you? Go for a subtler look with yellow accessories—choose a simple yellow clutch or bag—Prada makes a great one—a wide belt, pumps, wedges or cute flats (like the ones BCBG Girls and Guess make). Speaking of flats…
• They may not do as much for your leg as pointy boots, but flats are all the rage this spring. (Kate Bosworth loves her gold Chanel ballet flats and often pairs them with skinny jeans.) Pick up a pair or two to pair with your own skinny jeans, a miniskirt, or one of the season’s hot minidresses. Tod’s, Lacoste, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Manolo Blahnik and Ann Taylor Loft all make gorgeous flats. For an ultra modern look, choose bright red like Katie Holmes, lemon yellow or spring’s other shocking color: cobalt.
• Platform wedges. Whether wooden, rope or cork, platform wedges are hot for spring. Add height and style with wedges from Nine West, Nanette Lepore, Malo, Chanel, Brian Atwood, Rafe, Payless, Banana Republic, Stuart Weitzman or Tory Burch. Wear with skirts, dresses or capris to show them off—never hide them under long pants. What’s the point of having cool shoes if no one can see them?
• Minidresses. Superfit celebs like Mischa Barton, Paz Vega, Jennifer Lopez, Sienna Miller and Kate Moss are all fans of the minidress. But you don’t have to be a waif to pull off the look: Curvy girls like Jennifer Hudson rock the style too. Choose something simple and flowy—not tight—and keep jewelry simple. Just above the knee looks best if you’re curvy; go a bit shorter if your legs are toned. Versace, Chloe, Marc, and Liz McClean all showcased great takes on the mini for spring. For an ultra girly look, look for frocks with rosettes; whether on the hem or neckline, these feminine, flowery touches are all the rage this year.
• Layers of pastel pearls. The layered necklace look is so hot—as are pearls, especially freshwater pearls in complexion-flattering lavender. Gorgeous pink pearl jewelry is extremely popular too. To get the layered look, pair a waist-length gold or silver chain or two with a shorter strand of freshwater pearls, and then add a pearl choker or oversize beaded choker. Use the layered technique to punch up tees, cropped jackets, and button down shirts. American Pearl.com and Moon River Pearls.com are two great sites to try.

Also in for Spring:
• Bright red nails (keep them short)
• Polka dots and stripes (do NOT choose patterns that overwhelm, especially if you’re petite)
• Skinny jeans (yes, they’re still hot)
• Cuffs, especially silver, Lucite and shell
• Silver metallics: Dresses, shoes, sunglasses, belts, bags…choose one standout silver piece for spring (think Sandra Bullock on the cover of March’s InStyle) and you’ll be good to go. Michael Kors makes a great metallic bag if you don’t want to buy a metallic dress. Or, rock the look for less of an investment with silver metallic eyeshadow.

Lose it:
Now that you know what to wear, here are a few tired trends you absolutely must avoid:

• French pedicures. This look is so over. Instead, show off cared-for feet with yummy pastel polish, berry colors or, if you’ve got naturally dark or self-tanned skin, orange hues. Forego polish? No problem, just dab some olive oil on your toes. You’ll be amazed how great they look.
• Extreme low rise jeans. We don’t want to see your thong, muffin top, or any other sign of indecency. Pull up your pants, girlfriend!
• Big, slouchy bags. This spring, bags are all about minimalist chic. Ditch your oversize tote and lighten up by carting only the essentials in a sleek clutch.
• Toy dogs wearing designer jewelry as accessories. Get real. Leave the dogs where they belong—romping around the backyard. And please skip the tiny toys. Big, sloppy mutts are much cooler, and generally healthier.
• Shaved heads: Do not emulate Britney on this or any other style for that matter. The girl has lost it.
• Lower back tattoos: If you want your tat hidden, don’t bother to get one.
• Long, puffy quilted jackets: The Michelen man look was never hot.
• Belly shirts: Put them away!
• Uggs/Crocs/Birkenstocks: No matter how comfortable they are, the time for these horrifically ugly shoes has passed.

In conclusion, don’t overwhelm yourself by thinking you can only be fashionable if you choose to incorporate everything this article suggests. Remember, trends come and go. Pick a few pieces that work for you (I chose wide-leg trousers, flats and pink pearls) and make spring 2007 your season to shine.





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A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for http://www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your comments and questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/everything-youve-always-wanted-to-know-about-bridal-jewelry.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/everything-youve-always-wanted-to-know-about-bridal-jewelry.html Tue, 06 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Does my wedding jewelry need to coordinate with my dress?
Yes. Just as you'd choose a veil or tiara to complement your hairstyle, bracelets, earrings and necklaces should be chosen to complement your dress. A single strand pearl bracelet or multiple-strand pearl bracelet looks best when paired with short sleeves or sleeveless dresses so they don't compete for attention with the dress. A dress with a high neckline looks best with a collar, choker or princess length necklace. A low neckline will accommodate many choices from a choker to a very long strand, called a "rope." Try several lengths to see how they complement your dress, and keep in mind that if you have too much skin between the necklace and the neckline you might be better off with a longer strand. If you're tempted to choose a very long strand, be aware that it might get in the way during the reception—you don't want to smear your pearls with icing when you lean over to cut your cake! A pearl necklace should be shorter or longer than the neckline of your dress; pearls that touch the neckline will compete with the dress. When choosing pearl jewelry, consider, too, the complexity of the dress. A simple, elegant dress can look terrific with a classic single strand or a substantial, eye-catching piece. An intricately-beaded dress will generally look better when the jewelry stays simple and doesn't compete. As far as color goes, classic creamy white pearls complement most skin tones, although some brides' skin tones are best flattered with pearls with rosy overtones. Whether you want classic pearls or something a bit funkier, try several different looks with your dress. If you take your time and find a look that works for you, you'll be enjoying your pearls long after the honeymoon is over.

Is there such a thing as too much wedding day bling?
Yes! You want your bridal jewelry to enhance your look, not overpower it. The most important consideration is that people notice you on your big day more than your jewelry or dress. Everything in your wedding ensemble should work harmoniously. That said, you can choose one standout piece of jewelry, just make sure it’s not so outrageous that it’s distracting. And keep the rest of your look simple. For example, if you choose chandelier earrings, skip the necklace. If you choose a dramatic necklace, leave your wrists bare. If you want to wear a necklace, bracelet and earrings, choose something less flashy and make sure they work together—buying a pearl jewelry set ensures that you’re getting bridal jewelry that works well together. Remember, bridal jewelry should accent you, not overpower you.

What jewelry is appropriate for a beach wedding?
For beach weddings, we like pearl jewelry, shell jewelry and mother of pearl jewelry. With their nautical connotations, these styles are highly appropriate. Just choose something breezy, not formal, such as a tin cup necklace rather than a pearl strand, or a mother of pearl or shell bracelet rather than a four-strand pearl cuff. As long as you keep jewelry toned down to reflect the informal atmosphere, you’ll look wonderful.

What jewelry should I wear for my black tie wedding?
Here’s where you can go all out. Tiaras, four strand pearl bracelets, four strand pearl necklaces, chandelier earrings…they’re all appropriate at the black tie wedding. Choose something that works with your dress, and keep it formal, formal, formal. Think classic pearl jewelry or diamonds.

Is faux jewelry a faux pas?
Not at all! Whatever fits into your budget and makes you feel beautiful is always appropriate. If you love the look of diamonds but can only afford CZs, no one needs to know but you. And with freshwater cultured pearls being very affordable today, almost any bride can fit these traditional gems into her budget. If your wedding dollars just can’t stretch to include real jewelry, dig into your mom’s or grandmother’s jewelry box and make your wedding jewelry your “something borrowed.”

I’m going for a vintage look. How do I choose vintage-looking jewelry?
With all the styles out there, it’s easy. Decide on what look you like and do an Internet search. You don’t have to splurge on real vintage jewelry when vintage-looking jewelry is available in abundance.

I have wedding jewelry from both sides of the family. How do I choose what to wear?
If the pieces are in the same family—say pearl earrings and a necklace, they’ll typically look great together. But if your mom and his mom each want you to wear her pearl necklace, consider twisting the strands, or even wrapping one around your wrist to make a bracelet. Another alternative is to wear one strand during the ceremony and one at the reception, or wear one during the rehearsal dinner. Remember, this is your big day, not your mother’s or his grandmother’s. Express your appreciation and gratitude, but wear what makes you feel good.

Help! I don’t have pierced ears. Are there earring options for me?
You’re in luck! While clip-on earrings can be hard to find, we have many styles of classic pearl clip on earrings.

What does pearl bridal jewelry say about the modern bride vs. other jewels?
There is no doubt that diamonds are popular and gorgeous, but pearls have symbolized romance and sophistication for centuries. Nothing says understated elegance quite like a classic strand of pearls—the gems just have a pure allure that complements any wedding gown beautifully, and creates a softer, more classic look than diamonds or other gemstones. Modern brides who don't want to wear traditional pearls can still capture the gems' elegance by choosing a unique piece or by choosing colored or irregularly-shaped pearls.

I want to wear pearls. Are they affordable?
Yes! Fortunately for pearl lovers, there’s no better time to buy pearl bridal jewelry. Compared with many other gems, pearls are very affordable. (At Moon River Pearls, an AAA quality 18" necklace made with 6.5 mm pearls is $135.) Simple pearl studs, a single-strand pearl bracelet and a single-strand pearl necklace made with 6.5 mm cultured pearls are all affordable options; many stores and websites offer pearl sets for a discount.
Whatever your budget, keep in mind that, unlike your wedding shoes or tiara, you can wear pearls for years to come, and even pass them on to future generations, so spending a little extra for a quality piece is worth it. Of course, another option is to ask your mother or grandmother to loan you her pearls, and wear them as your "something borrowed."

BRIDESMAIDS
Should my bridesmaids’ jewelry match?
Absolutely not! In fact, it’s fun to choose different jewelry for each woman based on her style and personality. That said, if you want each piece to match, that’s fine too. If you do decide to choose something different for each woman, for the best look, choose pieces in the same jewel family, like, say, all pearl jewelry or all peridot jewelry. For example, you might give your maid of honor a beautiful 18-inch pearl strand, and your bridesmaids matching tin cup pearl necklaces or pearl drop earrings. Or give each bridesmaid a different pearl pendant and matching pearl studs. Just keep in mind the neckline of the dress—you don’t want a necklace to hit right at the neckline—and whether her hair will be up or down (long hair will hide dainty studs). Have fun with it…there are lots of styles to choose from.

Can I give jewelry as a gift to my bridesmaids?
Not only can you, it’s pretty much a tradition! Chances are, your maids are shelling out big bucks for their dresses, shoes, and hair, and perhaps even accommodations and travel. By giving them jewelry to wear during the wedding ceremony and reception, you’ll eliminate one more detail they have to worry about. Plus, what girl doesn’t love to receive jewelry? Tip: Save big with pearl jewelry sets.

When is an appropriate time to give my bridesmaids their gifts?
Ideally, before they go out and buy jewelry on their own! Traditionally, brides give gifts at their bachelorette parties or bridal showers—some even at the rehearsal dinner. Depending on the timing, you want to make sure you’re giving the jewelry early enough so that they know not to purchase their own. Most bridesmaids’ dresses are ordered 8-12 weeks in advance. Once you know what the dress will be like, you can choose the appropriate jewelry.

Should my maid of honor get something special?
If she’s the one planning your shower and going above and beyond to help with all your wedding day details, then yes, it’s appropriate to give her something extra. If, for example, you’re giving your bridesmaids a necklace, you might want to add a pair of earrings for your maid or matron of honor (Moon River Pearls gives free pearl studs with every $150 purchase) or perhaps throw in a manicure/pedicure gift certificate.

Help! My bridesmaid/maid of honor has tattoos/dreadlocks/gauges.
Celebrate it! Just as you have your unique style, your bridesmaid has hers. It’s more that she’s standing up there with you, lending support, rather than what she looks like. But if you absolutely can’t tolerate the buzz her full back dragon tattoo will generate, don’t choose a backless dress for her. Similarly, you can ask her to cover her tattoos with makeup; surely she’s come across less-than-positive reactions to her tats before. As for dreadlocks? Not much you can do except give her too many champagne cocktails at your bachelorette party and shave her while she’s passed out. Kidding. Just ask her to keep them neat. Ear gauges? Rather than take out the gauges and leave those big, floppy holes, do a Google search. We’ve found delicate silver and CZ gauges that are perfect for a wedding.

FLOWER GIRLS
What style of jewelry is appropriate for a little girl?
With their traditional and demure reputation, we love pearl jewelry for flower girls! Choose a tin cup style, pearl bracelet, or dainty earrings if she has pierced ears. You can sweeten the formal look of pearls by giving her pink pearls.

What size should I choose?
Most children’s necklaces are 12-14 inches and fit the average girl just fine. When in doubt, look for necklaces that have extenders—typically a one-inch chain that allows for an adjustable fit. Bracelets for girls are sized at 5 or 6 inches; these should easily fit most girls and even some small-wristed teens.

What jewelry is appropriate for a junior bridesmaid?
Any jewelry that is similar to the rest of the bridal party’s style. Just make sure if she’s small to size it down, perhaps by buying something from a children’s jewelry line, or buying jewelry that has an extender. Or consider earrings. They fit everyone!






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A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for http://www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at bridal@moonriverpearls.com for personal recommendations.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/a-fresh-look-at-freshwater-pearl-jewelry.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/a-fresh-look-at-freshwater-pearl-jewelry.html Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600 If, when you picture freshwater pearls, lumpy linen-colored rice shapes come to mind, it’s time to update your thinking. Today’s freshwater pearls have come a long way from their humble beginnings, and the best specimens now rival the beauty of their saltwater cousins—the akoya pearl, the Tahitian pearl and the South Sea pearl. When shopping for pearl jewelry, don’t neglect to consider freshwater cultured pearl jewelry. You will be pleasantly surprised by the quality, and even happier with the price.

What are Freshwater Cultured Pearls?
Freshwater cultured pearls are pearls that are grown in mollusks that live in freshwater ponds, lakes and rivers rather than in the ocean. Freshwater pearls are produced in mussels; saltwater pearls are produced in oysters. ‘Natural’ pearls are those that grow without any human intervention. The term ‘cultured’ does not mean that pearls are imitation, rather it means that the pearl growth process was deliberately started by man. Both natural and cultured pearls are identical in makeup—they’re comprised of nacre, the same substance that mother-of-pearl is made of. Due to overfishing, natural pearls are very rare. Most pearls sold today are cultured.

History of Freshwater Pearl Jewelry
Freshwater pearls are produced in Japan, the United States and China, but Chinese freshwater pearls are by far the most abundant. When the Chinese made freshwater pearls widely available in the 1970s, the crop consisted mainly the rice-shaped gems many people still associate with freshwater cultured pearl jewelry. But surprisingly, the 1970s weren’t the start of pearl culturing in China. In fact, the Chinese were culturing pearls back in the thirteenth century!

According to the Gemological Institute of America, ancient Chinese pearl farmers used several types of nuclei, or starter beads, to begin the pearl growing process. These included spheres of mother-of-pearl, molten lead or small pieces of metal. Buddha figures were also a popular shape. These early pearl farmers would carefully pry open the mussel, insert the foreign object, return the animal to the water and wait for the mussel to do its work. Then the blister pearl, a pearl that is grown against the animal’s shell and therefore flat on one side, was retrieved and cut and shaped into jewelry.

For much of modern times, China was relatively quiet in the pearl culturing industry. Then, in the 1970s, the country stunned the industry by flooding the pearl market with massive amounts of low quality, inexpensive freshwater cultured pearls. About two percent of the crop was of a finer quality and better shape. Gradually, Chinese pearl farmers learned how to produce more and more of this better quality freshwater cultured pearl by increasing the size, improving the shape and improving the luster, or surface sheen, of the gems. Because Chinese freshwater cultured pearls have a fairly long growth period—up to six years—results of improved techniques can take a while before they’re apparent. Yet according to GIA, the quality of Chinese freshwater cultured pearls has been steadily and slowly improving. Meanwhile, pollution and overcrowding have waged war on the Japanese akoya pearl market, giving pearl experts and pearl jewelry lovers another reason to take a closer look at finer quality Chinese freshwater cultured pearls.

Interestingly, nearly all saltwater cultured pearls are implanted with mother-of-pearl beads made from ground American mussel shells. Therefore, even saltwater pearls are partly freshwater!

Freshwater Pearl Characteristics
Freshwater cultured pearls are produced in mussels belonging to the family Unionidae. A great deal of freshwater pearls are nucleated, or implanted, with mantle tissue only, which is taken from a donor mussel. Because they do not contain a starter “bead," tissue-nucleated freshwater pearls are almost 100% nacre. This gives them a beautiful luster and a durable surface that won’t easily flake or peel to reveal the inner bead. By contrast, pearls that are bead-nucleated and prematurely harvested often have only a thin coating of nacre that is prone to flaking and chipping. Unfortunately, unlike other gemstones, pearls cannot be polished back to perfection once they’re destroyed.

Freshwater pearl-producing mussels can accept up to 50 implants at a time. They typically require 2-6 years to grow, and the finished pearl typically ranges in size from 4mm to 11mm. Larger freshwater pearls do exist, although their bigger size will likely be reflected in a bigger price tag. Approximately 60% of a typical freshwater pearl crop is made up of button pearls (flat on one side) or oval pearls. Only about 2% of the harvest is round, according to the latest information from the Gemological Institute of America. Baroque (no symmetry) and semi-baroque pearls typically make up the remainder of the crop. As with Tahitians and other pearl types, in a skilled designer’s hands, these unique pearls can be turned into extremely beautiful jewelry.

Colors of Freshwater Pearls
Other than their affordable price tag, perhaps the most notable characteristic of freshwater pearls is their striking array of beautiful, natural pastel colors. When it comes to color, the freshwater cultured pearl offers a wonderful variety not found in its saltwater counterparts. Pastels like cream, white, yellow, orange, and pink are common. Universally flattering lavender pearls are enjoying a surge in popularity today. Romantic pink pearl jewelry is a popular Valentine’s Day gift.

Freshwater Pearl Jewelry Care
Freshwater cultured pearl jewelry should be cleaned as you would other pearl jewelry: Gently wipe each gem with a damp cloth that has been dipped in a mild soap and water solution. Allow pearls to air dry fully before wearing them again to ensure that the nylon or silk thread has returned to its natural length (strands can stretch when wet). To keep freshwater pearl jewelry in mint condition, always put them on last when getting dressed. Hairspray, perfumes makeup and other chemicals can dull pearls’ luster over time. Pearl jewelry should be worn often, however, as the skin’s natural oils supply much-needed moisture. Store pearl jewelry in their own box; pearls can be scratched by other gems.

Freshwater Pearl Jewelry in Today’s Fashions
Due to their abundance and wide array of gorgeous pastel colors, freshwater pearls are finding favor with today’s top jewelry designers. Famous names like David Yurman and Paolma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. are incorporating freshwater pearls into their jewelry creations, sometimes combining the freshwater gems with saltwater pearls and other gemstones for a striking look, or mixing colors and shapes for artistic effect. You can see freshwater pearl jewelry everywhere today, from the red carpet to the boardroom and beyond. Luckily, unlike their Tahitian and South Sea counterparts, freshwater pearl jewelry prices are within the reach of most consumers.

Freshwater Pearl Facts
From the Gemological Institute of America, www.gia.edu

• Freshwater blister pearl (pearls grown against the inside of the shell) culturing was widespread in thirteenth century China
• Some mussels can yield up to 40 cultured pearls at a time
• Freshwater pearl growth typically takes from two to six years
• Most freshwater pearl farmers nucleate with mantle tissue only (no starter bead)
• Tissue-nucleated freshwater pearls are almost 100% nacre
• China produces over 10 times the cultured pearl volume of all other countries combined
• Chinese pearl farmers have changed their emphasis from quantity to quality
• Most Chinese freshwater pearl farming takes place within 300 miles of Shanghai
• Unlike Chinese cultured pearls, American freshwater cultured pearls are not bleached

A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for http://www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com.





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A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for http://www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your comments and questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/the-myth-and-mystique-of-a-black-pearl-necklace.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/the-myth-and-mystique-of-a-black-pearl-necklace.html Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Where do jewelers get the pearls they use in a matched black pearl necklace?
“Black” pearls are also known as “Tahitian cultured pearls,” but both names are misleading. Not only are Tahitian cultured pearls not exclusively black, they’re also not grown in Tahiti. Called “black” because of their exotic dark colors, Tahitian cultured pearls can be gray, blue, green and brown. And they’re grown in the lagoons of small islands that are part of a group known as French Polynesia. Tahiti, the largest island, serves as the group’s center of commerce, and not as a pearl growing mecca. Interestingly, fine Tahitian cultured pearls have only been on the market since the 1970s. Yet they have become quite popular in that short time.

Growing Tahitian pearls
Tahitian pearls are cultivated for around two years in Pinctada margaritifera cumingi, a large saltwater mollusk that is native to French Polynesia. One of the ways this unique oyster differs from other species is that its interior shell color is dark. This so-called “black lipped” oyster also has black mantle edges—the “lips” that give the animal its descriptive name. Due to overfishing, adult wild oyster populations aren’t as plentiful as they used to be. In an effort to reverse this trend, the government protects the animals; pearl farmers in French Polynesia who wish to culture the black lipped oyster must raise the oysters from spat (baby oysters). If the farmer is successful in nurturing the spat to adulthood, at around two and a half to three years old, the oysters are implanted with mantle tissue and a mother-of-pearl bead to start the pearl growing process. This delicate operation is performed by specially trained workers called nucleators; even so, according to the Gemological Institute of America, more than 50 percent of the oysters die or reject the nucleus. Literature from GIA says, “Add those oysters to the ones that don’t meet the implantation criteria: The farmer’s potential pearl-producing stock is less than half the number that lived long enough to be considered for nucleation. When the pearl growth period begins, after three years of work, the farmer has only 20 percent of the oysters he collected as spat.” No wonder a fine quality Tahitian cultured pearl is so rare!

Tahitian pearl growth generally takes place in a closed lagoon that is ringed by coral reefs. Such a setup offers protection and a stable environment for the implanted oysters to complete the pearl-growing process. After the oysters have been submerged for 22 to 26 months, they’re hauled to the surface, where any pearls they managed to grow are harvested. The farmers then clean and lightly buff the gems prior to offering them for sale. Farmers also sort the pearls by color, shape, etc. and grouped with like pearls.

In the end, only one to two percent of the Tahitian cultured pearl crop consists of fine quality round cultured pearls.

Color
Today, the most sought-after Tahitian cultured pearls are dark green-gray to blue gray with rosé or purple overtones. But how do pearls get their color? No one is completely sure, but we do know that pearl colors are determined by several factors, including variations in the host oyster, color variation of the implanted donor mussel tissue, the number and thickness of nacre layers, and variations in growing environment such as temperature and water quality. Tahitian pearls are most often variations of gray, black, green and blue, but other colors exist. Search on the Internet for Tahitian cultured pearl images, and you will see they are not all black!

Buying a black pearl necklace
At an average size of 8mm-14mm, Tahitian cultured pearls—especially those specimens that are gem-quality and round—are very expensive. (GIA estimates that one first-quality, unusually large Tahitian cultured pearl will set you back thousands of dollars!) If only one to two percent of the harvest produces a fine quality round Tahitian cultured pearl, imagine how long it takes to make a matched strand! No wonder a black pearl necklace is so costly. Choose carefully, keeping in mind that pearls with a desirable overtone (secondary color) and pearls that are larger than typical will be more expensive. Look for pearls that are well-matched, not pitted or marked in any obvious way (minor surface characteristics are acceptable). Be sure to check return policies up front, too, in case you have a problem. Ask your retail jeweler for his or her store policy or, if buying online, check the site’s guarantee prior to making a purchase. Once you receive your pearls, be sure to examine them closely. After wearing, store your pearl necklace away from other gems; while fairly durable, pearls are prone to scratching and their nacre will erode over time, especially if exposed to harsh chemicals like bleach, perfume and chlorine.

Black pearl necklaces in modern fashion
Although slow to catch on at first, thanks in part to publicity from stars such as actress Elizabeth Taylor, a renowned jewelry collector who wore a striking black pearl necklace in publicity photos for her Black Pearls perfume launch, Tahitian cultured pearls are wildly popular today. It’s not hard to find examples of fine black pearl jewelry in modern society. Look around and you’ll see black pearl necklaces on everyone from businesswomen to moms to Hollywood A-list actresses, models and celebrities. Take Kiera Knightly, for example, who wore a stunning black baroque Tahitian cultured pearl choker at the premier of her movie, The Black Pearl. Stars like Christy Turlington, Naomi Watts, Heidi Klum, Michael Michelle, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Shalom Harlow are also pearl fans.
Perhaps black pearls’ popularity is why designers like David Yurman, Elsa Peretti and Paloma Picasso (for Tiffany & Co.) are incorporating stunning black pearls, and even black baroque and black keshi pearls, into modern designs like long chain necklaces, brooches, chokers and charm bracelets. Black pearl drop earrings and pendants are also favorites, as they require little matching—or none at all. Whimsical designs on cufflinks and in popular frog, dragonfly and other animal pins incorporate black pearls as well.

Black pearl necklace alternatives
When most people think of black pearl jewelry, they naturally think of Tahitian cultured pearls. But prices are high for these rare gems, in part due to their large size, unusual colors, and the high cost of producing them. If you want to wear real Tahitian cultured pearls, one way to do so without breaking the bank is to choose a pendant-style necklace with a single pearl; black pearl stud earrings; a single black pearl ring, or black baroque (non-symmetrical) pearls. These designs are every bit as exotic yet much more affordable than a matched black pearl strand.

For customers for whom Tahitian pearl jewelry is beyond reach, there are some inexpensive yet beautiful alternatives to the classic black pearl necklace. Today, freshwater pearls—round, drop, button and baroque—are color-treated to produce a look that closely resembles the hue of Tahitian cultured pearls. The natural-looking result is beautiful and looks great in such pieces as a baroque black pearl bracelet, black pearl drop earrings or black pearl necklace. Every bit as real as their Tahitian cousins, black freshwater cultured pearls’ color is man-made, but keep in mind that nearly all pearls are treated somehow (bleaching is the most common enhancement).

If you’re after not only the color but the size of fine Tahitian pearls, consider a black “pearl” necklace made from black mother-of-pearl beads. Their generous size, lustrous sheen and affordable price make them a popular alternative to a fine Tahitian pearl necklace.







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A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for http://www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your comments and questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>