How To Find The Right Pearl Necklace

A free article on Fashion

By: Jona Sim

Choosing a pearl necklace begins with understanding how a pearl is formed. This precious 'stone' is born from the formation of nacre within an oyster. With the class and elegance that a pearl necklace brings, there is little wonder why this piece of accessory is highly sought-after by women the world over.

There are different types and grades of pearls: from the rare and naturally formed pearls to the popular cultivated pearls and finally, the cheaper variation - synthetic pearls. It is often difficult to tell the difference between natural and cultured pearls unless you have a trained eye. Spherical, symmetrical and baroque are three main shapes of pearls. Spherical pearls are round in shape and are the most popular of choice. Symmetrical pearls tend to be oval, button or teardrop shaped while baroque pearls are irregularly shaped and can come in the form resembling sticks or even crosses.

Pearls come in 3 main shapes - round or spherical, symmetrical and baroque. If you're looking for the perfect pearl necklace, it is important to familiarize yourself it's various shapes. Spherical pearls are the most familiar and popular while symmetrical pearls include oval shaped, button and drop pearls. And finally, baroque pearls comprise all other shapes that cannot be categorized as round or symmetrical. These pearls, for example, can resemble sticks, crosses, etc.

Important pearl necklace buying tips lie in choosing the right length for the wearer's neck length and shape, age and overall physique. In general, a long necklace will elongate the neck while a shorter necklace will flatter longer necks. A pearl necklace can come in a range of lengths from the longest rope length (at least 37") to the shortest: collar (10" - 13"). A pearl necklace of between 18" to 24" will generally suit everyone.

If you're wondering how to buy a pearl necklace for semi-formal or corporate wear, then the matinee (20" - 24") will be ideal. Remember the rule-of-thumb; longer thinner necks are flattered by shorter necklaces that sit at the base of the neck while shorter necks look best with longer necklaces - at least 2 inches below the collarbone.

Pearls are grown in a variety of colors, from the more popular white and cream to pink, silver and even gold or yellow. The darker the color of the pearl, the more flattering they are when worn on darker skin tone.

One of the world's highest quality pearls, renown for their beauty and brilliance, are cultivated by Mikimoto. With fans from the British and Japanese royal families, a high-grade Mikimoto pearl necklace has been known to have an almost mirror-like reflective quality.

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 pearl necklace requires an investment and a keen eye. However, there are ways to attain the class and elegance of pearl jewelry on a budget. Here's how to buy a pearl necklace at a budget that suits you. Buying a set - necklace, earrings, bracelet or ring - can give you an entryway to bargaining for a better price than if you were to buy just one piece alone. You can also look out for direct suppliers to procure your pearl necklace from as these suppliers charge less per piece than regular retailers.

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If you're interested in buying pearl necklace or other pearl jewelry, we provide you with all the information you want. Learn how to distinguish the different grades of pearls, the types of pearls - Mikimoto, Tahitian, saltwater, etc. - and the lengths of pearl necklaces that flatter various types of necklines and body types.

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